The Lexus IS was first released in 1998 as the luxury brand's first entry into the compact market. It was originally offered as both an estate and a saloon, but the larger option was dropped from the lineup in 2005. Through three generations, the IS continued to receive updates and refreshes, keeping it competitive against some of the top models, until it was discontinued in 2020.
130 Used Lexus IS cars for sale
Lexus IS2014 - 2.5 300h F Sport 4-Door
40£10,750
Finance available £218 pm
- 2.5L
- Miles
97.8K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Elite Cars Direct Limited
Lexus IS2020 (R) - 300h 4dr CVT Auto
29Low Mileage
£17,295
- 2.5L
- Miles
37.3K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton
Lexus IS2014 (64) - 2.5 300H EXECUTIVE EDITION 4d 179 BHP 4-Door
35£11,990
- 2.5L
- Miles
103.3K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Lexus IS2013 (63) - 2.5 300h Premier E-CVT Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr
21Low Mileage
£11,999
Finance available £246 pm
- 2.5L
- Miles
73.5K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
RCS Car Sales
Lexus IS2018 (68) - 2.5 300h Advance Saloon 4dr Petrol Hybrid E-CVT Euro 6 (s/s) (223 ps)
25Low Mileage
£19,499
- 2.5L
- Miles
16.7K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
HPL Motors Preston
Lexus IS2009 (54) - 220d SE 4dr [2009] [148g/km]
![2009 (54) - 220d SE 4dr [2009] [148g/km]](https://cdn.images.autoexposure.co.uk/AETA12868/AETV86155860_1e.jpg)
10£1,495
- 2.2L
- Miles
179.0K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Saloon
Top Line Motorz
Lexus IS2006 (56) - 220d 4dr
8Reduced
£4,595
Finance available £80 pm
- 2.2L
- Miles
81.3K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Saloon
S M G Rover
Lexus IS2016 (65) - 300h Advance 4dr CVT Auto HIGH SPEC! 14 SERVICES IN THE BOOK! FSH!
24£7,750
Finance available £151 pm
- 2.5L
- Miles
161.0K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Lexus IS2017 - 300h F-Sport 4dr CVT Auto
39Low Mileage
£15,399
Finance available £312 pm
- 2.5L
- Miles
34.5K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Lexus IS2014 (64) - 300h Executive Edition 4dr CVT Auto
12Low Mileage
£14,950
- 2.5L
- Miles
21.5K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Lexus Bristol
Lexus IS2018 (68) - 2.5 300h Advance 4dr Hybrid E-CVT
50Low Mileage
£16,750
Finance available £345 pm
- 2.5L
- Miles
47.2K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Chris W Roads Ltd
Lexus IS2005 (55) - 2.5 SE 4dr
60Reduced
£3,881
Finance available £64 pm
- 2.4L
- Miles
128.9K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
Lexus IS2008 (58) - 2.5 250 SR 4dr
28Low Mileage
£3,500
Finance available £56 pm
- 2.4L
- Miles
123.2K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
Fame Cars Limited
Lexus IS2010 (10) - 220d F-Sport 4dr
15Low Mileage
£3,890
Finance available £65 pm
- 2.2L
- Miles
107.0K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Saloon
Lexus IS2017 (17) - 2.5 300h Advance Saloon 4dr Petrol Hybrid E-CVT Euro 6 (s/s) (223 ps)-Facto
44£14,500
Finance available £302 pm
- 2.5L
- Miles
83.0K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Rix Motors
Lexus IS2015 (65) - 300h Sport 4dr CVT Auto
22Reduced
£5,750
Finance available £106 pm
- 2.5L
- Miles
133.5K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Greenleaf Auto Ltd
Lexus IS2016 (65) - 2.5 300h Executive Edition E-CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
27£9,990
- 2.5L
- Miles
88.8K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Lexus IS2005 (55) - 2.5 250 SE 4dr
30Low Mileage
£3,000
Finance available £45 pm
- 2.4L
- Miles
126.6K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
Fame Cars Limited
Lexus IS2015 (09) - 2.5 300h Executive Edition Saloon 4dr Petrol Hybrid E-CVT Euro 5 (s/s) (223
26Low Mileage
£13,995
Finance available £290 pm
- 2.5L
- Miles
35.0K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Find a specific Lexus IS
Trim
Lexus IS AdvanceLexus IS Executive EditionLexus IS F-SportLexus IS IS FLexus IS LuxuryLexus IS PremierLexus IS SELexus IS SE-ILexus IS SE LLexus IS SRLexus IS Sport
Engine Size
Fuel Type
Transmission
Colour
Registration Year
Why buy a used Lexus IS?
If you're in the market for a car that's refined, reliable and stylish, then a used Lexus IS is a great choice. This premium saloon has a quiet and well-equipped interior that allows all passengers to remain comfortable. Lexus has supplied a good range of powertrain options, and there is a remarkably efficient hybrid option available.
Used Lexus IS snapshot review
Pros
- Very well refined
- Supreme reliability
- Hybrids produce lower emissions
Cons
- Performance is lacking
- Automatic gearbox is sluggish
- Confusing infotainment system
Search used Lexus IS by type
Used Lexus IS buying guide
Engines and transmission
Over the years, Lexus has offered the IS with petrol, hybrid and diesel engines with an automatic or manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.
Petrol- Hybrid IS 300h uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to create 219bhp, offering a 0-60mph time of 8.1 seconds and fuel economy up to 65mpg
- IS 200t utilises a 2.0-litre turbocharged motor to generate 241bhp, with a 0-60mph time of 6.8 seconds and an efficiency rating of 39mpg
- 250 F-Sport generates 205bhp but with a lower 30mpg fuel economy
- Maximum braked towing capacity is 1,500kg with the IS 200t when usinga towing pack and 750kg with the hybrid
- Older 2.2d generates either 147bhp or 175bhp for an 8.6-second or 9.9-second 0-60mph time and an efficiency rating between 44mpg and 55mpg, depending on the variant
Practicality
The Lexus IS is a sporty saloon, but it's also practical and well-equipped, offering comfort and support to all passengers
Interior space- Four adults fit comfortably, but the middle rear seat is better suited for a child
- Rear ISOFIX mounting points for child seats are located on the outer seats
- Third-generation IS model was the largest of the three, offering the most interior space
- 300h has a 450-litre boot, with the 200t offering an extra 30 litres as there are no batteries
- 60:40 split rear seats were available, allowing for more cargo-carrying space
- All three generations have been available as a compact saloon
- C models include a retractable hard top for an open-air experience
IS Sport Cross is an estate, but it's rare among used models
Safety
- 2013 Euro NCAP rating was five stars
- Adult occupant rating is 91%, while both the passenger occupant and pedestrian rating are 80% or higher
- Standard kit includes eight airbags, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights and hill start assist
Technology
- In 2017, Lexus released a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen display to replace the 7.0-inch version
- Premium Navigation multimedia system offers an integrated satnav system
- Available 15-speaker surround sound system
Lexus IS video review
Different generations of used Lexus IS
Third Generation (2013 to 2020)
To compete against compact saloons, Lexus released a third-generation IS with a spindle grille and dynamic lines. The styling ensured a brand-new, fresher appearance, especially with the wider taillights added to the back. New powertrains were also released, along with some interior upgrades that were focused on comfort and technology.
A 2016 update refreshed the grille design and reshaped the lower bumper. More cooling was provided for the brakes to offer better performance. Lexus added advanced display systems and enhanced tech equipment, including an available 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo within the cabin.
- Fuel type:
- Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 2 - 2.5
- MPG:
- 30 - 67
- Acceleration:
- 7 - 8.4 seconds
- Boot space:
- 450 - 525 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- 5 / 5 stars
Greenest
300h SE 4dr CVT Auto
Cheapest
250 SE 4dr Auto
Fastest
200t Sport 4dr Auto
Second Generation (2005 to 2012)
Lexus was concerned with adding as much standard equipment into the second-generation IS as possible, to give it an advantage over the competition. Built on a platform shared by Toyota, the new IS came with Bluetooth and push-button start, which were significant upgrades for the model year.
In 2008, Lexus released the F, a high-performance variant of the compact saloon. Its powerful engine helped it to rival the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, the BMW M3 and the Audi RS4. One year later, Lexus offered the open-top C with a retractable hard top that could be opened or closed in 20 seconds.
- Fuel type:
- Diesel / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 2.2 - 5
- MPG:
- 24 - 55
- Acceleration:
- 4.8 - 10.2 seconds
- Boot space:
- 378 - 583 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- 5 / 5 stars
Greenest
250 F-Sport 4dr Auto
Cheapest
220d 4dr
Fastest
5.0 V8 IS F 4dr Auto
Used Lexus IS FAQ's
Which is the most popular engine in the Lexus IS?
The hybrid engine has been the most popular with its combined output of 219bhp. With ratings of over 60mpg, it's a highly efficient engine and also provides a 0-60mph time of 8.1 seconds.
Which are the most popular model variants?
Lexus offered IS models in the following variants: SE, Executive Edition, Sport, Advance, F Sport and Premier. The most popular has been the mid-range Advance with its leather upholstery, eight-way electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar support, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
What optional extras should I look out for?
For added safety, you should look for traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist and sway warning. Additional comfort can also be found with dual-zone air conditioning, while keyless smart entry makes it easier to get into the car when your hands are full.
Is the Lexus IS a good family car?
The IS makes a great family saloon with room to hold up to three children in the back. There's also ample boot space, making shopping trips even easier.
Is there a hybrid version of the Lexus IS?
Even though the IS was available with petrol and diesel engines, it's most known for its efficient hybrid powertrain. With efficiency of more than 60mpg, it has been a top choice among used car models.
Is the Lexus IS available as an automatic?
The majority of the used IS models available come with an automatic transmission. There are also some with a manual gearbox for drivers who prefer more control.
Is there a four-wheel drive version available?
Since its introduction, the IS has only been built with a rear-wheel drive configuration. This setup ensures sporty handling and a more enjoyable drive, especially around corners.
Buying a used car checklist: what to look for
Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
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