Looking to buy a used Lexus IS car? Used Car Expert has thousands of used Lexus cars for sale from used Lexus car dealers and private sellers across the UK.
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The IS is Lexus's super smooth take on the BMW 3 series. As smooth to look at as it is to drive with an interior that puts many more expensive cars to shame. The engines are a little weak but the handling is taught. The car cossets like only a Lexus can.
The IS has not made the gains in this German dominated sector that Lexus may have hoped. The lack of a German badge plus the late availability of a diesel model has softened prices and, against the A4 and 3-Series, these cars are good value.
The diesel IS came to the market very late and the slightly gruff 2.2 four cylinder engine does not really suit the car. Also the diesel models are not available with an automatic gearbox. For a proper Lexus drive you need the IS250 petrol, in auto form.
The IS250 manages to sit just under the 225 g/km CO2 limit. Spec is not really an issue as the cars come with everything that you need and more plus loads of stuff you'll never find. SE spec is more than adequate.
Lexus reliability means that an early car is less of a risk than might be the case with other marques so pick a IS250SE at 5 years old - expect to pay just under £11,000 for it. A nearly new model will cost £10,000 more.
There is a plateau in prices on the 4th and 5th years, so this is a good time to buy and sell. Or wait until the 6th year and hold the car a long time.
Used Car Expert recommends that you try to buy after a big drop in depreciation and before the next one, so with the current Lexus IS you would aim to buy a 3 year old and sell it before it is 4 years old.
Diesel Lexus IS cars lose most over the first year (from new to 1 year old), so that is the best ‘nearly new’ buy in terms of car for money.
Diesel Lexus IS cars lose least between years 1 and 3, so this is the best buy if you want to keep the car for a while.
Diesel Lexus IS cars lose least between years 2 and 4, so that is the best buy on older cars.
For advice on what to pay, see below and for more detailed depreciation and mileage & spec adjusted prices & graphs visit our price guide.