Used Lexus IS 2013-2021 review

You would think a luxurious and beautifully made compact executive car with a prestigious badge and high-tech engineering would be a runaway winner in these status-conscious times, but the IS has never made the dent that Lexus has always hoped it would.

This third-generation model carries the same air of prestige the first two incarnations displayed. But when it was launched in 2013, Lexus took the bold and potentially damaging decision to ditch its diesel-engined version and offer just petrol and petrol-electric hybrid models, believing – somewhat presciently, as it turns out – this the better option for the years ahead.

Two petrol variants in the form of the 245bhp 2.0-litre IS200t and 204bhp 2.5-litre IS250 were offered, however, they are very uncommon on the used market. What is widely available though, is the much more popular hybrid IS300h.

Underneath the eye-catching but orthodox four-door saloon bodyshell of the IS300h is a 2.5-litre petrol engine linked to an electric motor, driving the rear wheels through a CVT-style transmission. It has a total power output of 181bhp.

There are seven trim levels to choose from when looking at a used IS, with only three, Sport, F-Sport and Premier, available on the models fitted with a 2.0-litre petrol engine. Opt for an entry-level SE model and expect to find keyless entry, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and a 7.0in infotainment system with DAB radio. Upgrade to the fleet-friendly Executive Edition and you'll find sat-nav and leather seats included, while the Sport models get bigger alloys, parking sensors and auto wipers.

The mid-range Luxury models don't come with the sporty attire found on the Sport models, while the Advance IS gets electrically adjustable, heated and cooled front seats, and a reversing camera. The F-Sport models get a truly aggressive bodykit and styling inspired by the super-sporting and very expensive LFA coupe, while the range-topping Premier trim comes with a Mark Levinson stereo system and Lexus's premium navigation system including a DVD player.

Later models featured just the standard IS trim and the F-Sport version.

To drive, the IS is crisp and secure but a little uninspiring. Both versions are fairly refined on the move, with the hybrid able to run on electric-only power for short distances around town, although its refinement is spoiled a little by the occasional bellow from the engine under hard acceleration. It steers and handles well, but offers the driver not much in the way of involvement, while its ride is for the most part reasonably comfortable. The interior might lack panache, but it is beyond reproach in its build quality and in its use of high-quality materials. It’s well equipped, and its safety and security tech is top notch.

Thanks to its on-paper claimed fuel consumption – up to 67.3mpg – the IS300h is cheap to run and tax, and it made a lot of sense when new as a company car purchase. Now, as a used car, its reliability and unsurpassed dealer support network, not to mention its petrol-powered drivetrain, should be enough to tempt buyers away from its more familiar diesel-engined rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

If you're interested in buying a used Lexus IS, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site here.

High-mileage examples of the IS250 and hybrid IS300h can be had for less than £12,000, but you might be better off spending between £13,000 and £15,000 as a starting point. For this price bracket, you’ll get a 2014 car with an average mileage and a full service history, from a trader or an independent dealer. Up the ante to £15,000-£17,000 and you’ll be able to find a 2015 or 2016 car with all of the above criteria, while upwards of £18,000 should get you a 2017 or 2018 car bought from a franchised dealer. Spend between £20,000 and £25,000 on a 2019 or 2020 model.

The IS200 was a slow seller and was actually dropped from the range. If you find one, you can expect a claimed average fuel consumption of a rather disappointing 39.2mpg. The IS300h returns a claimed 67.3mpg in its most economical trim, SE, with correspondingly low CO2 emissions of 97g/km. Others achieve an average of 65.7mpg, with the F-Sport and Premier trims down to just 61.4mpg. In real-world motoring, it is unlikely you will get anywhere near those figures, though.

In the later and more realistic WLTP tests, the IS300h achieved 48.7mpg.

Tax for the hybrids will be low, especially if registered before April 2017, while insurance categories at groups 33 to 35 are about par for the course. Those registered after April 2017 will be taxed at the flat rate currently £145 per year.

Lexus dealers offer used car servicing plans. These plans offer a flexible, easy way to budget for servicing requirements by either paying in advance or by instalment. They are available on any Lexus model new or used and can be bought at any time. Their servicing costs may be higher than many more mainstream manufacturers', but labour rates undercut BMW's and Mercedes-Benz's by some margin. There are not many independent Lexus specialists out there, but if you can find one, this will reduce your service bills even further.

Best to ignore the IS200t and IS250 models and step up to the IS300h for its improved power and economy. Drive in a relaxed manner around town and the hybrid drivetrain provides enough electric power for smooth progress and is sufficiently punchy to nip out into fast-flowing traffic. It’s more compromised on the open road, however, because whenever you ask for a burst of pace, the CVT automatic gearbox pauses before sending the revs sky-rocketing.

SE trim gives you a reasonable amount of kit, including DAB radio, Bluetooth, climate control, cruise control and LED headlights. Stability control, eight airbags and a bonnet that pops up if you collide with a pedestrian to help cushion the impact also come as standard.

One step up from the entry-level trim is our preferred Executive specification. There’s heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, sat-nav, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and automatic high beam headlights.

Sport trim benefits from a number of sporty exterior touches, including a black front grille, mirror covers, wheels and lower rear bumper. As the name suggests, you get lots of luxuries with Luxury trim, including front and rear parking sensors, high-quality metal trim and the option of an upgraded infotainment package.

Building on the Luxury edition’s equipment list (although you miss out on leather seats), there are sporty exterior and interior touches on F Sport trim, plus 18in alloys and more supportive side bolstering in the front seats.

The most expensive trim is Premier, which supplements the Luxury edition’s kit list with five-spoke 18in alloys, premium navigation, a larger 10.3in central display, DVD player, 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, electrically adjustable steering column, auto-folding, auto-dimming, heated door mirrors with puddle lights, and laser-cut dark wood inlay.

Our favourite Lexus IS IS300h Executive

It’s the old guard that really rivals the IS in the compact executive class.

The Audi A4 is impressively refined and has plenty of power in most models, a classy interior and reasonable economy. The car is exquisitely built, too, with a host of onboard tech to enjoy.

The BMW 3 Series has ruled over this class like a colossus for years and has come to define the class. It’s great to drive, with a range of strong engines and an excellent iDrive infotainment system. Some of the diesel engines can make the 3 Series a little gruff, but this is still the one to beat.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is not quite as sharp to drive as the other two, but offers a lovely interior and decent economy. It’s let down a bit by its gruff diesel engines and its ride, which can be rather unsettled at lower speeds.

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If you're interested in buying a used Lexus IS, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site here.