When you consider a pre-owned Lexus, a reputable, reliable luxury car is more affordable than you may think.
Lexus initially launched in 1989 with just the LS 400 and ES 250. Positive reviews and customer loyalty followed and allowed Lexus to diversify its fleet starting in the mid-1990s.
Then, the automaker’s first Sport Utility Vehicle, the Lexus LX 450, was released in 1996 and was a major step forward in competing with the likes of BMW and Mercedes. By 2010, Lexus had expanded its lineup to include a compact sports sedan, full-size SUVs, and even Lexus’ own take on a supercar: the LFA.
Today, the main demographic for a new Lexus is reportedly car buyers nearing retirement, with the Chicago Tribune reporting that the age of the average Lexus buyer in 2015 was 53 years old, and Automotive News mentioning that 60 was the average age in its 2018 report. Regardless of age, the typical Lexus owner is looking for something comfortable, luxurious, and unpretentious.
However, the price tag of a new Lexus can be daunting, even reaching $70,000-plus for a base model 2021 LS 500, the automaker’s flagship luxury sedan. Thus, a pre-owned Lexus may be the right affordable luxury vehicle for some car buyers. Fortunately, Lexus now has a decent lineup of vehicles to meet most consumer demands.
“No problems at all,” says 2001 Lexus LX owner Connie T. in the Vehicle History owner reviews. “Performance is great. Comfortable leather seats. This is my first Lexus, and…I really like the four-wheel drive, especially in rain and snow. It is a very reliable and sturdy vehicle.”
When in the market to buy a used–or new–Lexus, consider what type of comfort and options you are after:
- Do I want a sporty sedan, comfortable coupe, or full-size SUV?
- Do I want the top model with every option, or something more basic and refined?
- Is maintaining a top-model luxury vehicle worth the cost?
The Lexus Luxury Lineup
The 2003 introduction of the Lexus GX470 gave the automaker a major leg up in the luxury SUV market. The GX470 built upon the Toyota Land Cruiser’s success by adding Adaptive Variable Suspension, Downhill Assist Control, and the legendary 2UZ Lexus V8.
The 2UZ was Lexus’s second iteration of its flagship V8, providing the GX with 235 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 320 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,400 rpm. The improvements in suspension allowed for continuous adjustment of strut dampening while the technology of DAC modulated engine braking to assist with descending downward slopes.
The GX 470 was practically certified a top-tier luxury off-roader after winning awards in its first production years for “Best Four Wheeler” from Four Wheeler magazine in 2004 and “Highest-ranked Premium Luxury SUV” by J.D. Power in 2005.
By the end of its first generation in 2009, the GX 470 had a few more improvements to its already phenomenal platform, including the introduction of the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which gave the GX even more off-road capability. It allowed for more articulation on uneven terrain by freeing and adjusting the stabilizer bars while also utilizing hydraulic pressure sensors to reduce body roll during on-road conditions.
The GX 470 proved itself to be a world-class off-road luxury SUV, which can now be found in great condition for around $10,000, depending on mileage.
Lexus IS 250 & IS 350: Sports Sedans
Following the introduction of Lexus’ first-generation IS model in 1998, Lexus decided to revamp its sports sedan and in 2005, the luxury automaker released the IS 250 and IS 350, marking another iteration of its new L-finesse design philosophy.
Different from the first generation, the focus shifted to a traditional Lexus interior and included more luxurious amenities like memory leather seats, dynamic radar cruise control, and SmartAccess keyless entry with push-button start.
The Lexus IS 250 was offered with a 205 horsepower V6, and the IS 350 had a V6 with 306 horsepower. Although rare, the Lexus IS 250 can be found with an optioned six-speed manual transmission.
In 2007, Lexus introduced its F marque lineup with the IS F, focusing more on the car’s performance by cramming a 5.0-liter V8 in the IS chassis. The 2UR-GSE V8 produced 416 horsepower and 371 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm. Coupled with an eight-speed automatic, the IS-F could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.
While the IS F still floats around $30,000, a used IS350 can be had for around $12,000, making it a phenomenal option for someone who needs a little more oomph with their comfort.
Circle F: World’s Finest Luxury Vehicles
Lexus got its start with the legendary LS 400. It was a somewhat boring car, and if it passed you on the road, you probably wouldn’t pay it much attention. However, when you really dive into its rich history, you’ll see that it’s a respectable, reliable luxury vehicle.
Beginning in 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda initiated what would be known as the “Circle F” or “Circle Flagship” project. This project aimed to create the world’s finest luxury vehicle by launching a new brand from the Toyota parent company. With Ichiro Suzuki as chief engineer for the project, wielding 25 years of experience, an undefined budget, no personnel limitations, and no deadline on completion, he began hunkering down to achieve their goal.
Throughout the six years of development, the “Circle F” project was collectively estimated to have spent over 1 billion dollars. That astronomical amount of money was spent making every detail of the car as perfect as possible. Suzuki went through as much care as angling the engine so that the driveshaft ran front to back in a perfectly straight line to help with balance and eliminate vibrations. Throughout 450 initial prototypes, 14 full-scale models, and 50 wind tunnel changes, the car even reached a drag coefficient of 0.28Cd.
This seemingly outrageous testing culminated in a decibel reading of 58 db at 62 miles per hour. Not only did this nearly eliminate wind noise, but it added to the performance of the car, letting it cut through the air at its electronically limited 155 mph top speed. Powered by the 1UZ Lexus V8, the “Circle F” or LS 400 as it was named was no slouch either.
Using all 250 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, the LS 400 achieved an 8.5 second 0-62 mph time. Most interesting about all of this is that the first-generation LS 400 can be found in immaculate condition for a mere $6,000 today.
Lexus: Power, Performance & Reliability
With so much attention to detail being brought by Lexus, it is easy to see why the automaker’s cars last so long. Many of the power-plants offered in each model from Lexus are known to last 200,000+ miles with just general maintenance. The legendary 1UZ-FE that powers the LS 400, SC 400, and GS F models has even famously hit 1,000,000 miles on the original engine in a customer-owned car.
The LS 400 that hit one million miles is owned by Matt Farah, who had bought the car with around 897,000 miles and set out to take it over one million. Not many brands have ever achieved this sort of reliability, especially in something that came out 30 years ago.
All in all, there are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to buying a used Lexus. Whether it’s a Lexus SUV, sport sedan, or even a convertible, there is a little something for everyone in the Lexus lineup. One consistent theme throughout is that you always know the level of quality, detail, and reliability you’re stepping into. No matter which option you choose, it’s hard to pick something you won’t be happy with.
Photos: Lexus
