Used 2016 Lexus IS for SaleNationwide

Is the 2016 Lexus IS a good car?

Yes — the 2016 Lexus IS earns a 4.9/5 user rating, and that lines up with the themes owners repeat most often: performance, comfort, and stylish design. Many drivers also praise the luxury feel and reliability, which fits a compact luxury sedan that leans into driving enjoyment while still delivering Lexus polish.

For you, that means the IS makes the most sense if you want a sporty small luxury sedan with a premium feel rather than maximum practicality. The tradeoff is that the back seat is tight, cargo space is limited, and fuel economy is poor, so it works best as a driver-focused daily rather than a family hauler.

With 30.8% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s still meaningful shopping opportunity if you’re selective.

Is the 2016 Lexus IS reliable?

Owners rate it 4.9/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to reliability as one of the model’s strengths, with many drivers specifically calling out the car as reliable and praising its trouble-free ownership experience. That kind of feedback matters most when you’re shopping used, because it suggests the car can be a dependable long-term choice if it has been maintained properly.

For used buyers, the main risk is less about the model’s reputation and more about the condition of the individual car you choose.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Lexus IS?

At 42% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report so you can separate clean examples from cars with prior damage. After that, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage or lower-priced listing. Focus on overall condition, maintenance records, and signs of past repairs, since the best used example will be the one that has been cared for consistently.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Lexus IS?

Yes, but it looks more like a selective buyer’s market than a broad bargain hunt, so you should shop carefully and compare individual listings.

• Deal availability: 30.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 669 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 42.0% of listings are accident-free.

Should I buy a 2016 Lexus IS or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 30.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 42% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Owners rate it 4.9/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

Consider the 2015 if:

• It offers strong value with sporty looks, fun driving, and reliable ownership.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger all-around ownership signal, the 2016 Lexus IS is the better primary target because it combines high owner satisfaction with a solid pool of deal-priced listings. If your priority is stretching your budget, the 2015 is worth a look for shoppers who want a sporty luxury sedan and are willing to trade up or down based on price and condition.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.