New Lexus IS for Sale nearSanta Cruz, CA

How much does the Lexus IS cost in today's market?

Used Lexus IS prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Lexus IS's current nationwide average price is $29,198, and its lowest point over the past year was $24,339. Recently, prices have come down for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Lexus IS a good car?

Yes — the Lexus IS is a strong pick if you want a sporty luxury sedan with a premium feel and a long-running reputation for quality. The all-generations owner rating is 4.61/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Lexus IS for its sporty design, smooth handling, and luxurious interiors. Reliability and solid build quality also come up often, along with the car’s balance of performance and comfort.

Expert reviews rate the 2015 and 2022 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs across recent expert-tested years are poor fuel economy, limited cargo space, and tight rear seating.

33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Lexus IS models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently point to the Lexus IS’s strong build quality, premium feel, and dependable character. The model’s long-running reputation for reliability shows up again and again in owner feedback, along with praise for its comfort and stylish design.

• Owners rate the Lexus IS between 3.0 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, the long-term ownership picture looks favorable if you keep up with maintenance and choose a well-documented example.

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

Across all model years, at 66.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2022 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: Lexus Safety System+ 3.0
• Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen with the latest Lexus Interface infotainment system software and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Fuel efficiency: Regardless of drivetrain, the IS 350 is EPA-rated at 22 mpg combined.

Which Lexus IS trim should I buy?

The 2026 Lexus IS offers these trims:

• F Sport Design: The least expensive trim, with the IS 350’s 3.5-liter V6 and the choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
• F Sport: Adds a firmer suspension and is the best-value choice if you want the sharper driving feel, with an optional Handling Package that brings a limited-slip rear differential, a performance-tuned adaptive suspension, and additional driving modes.
• F Sport Special Appearance Package: A limited-production version for shoppers who want a more distinctive look.

What Lexus IS do most buyers choose?

The Lexus IS years with the most listings are 2024, 2023, and 2025.

These higher-volume years tend to be popular because they give you more inventory to compare, which can make it easier to find the right trim, color, and price. They also sit in the newer part of the lineup, where shoppers often find a strong mix of modern features and broad availability.

What is the Lexus IS's resale value?

Most Lexus IS model years are down year over year, which is good news if you’re shopping used and want to benefit from softer pricing. A few years are holding close to flat or ticking up, so the market is not moving in one direction across the board. The biggest drops are concentrated in older and recent model years alike, which gives you multiple price points to consider.

The 2015 and 2016 model years are holding steady, with prices close to flat year-over-year.

The 2021, 2016, and 2015 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Lexus IS safe?

• 2026: 6/10
• 2022: 8/10
• 2021: 7/10
• 2015: 9/10

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard on the 2026 IS, bringing adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.

For the safest used buy, the 2015 model posts the highest confirmed score of 9/10.

Should I buy a used Lexus IS now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2025 model is at −2.61% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −1.88%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 36.6% good and great deals, and the 2024 model has 36.9%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2024 model has the most listings at a current average price of $42,349. The Lexus IS offers a sporty design and a premium cabin that make it feel special even in everyday driving.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The IS 350 has a 3.5-liter V6 engine making 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and regardless of drivetrain it is EPA-rated at 22 mpg combined.
• Tech: Two 12.3-inch displays greet occupants, and the 12.3-inch touchscreen has the latest Lexus Interface infotainment system software.
• Safety: For 2026, the IS upgrades from the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) 2.5 driver-assistance tech to version 3.0.
• Starting price: Prices range from $46,895 to $63,095, including the $1,345 destination charge.

If you're buying used today, the 2024 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for the next model year's inventory to build up.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.