Lexus IS Saloon (99-05) - Review

Review by Parkers on
If you fit into Lexus' buyer profile for the IS, you're probably young, affluent and style-conscious. But that was before ex-Rover-driving, sports-casual-wearing Alan Partridge decided to buy one. Image apart, the average buyer opts for IS for its proven reliability and generous equipment. The range was expanded in September 2001 with the addition of the three-litre powerplant and the Sportcross ‘lifestyle estate’ bodystyle.
4 out of 5

Other Lexus reviews

3 out of 5

Running costs

Depreciation levels remain impressively low, but there's no diesel option and both six-cylinder engines can be thirsty if you aren't careful. 20,000 mile service intervals help keep costs down.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

20,000 miles (major), 10,000 miles (minor).

Warranty

Mechanical and paintwork three years; 12 years for bodywork.

Road tax (12 months)

£270.00 - £270.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

1.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
    229
  • M
    256

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

IS is a polluting model. With an average of 238 g/km CO2 across the range, its emissions are a little high for a medium-sized saloon. It's worth noting that the line-up does not feature any diesel models, which typically produce less carbon dioxide than petrol engines with similar power outputs. The range is quite thirsty, averaging 28 mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2