4 Used Lexus Models Are Among the Most Reliable Cheap Luxury Cars
When it comes to reliable luxury vehicles, the Lexus brand offers an excellent selection to choose from. You’ll find used cars from the automaker that U.S. News listed in its “Best Used Luxury Small Cars for under $20,000 for 2023″ list, and there are quite a few Lexus luxury cars available. The top four highly ranked models fall within the No. 3 and No. 7 spots (with three tied). Which ones are they?
1. 2009 Lexus IS
The 2009 Lexus IS earned 8.7 points out of 10, helping it to land in the top three used vehicles, under $20,000, with excellent reliability ratings. Under the hood are two engine options. The base model comes standard with the 2.5-liter V6 engine (204 horsepower) paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Other trims have the 3.5-liter V6 (306 hp) standard, with a six-speed automatic. You’ll get the rear-wheel drive standard with an optional all-wheel drivetrain.
As for fuel economy, you can expect around 18-21 mpg in the city and 25-29 mpg when traveling on the highway. The price for a used model, depending on mileage and the trim level you find, will run you about $8,369 to $9,886, according to U.S. News.
2. 2016 Lexus CT Hybrid
Another great model with excellent reliability ratings is the 2016 Lexus CT Hybrid, which scored 8.5 out of 10 from U.S. News. Powering it up is one engine option: a 1.8-liter inline-four paired with an electric motor setup, generating a total of 134 hp and 142 lb-ft of torque. Working alongside the engine is a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with Overdrive.
Fuel economy on the 2016 Lexus CT Hybrid offers around 43 mpg in the city and about 40 mpg on the highway. For approximately $19,490, you can get this used hatchback, but you’ll only find it with front-wheel drive.
3. 2012 Lexus CT Hybrid
Lexus has another used CT Hybrid model on this list, and this one is the 2012 model year, which also received an 8.5 out of 10. You can find this model in the $10,933-$11,921 range, netting you the same engine and fuel economy as the 2016 version.
You’ll also get a rear spoiler, tire pressure monitoring system, and keyless entry. Other features include an adjustable steering wheel, auto-off headlights, interior cargo shade, keyless start, variable speed intermittent wipers, an anti-theft system, and an onboard hands-free communications system.
4. 2011 Lexus IS
Another Lexus model to get 8.5 points is the 2011 Lexus IS. This version has the same V6 engines that the 2009 model year has. Fuel economy is also relatively similar, with 18-21 mpg on city roads and 26-30 mpg on the highway. This version offers a manual gearbox on the base trim and its two-door convertible. An automatic transmission is standard on all other trim levels.
With the 2011 Lexus IS, you can get four-wheel ABS, a Double Wishbone front suspension system, and leather seats. You’ll also get an auxiliary power outlet, front reading lamps, remote trunk release, and an AM/FM stereo system. The cargo area offers 13 cubic feet of storage, just enough for your family’s needs. This used Lexus model costs around $10,054 to $12,500, depending on which trim level you find.
Lexus offers some brand-new cheap luxury cars and used ones for under $20,000. You can get what you need with the 2009 Lexus IS, 2016 Lexus CT Hybrid, 2012 Lexus CT Hybrid, or the 2011 Lexus IS.
