# Lexus LS — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Lexus LS on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/lexus-ls

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2019
- **Ideal trim**: Premium Pack
- **Target mileage**: 40,000–60,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £41,000

## Why this model

The Lexus LS 500h is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a truly luxurious, incredibly reliable, and supremely comfortable saloon. It might not have the outright sporty dynamics of its German rivals, but it makes up for it with a serene cabin, exceptional build quality, and a hybrid powertrain that offers surprisingly good fuel economy for such a large car. Lexus's reputation for bulletproof reliability means you're unlikely to face major mechanical headaches, making it a smart long-term buy.

## What you should pay

Used Lexus LS 500h models from 2019 have already taken their biggest depreciation hit, making them excellent value compared to their new price. While still a significant investment, you're getting a huge amount of luxury, technology, and reliability for your money. Prices are stable for this generation, reflecting its desirability and Lexus's strong brand image for quality. Expect to pay a premium for lower mileage or higher-spec Takumi models.

## Which trim to buy

The 'Premium Pack' trim hits the sweet spot for value. It comes loaded with pretty much all the luxury features you'd want – like heated and ventilated leather seats, a fantastic Mark Levinson sound system, adaptive cruise control, and a large infotainment display – without the significant price jump of the top-tier 'Takumi' trim. You get 90% of the luxury experience for a much more sensible price, making it the best balance of features and cost on the used market.

## What to check before you buy

- Air suspension components can be expensive to replace if they fail (check for uneven ride height or excessive bounciness)
- Infotainment system (Lexus Remote Touch) can be fiddly for some users
- Minor electrical glitches (rare, but check all functions)

## Running costs

Running costs for a Lexus LS 500h are a mixed bag. Fuel economy is decent for a large luxury car, typically around 30-35 mpg, which at current petrol prices (approx. £1.50/litre or 680p/gallon) works out to roughly 19-22 pence per mile. Road tax (VED) for a 2019 hybrid over £40k new is currently £560 per year (£170 standard + £390 luxury car surcharge). Insurance will be on the higher side due to its luxury status and performance, so get quotes. Servicing, while not frequent, can be pricey at main dealers, but Lexus reliability often means fewer unexpected repair bills.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Hybrid
- **Horsepower**: 354 hp
- **Mpg**: 30-35 mpg (combined)
- **Reliability Score**: Excellent
- **Safety Rating**: Not directly rated by Euro NCAP, but features comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 2.0

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Lexus LS 500h | £78,000 | £37,500 | 12.3-inch infotainment display; Lexus Safety System+ 2.0; Heated and ventilated front seats |
| Lexus LS 500h Premium Pack | £88,000 | £42,000 | 20-inch alloy wheels; Mark Levinson 23-speaker audio system; Heated and ventilated rear seats |
| Lexus LS 500h Takumi | £105,000 | £48,500 | 20-inch alloy wheels (unique design); Kiriko glass ornamentation; Hand-pleated door trim |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £41,000 | 100% |
| 2027 | £38,000 | 93% |
| 2028 | £35,000 | 85% |
| 2029 | £32,000 | 78% |
| 2030 | £28,500 | 70% |

The Lexus LS 500h hits its depreciation sweet spot around 5-7 years old. By this point, the initial steep drop in value from new has largely occurred, and the car still retains its luxury appeal, advanced features, and renowned Lexus reliability. Buying a 2019 model in 2026 means you're getting a car that has already taken the biggest hit, offering excellent value for money with a slower rate of depreciation going forward.

Total value lost since new: 50%.

## Alternatives to consider

- BMW 7 Series (G11/G12)
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)
- Audi A8 (D5)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.