# Lexus RZ — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Lexus RZ 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-rz

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2023
- **Ideal trim**: Premium Plus
- **Target mileage**: 10,000–20,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £40,000

## Why this model

⚠️ Limited UK data — Lexus only arrived with the RZ in the UK in 2023, so we have fewer MOT tests and less resale history than established brands. The Lexus RZ 450e is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a premium electric SUV with a touch of luxury and Lexus's renowned reliability. It offers a smooth, quiet ride, a high-quality interior, and decent performance thanks to its 309 bhp all-wheel-drive setup. While it's a newer model, Lexus has a strong track record for building dependable cars, and the RZ benefits from a liquid-cooled 65.1kWh usable battery, which helps maintain battery health over time. It's a comfortable and stylish option for daily commutes and longer journeys, though its range isn't class-leading.

## What you should pay

The Lexus RZ 450e is a relatively new model, having launched in the UK in 2023. This means used examples are still quite new and command a higher price than the average 3-4 year old EV. We're seeing 2023 models with low mileage typically in the £38,000-£45,000 range for the Premium Plus trim. Due to limited UK data and the general softening of the used EV market, there's a wider price band than for more established models (expect ±20% uncertainty). Prices will continue to adjust as more used models enter the market. The 65.1kWh usable battery with liquid cooling ensures good longevity, which supports its resale value compared to EVs with less sophisticated thermal management.

## Which trim to buy

The Premium Plus trim hits the sweet spot for value. It adds some really desirable features over the entry-level Premium, like a larger 14-inch infotainment screen, a panoramic roof, and a more advanced Mark Levinson sound system, without jumping to the significantly higher price of the top-tier Takumi. You get a much more luxurious feel and enhanced tech for a reasonable step up in price, making it the best balance of features and cost for a used RZ.

## What to check before you buy

- Check for software glitches, as early models of new EVs can sometimes have minor bugs that are resolved with updates.
- Ensure all charging equipment (cables, home charger) is included and in good working order.
- Inspect the tyres for uneven wear, especially on AWD models, as this can indicate alignment issues.
- Verify the battery health certificate if available, though for a 2023 model, degradation should be minimal (expected ~1.8% per year).
- Listen for any unusual noises from the suspension or brakes during a test drive.

## Running costs

Running an RZ 450e can be very cost-effective, especially if you charge at home. With a standard home electricity rate (around 24.5p/kWh), you're looking at about 7p per mile, which works out to roughly £700 per year for 10,000 miles. However, if you switch to a smart EV tariff like Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus (around 9p/kWh overnight), your costs drop significantly to about 2.6p per mile, or just £257 per year for 10,000 miles – a saving of over £440! Road tax for EVs is free until April 2025, after which it will be £195 per year. Insurance for a premium EV like the RZ will be higher than a standard family car, so get quotes before buying. Avoid relying on public rapid chargers for daily use, as they can cost 20-24.3p per mile.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Electric
- **Horsepower**: 309 bhp
- **Mpg**: N/A (Electric)
- **Reliability Score**: Excellent (Lexus brand reputation)
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (2022)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | £62,600 | £38,000 | 18-inch alloy wheels; 10-speaker audio system; 10-inch infotainment display |
| Premium Plus | £66,000 | £40,000 | 20-inch alloy wheels; 14-inch infotainment display; Panoramic roof |
| Takumi | £72,000 | £45,000 | 20-inch alloy wheels (different design); Advanced Park system; Digital rear-view mirror |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £40,000 | 39.4% |
| 2027 | £36,000 | 45.5% |
| 2028 | £32,760 | 50.4% |
| 2029 | £30,139 | 54.3% |
| 2030 | £28,030 | 57.5% |

The sweet spot for buying a Lexus RZ 450e is likely around 3-4 years old (so a 2026-2027 purchase of a 2023 model). At this point, the initial steep depreciation from new will have settled, and you'll benefit from a significantly lower price while still having plenty of manufacturer warranty remaining (Lexus offers a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty, extendable up to 10 years/100,000 miles with servicing). The car will still feel very modern and have excellent battery health.

Total value lost since new: 57.5%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Genesis GV60](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/genesis-gv60.md)
- [BMW iX3](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/bmw-ix3.md)
- [Audi Q4 e-tron](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/audi-q4-e-tron.md)

---

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