Used Lexus LS

What to know before buying: Lexus LS

From 3 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The 2001–2006 LS delivers an exceptionally quiet, smooth ride, comfortable seating and a refined powertrain; handling is sound, but it is not a sports sedan.[1]one sourceLS 430 (2001–2006)
• The 2007–2012 model is more luxury liner than driver’s car, isolating occupants well and offering hybrid, all-wheel-drive and long-wheelbase variants.[1][2]LS (2007–2012)
• The 2013–2017 LS retains a serene ride and spacious cabin; its 4.6-litre V8 and eight-speed automatic are praised for response and smoothness.[1]one sourceLS (2013–2017)
• The fifth-generation cabin is luxurious and technology-rich, but its controls are complicated, the ride is less plush and headroom is tighter than expected.[1]one sourceFifth-generation LS (2018–present)

Typical faults

• A 2010 recall covered 11,500 Lexus LS cars worldwide to fix a computerized steering-control problem; 12 complaints had been received in Japan.[3]one source
• The fifth generation’s standard 3.5-litre turbo V6 can hesitate at low speeds, making the car feel less powerful than its measured acceleration suggests.[1]one sourceFifth-generation LS (2018–present)

  2018+ · 3.5-litre turbo V6

Which engine and version to take

• The 2013–2017 4.6-litre V8 with the eight-speed automatic is the strongest source-backed choice, praised especially for response and smoothness.[1]one sourceLS (2013–2017)
• The LS 600h petrol-electric hybrid in the 2007–2017 model offers a fuel-saving alternative to diesel.[2]one sourceLS (2007–2012)LS (2013–2017)

What to avoid

• Before choosing the fifth-generation 3.5-litre turbo V6, test it at low speed: the source reports hesitation that dulls the sense of power.[1]one sourceFifth-generation LS (2018–present)

What to check at the inspection

• For a 2007–2017 car, obtain a history check—Parkers specifically recommends this before buying a used LS.[2]one sourceLS (2007–2012)LS (2013–2017)
• Establish whether the specific car was covered by the 2010 computerized steering-system recall and whether the repair is documented.[3]one source
• During a fifth-generation test drive, accelerate gently from low speed several times to assess the reported turbo-V6 hesitation.[1]one sourceFifth-generation LS (2018–present)
• Test the central screen and frequently used functions: the 2013–2017 mouse-like controller and fifth-generation interface are criticized as complicated.[1]one sourceLS (2013–2017)Fifth-generation LS (2018–present)
• Drive a fifth-generation car with air suspension over uneven roads: the source says sharp bumps intrude more than they should.[1]one sourceFifth-generation LS (2018–present)

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]consumerreports.org — Lexus LS · press
2. [2]parkers.co.uk — Used Lexus LS Saloon (2007 - 2017) Review · press
3. [3]db.lv — Toyota atsauks 11 500 Lexus LS visā pasaulē · press

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