---
title: '5 Used Lexus Models That Are Better Than Buying Brand New! (Part 2)'
source: 'https://youtube.com/watch?v=bXrxZmxMDEA'
video_id: 'bXrxZmxMDEA'
date: 2026-07-22
duration_sec: 982
channel: 'CarSmart Hub'
---

# 5 Used Lexus Models That Are Better Than Buying Brand New! (Part 2)

> Source: [5 Used Lexus Models That Are Better Than Buying Brand New! (Part 2)](https://youtube.com/watch?v=bXrxZmxMDEA)

## Summary

This video presents eight Lexus models from the 2000s and 2010s that the creator argues are superior to buying new cars in 2026, focusing on their reliability, engineering, and value retention. Key models include the 2014 IS 350 F Sport, Lexus GX 470, RX 450H, ISF, and GS 350, each praised for their naturally aspirated engines, durable construction, and lower depreciation.

### Key Points

- **Introduction to Part 2** [00:02] — The video covers eight more Lexus models that are mechanical masterpieces built to last, including the GX 470, ISF, GS 350, and RX 450H.
- **2014 Lexus IS 350 F Sport** [00:57] — Features the 3.5L 2GR-FSE V6 with 306 hp, dual injection to avoid carbon buildup, and an LFA-inspired digital gauge cluster. It has already depreciated, making it a value buy.
- **Lexus GX 470 (2003-2009)** [04:27] — Body-on-frame SUV with the 4.7L 2UZ-FE iron block V8, known for 1 million mile reliability. Full-time 4WD with low-range transfer case. Appreciating in value due to overlanding popularity.
- **Lexus RX 450H (2016-2020)** [08:06] — Hybrid with 2GR-FXS 3.5L V6 and electric motors, 308 hp, ~30 mpg. Lexus hybrid batteries last 15 years/200k miles. Physical buttons and high-quality interior.
- **Lexus ISF (2008-2014)** [11:42] — 5.0L V8 with Yamaha-tuned heads, 416 hp, secondary intake opens at 3600 rpm. Reliable enough for daily driving and track use. Values are appreciating.
- **Lexus GS 350 (2009 and 2014)** [12:57] — 3.5L 2GR-FSE V6 with dual injection, over 300 hp. 2009 model is analog and vault-like; 2014 model has stiffer suspension and 12.3-inch display. Rear-wheel drive, discontinued.

### Conclusion

These eight Lexus models offer superior reliability, engineering, and value retention compared to new cars in 2026, making them smart purchases for buyers who prioritize longevity and lower costs.

## Transcript

a 2026 model that has more plastic than metal and a subscription for your heated Stop. In part one, we covered the heavy But today, we're going deeper into the holy grails of engineering.
We're talking about the iron block immortality of the GX 470, the raw immortality of the GX 470, the raw Yamaha tuned aggression of the 2009 ISF, and the sharpened perfection of the GS 350.
These aren't just used cars. They are mechanical masterpieces built to last showroom floor today. From the ultimate no stress RX 450H From the ultimate no stress RX 450H hybrid to the timeless IS 350 F Sport,
we've curated eight more Lexus models that prove new is just a fancy word for depreciating. The visual shock. Let's start with a car that proves Lexus designers were living in the future back
in 2013. We are talking about the 2014 Lexus IS We are talking about the 2014 Lexus IS 350 F Sport. Look at this car. In 2026, it still looks sharper, meaner, and more expensive than half the brand new sedans
sitting on showroom floors today. When this third generation IS debuted, it broke the mold. It moved away from the boring Lexus look and gave us the spindle grill and those L-shaped LED running lights that still define the
brand today. If you want a car that makes people think you've made it without the $60,000 debt, this is your entry point. But the real reason this is a better buy than a 2026 model is under the hood.
While a brand new IS today is likely pushing a high stress turbocharged four-cylinder that sounds like a vacuum cleaner, the 2014 IS 350 cleaner, the 2014 IS 350 gives you the legendary 2GR-FSE.
This is a 3.5 L naturally aspirated V6 that pumps out 306 horsepower. It is quite simply one of the most hands. It uses a sophisticated dual injection
meaning you don't get the carbon build-up issues that plague German This is a 300,000 mile engine. It's a basic oil changes and a little bit of respect. And in return, it gives you
silky smooth power every single time you hit the gas. Step inside and the 2014 IS hit the gas. Step inside and the 2014 IS 350 F Sport reminds you why Lexus is >> [music] >> The F Sport seats are arguably the best
race car, but feel soft [music] enough for a cross-country road trip. But the real party trick is the LFA-inspired digital gauge cluster. When you hit a button on the steering wheel and the physical center ring slides to
the side to reveal a hidden menu, it feels like something out of a James Bond It's a piece of automotive theater that hasn't aged a day. fingerprint magnet touchscreens for
everything, the 2014 IS has actual buttons and high-quality switchgear. It feels tactile. It feels mechanical. It feels like it was built by people who actually enjoy driving. Here is the financial logic that makes
this a hidden gem in 2026. [music] A brand new luxury sports sedan is going to lose 20% of its value the second you drive it off the lot. drive it off the lot. The 2014 IS 350 has already done its
depreciating. It has hit its price floor. This means you can buy it today, drive it for 3 years, put another 40,000 miles what you paid for it. It's an appreciating asset in terms of
value per mile. You get the rear-wheel drive dynamics, the sharp eight-speed transmission, and the prestige of the F Sport badge, all for the price of a used Toyota Corolla. It's the ultimate cheat code for the
used car market. You aren't just buying an old car. You're buying the last era the only priority. If you want a sports [music] sedan that will never leave you stranded and will always look good in the driveway, the
2014 IS 350 F Sport is the gold standard. something that can literally climb a mountain and then take you to a five-star hotel, our next car is a V8 legend that people
>> [music] >> If there is one vehicle on this list that has transitioned from a soccer mom SUV to a full-blown automotive legend, it's the Lexus GX 470.
Specifically, the models produced between 2003 and 2009. between 2003 and 2009. In 2026, as modern SUVs become increasingly fragile, filled with plastic engine parts and complex
electronics, the GX 470 stands as a middle finger to planned ask it me, planned obsolescence. It is a body-on-frame old-school [music] simply don't see anymore. Whether you are looking at a clean 2003
or a final year 2009, you aren't just buying a used Lexus. is widely considered one of the most [music] The real magic of the GX 470 lies under
the hood. It features the legendary 4.7 L 2UZ-FE V8 engine. Now, pay attention to this. This is an iron block engine. Almost every luxury SUV today uses aluminum blocks for
weight savings, but iron is what you want for a forever car. This engine family is famous for hitting 1 million miles in Tundras and Land Cruisers with nothing but basic maintenance. It produces 235 to 263
horsepower, but it's the 320 pound-feet of low-end torque that makes it special. itself to death or a complex hybrid battery to fail. It is a naturally aspirated [music] unstressed V8 that sounds like a whisper
at idle, but pulls like a freight train when you need it. It is the definition of mechanical peace of mind. But don't let the Lexus badge fool you crawler. Underneath that wood trim interior is a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
120 chassis. You get a full-time four-wheel drive system, a center locking differential, and a true low-range transfer case. In 2026, where off-road modes are just
software tricks using the brakes, the GX 470 uses actual gears and mechanical Inside, you are treated to what many call the golden era of [music] Lexus The leather is thicker, the wood is real, and the seats feel like high-end
>> Even if the factory navigation looks like a 2000s video game, most owners swap in a modern carplay unit for $500. And suddenly, you have a 2026 capable
cabin with 1990s level durability. Here is why the GX 470 is a smarter move Here is why the GX 470 is a smarter move than a brand new $80,000 SUV. New cars are depreciating assets that lose value the moment the warranty
lose value the moment the warranty expires. The GX 470 is a safe haven for your money. Because of its cult following in the overlanding community, clean examples are actually appreciating in value. You can buy one today, drive
it [music] through a blizzard or across a desert, and likely sell it for exactly what you paid for it 3 years from Indy. Mechanics love this car because it was engineered to be serviced, not replaced. As long as you keep an eye on the timing
belt and ensure the frame is rust-free, this vehicle will outlast almost It represents a time when Lexus engineers were given a blank check to build the best SUV in the world. If you want a V8 powered tank [music]
that can take you to a five-star hotel or the middle of the wilderness without ever breaking a sweat, the GX 470 is the only choice. But if you want that same Lexus reliability, but with 2026 fuel
and enough space for the whole family, our next car is the king of the no stress commute. If you're looking for the smartest daily driver on the planet in 2026, you're looking at the fourth generation Lexus RX 450H.
generation Lexus RX 450H. Specifically, the 2016 to 2020 models. While car enthusiasts chase speed and off-roaders chase dirt, that works every single morning without fail.
fail. The RX 450H is the adult choice. In a world where brand new 2026 luxury SUVs are moving toward high-strung, tiny four-cylinder turbos and massive, distracting iPads for dashboards, the
[music] fourth generation RX represents the absolute peak of common sense It's a vehicle built for people who are too busy to [music] deal with check engine lights, but still want to arrive in total comfort.
buying brand new is what's under the hood. Most modern SUVs are downsizing their engines to save fuel, but Lexus did it the right way with the 2GR-FXS
did it the right way with the 2GR-FXS 3.5 L V6 hybrid powertrain. This is a silky smooth, naturally aspirated V6 paired with Lexus's world-class electric motors. It doesn't feel stressed. It doesn't
sound like a lawnmower when you merge onto the highway. And it doesn't have a or fail. It's a 308 horsepower system that >> [music] >> and effortless V6 cruising.
In real-world driving, you're getting nearly 30 miles per gallon in a heavy luxury SUV. That is a miracle of engineering that still holds up perfectly a decade later. Let's talk about the interior because
Let's talk about the interior because this is where the 2016 to 2020 RX 450H really wins. We are currently living in an era where you have to dig through three sub menus on a giant screen just to turn on your seat heaters.
It's dangerous and it's annoying. The fourth gen RX was built for people who value ergonomics. You have physical buttons for the climate control. You have a real volume knob. You have
high-quality switch gear that feels like it belongs in a luxury home. The seats are arguably the softest in the industry and the sound insulation makes the cabin feel like a sensory deprivation tank.
relax after a long day of work rather than fighting with a computer. Now, the biggest fear people have with used hybrids is the battery. [music] But here is the reality in 2026. Lexus hybrid batteries are some of the
into a car. We are seeing these batteries easily last 15 years or 200,000 mi. And even if it does eventually fail, the that you can get it replaced for a fraction of what a single turbocharger
replacement would cost on a German SUV. Financially, it's a masterstroke. A new RX 500H today will cost you $65,000 plus. $65,000 plus. A clean, well-maintained 2018 RX 450H
can be found for nearly half that price. You're letting the first owner pay for that $30,000 depreciation hit while you enjoy the exact same reliability, better build materials, and a more prestigious V6 engine.
It is the ultimate low-stress luxury vehicle. But as comfortable as the RX is, our next car is the complete opposite. [music] It's raw, it's loud, and it's the most reliable super sedan ever [music] built. It's the V8 rebel
that put the world on notice. Think Lexus is only for quiet commutes? The ISF is here to punch that theory in the face. car. And in 2026, it's a total unicorn.
While new performance cars are muffled by turbos and fake speaker noise, the ISF is pure raw muscle. Under the hood sits a 5.0 L V8 with cylinder heads tuned by the musical geniuses at Yamaha.
At 3,600 revolutions per minute, a secondary intake opens up and this quiet sedan turns into a screaming track star with 416 horsepower. But here's the Unlike its German rivals, the ISF doesn't leak oil or throw tantrums. It's
a Japanese tank with a supercar heart. You can track it on Sunday and drive it to the office on Monday without a single check engine light. actually gaining value. Why buy a depreciating plastic toy when
you can own a V8 legend, the sedan the world [music] forgot? and it's the one that automotive money. The Lexus GS 350.
In 2026, the mid-size luxury sedan is a dying breed as everyone rushes to buy dying breed as everyone rushes to buy boring top-heavy SUVs. But the GS 350 is >> [music] >> We are looking at two specific sweet
spots today. The 2009 model for the purists who want bulletproof simplicity and the 2014 model for those who want a car that can actually out-handle a BMW. Both of these cars represent a level of over-engineering that Lexus simply
doesn't put into their entry-level models anymore. The heart of both the 2009 and 2014 GS 350 is the 3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6. [music] If there is a hall of fame for engines,
this one is at the very front. Producing over 300 horsepower, this engine uses a sophisticated D4S dual injection system. Why does that matter to you in 2026? Because while modern European luxury cars are suffering from massive carbon
buildup and failing turbochargers, the GS 350 engine is self-cleaning and naturally aspirated. It is a set-it-and-forget-it powertrain. You get smooth, linear acceleration that never feels strained and a soundtrack
that sounds like mechanical perfection. It's an engine that won't leave you stranded and it won't demand a $5,000 repair bill the moment it hits 100,000 2:00 to 3:00. 2009 versus 2014.
Choosing your flavor. If you go with the 2009 model, you're getting the analog king. It's quiet, it's soft, and it feels like a vault. The interior materials are incredibly
thick and the buttons have a weighted feel that screams quality. But if you step up to the 2014 model, you're entering the digital athlete era. decided to get aggressive. The 2014 GS 350 features a much stiffer
that makes the car shrink around you when you're driving fast. Inside, you get a massive 12.3-in display and an interior wrapped in hand-stitched leather and real aluminum. Even in 2026,
>> the 2014 GS interior feels more expensive and more solid than a brand new Mercedes C-Class. Why is the GS 350 the ultimate better-than-new [music] choice? Because Lexus doesn't even make this car
They replaced it with the front-wheel drive ES, which is a fine car, but it lacks the rear-wheel drive soul and the balanced handling of the GS. By buying a used GS 350, oh, you are getting a
precision-engineered driving machine for the price of a base model economy car. You're skipping the $40,000 depreciation hit and moving straight into a vehicle lot. It's the professional's choice, quiet,
fast, and virtually indestructible. If you want a car that proves you're smart enough to value engineering over marketing, the GS 350 is the final word in luxury reliability. There you have it. Eight Lexus models
that are objectively better than buying brand new in 2026. driveway? Let me know in the comments and don't forget to subscribe for more and don't forget to subscribe for more smart money car advice.