Few brands do luxury as well as Lexus, but is that a good enough reason to consider the decade-old sixth-generation ES sedan as a used buy?
The luxury sedan segment is often dominated by a relentless, and sometimes misguided, pursuit of Nürburgring lap times. But when the sixth-generation Lexus ES (codenamed XV60) arrived in South Africa in late 2013, it completely rejected this European obsession with dynamic aggression. Built on a stretched platform shared with the North American Toyota Avalon, the ES was an unapologetic, front-wheel-drive isolation chamber. It offered E-Class interior dimensions for C-Class money, and it prioritised trans-continental cruising comfort and vault-like silence over apex-hunting agility.
Lexus ES (2013-2017): Interior, engines and specifications
The architectural shift to the longer platform unlocked massive internal volume. The wheelbase was stretched, providing an additional 60 mm of rear kneeroom, which transformed the rear seats into a cavernous environment suitable for chauffeur-driven executives. The dashboard was horizontal and featured high-quality leather, analogue clock aesthetics, and a deep-set 8.0-inch monitor. However, this system was operated via the notoriously clunky second-generation Lexus Remote Touch mouse-like interface, which requires significant driver distraction if you want to use it effectively.
- Also read: 2026 Lexus ES price & specs in South Africa
South Africa received two powertrains. The ES 250 employed a buttery-smooth 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 135 kW at 6 000 r/min and 235 N.m of torque at 4 100 r/min. Mated with a conventional six-speed automatic transmission, it favoured seamless shifts over rapid acceleration, and the 0-100 km/h time took just under 10 seconds. The alternative was the ES 300h, marking the first time the hybrid ES was offered locally. It paired a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine with a 105 kW electric motor to generate a combined system output of 151 kW. Equipped with an e-CVT, it was both faster – reaching 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds – and remarkably frugal.
Lexus ES: Common problems and what to check
- Hybrid battery degradation (ES 300h): As the ES 300h models approach a decade of use, the high-voltage nickel-metal hydride battery pack becomes a primary liability. Request a diagnostic health check, because a complete cell replacement could cripple you financially.
- Remote touch frustrations: The mouse controller is very sensitive and prone to sticky movement if dust enters the mechanism. The infotainment system also lacks modern smartphone mirroring technologies like Apple CarPlay.
- Water pump weepage: The 2.5-litre engine in the ES 250 is mechanically bulletproof, but the water pump bearings can weep coolant. Look for a pinkish crust on the front of the engine block.
Which used Lexus ES is the best buy?
The best choice from this era is the Lexus ES 250. While the ES 300h is a technological marvel and remarkably fuel-efficient, purchasing an ageing hybrid system introduces an unnecessary financial risk regarding potential battery pack failure. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine in the ES 250, paired with a traditional six-speed torque-converter automatic, is a powertrain combination known for breaching the 400 000 km mark with only basic preventative maintenance. Target a 2015 or 2016 facelift model if budget allows, because this update introduced a stiffer chassis, improved sound deadening, and a more cohesive iteration of Lexus’ signature spindle grille.
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