#22 of 50 · Saloons
Lexus IS: importing one from Japan to Ireland
Toyota reliability in a premium, rear-wheel-drive saloon.
Why Irish buyers choose it
The IS300h hybrid is a relaxed, reliable alternative to the German executive saloons, and Lexus cars from Japan are often in immaculate condition.
Real auction prices in Japan
| Year | Sold | Median price | Median km |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 13 | €51,571 | 4k km |
| 2024 | 12 | €42,712 | 10k km |
| 2023 | 43 | €29,067 | 17k km |
| 2022 | 45 | €26,254 | 22k km |
| 2021 | 80 | €20,387 | 42k km |
| 2020 | 7 | €17,389 | 47k km |
| 2019 | 20 | €12,531 | 43k km |
| 2018 | 18 | €10,340 | 55k km |
| 2017 | 33 | €9,235 | 79k km |
| 2016 | 36 | €8,183 | 73k km |
Auction hammer prices in Japan, before shipping, duty, VAT, VRT and fees.
Most compared with
Importing it to Ireland
Japan-built, so it can qualify for 0% duty: a real advantage over German rivals. Hybrids sit in lower VRT bands.
Japan-built: can qualify for 0% duty with documented origin. VAT at 23% and VRT apply to every import.
What to check
The Japanese Lexus navigation cannot always be switched to English; plan for a CarPlay or Android Auto upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Lexus IS cost at auction in Japan?
The median auction price over the last three months was €3,415, with most selling between €1,568 and €11,330, before shipping, taxes and fees.
Is there import duty on a Lexus IS from Japan?
Japan-built cars can qualify for 0% customs duty from February 2026 with documented Japanese origin.
What is the Lexus IS most compared with?
Irish buyers most often compare it with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.