The Sweet Spot for Used Luxury Cars
When looking to purchase a luxury car without breaking the bank, the used market is an excellent place to start. However, reliability is a major concern, especially in the luxury segment. Cars around five years old strike a perfect balance between value and reliability, still having plenty of life left while being significantly cheaper than new models.
The 2020 Lexus ES: A Standout Choice
Among five-year-old luxury sedans, the 2020 Lexus ES emerges as a top contender due to its sturdy build quality and impressive value. By examining popular and highly-rated luxury sedans, it becomes clear that the 2020 Lexus ES is a model that will stand the test of time. Owner opinions and authoritative sources confirm its reliability and overall value.
Average Pricing for Used Models
The average used prices for the 2020 Lexus ES vary by trim:
- ES 350: $29,602
- ES 300h: $29,781
- ES 350 F Sport: $30,398
- ES 300h Luxury: $32,224
- ES 350 Luxury: $33,208
- ES 300h Ultra Luxury: $33,724
- ES 350 Ultra Luxury: $34,650
Compared to buying brand new, you can save at least $10,000.
Reliability and Owner Satisfaction
Lexus is renowned for its reliability, often surpassing its mainstream sibling brand, Toyota. The 2020 ES is no exception, with owners praising its reliability:
- ES 350 owners rated it 4.9/5 for reliability
- ES 300h owners gave it a perfect 5/5
J.D. Power also awards the ES an overall score of 84/100 for quality and reliability, placing it among the most reliable luxury cars.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
One of the advantages of owning a Lexus is its lower maintenance costs compared to other luxury brands:
- Average annual maintenance cost: $468 (RepairPal)
- Average ten-year maintenance cost: $5,945 (CarEdge)
- Estimated savings over ten years compared to average luxury sedan: $3,845
- Chance of needing a major repair within ten years: 15.6%
Performance and Efficiency
The 2020 Lexus ES comes in two variants: the gas-powered ES 350 and the hybrid ES 300h. While the ES 350 offers more power, the ES 300h prioritizes efficiency:
ES 350 Specifications
- Engine: 3.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-6
- Horsepower: 302 HP
- Torque: 267 LB-FT
- 0-60 MPH: 6.1 seconds
- Fuel Economy: Up to 26 MPG combined
ES 300h Specifications
- Engine: 2.5-Liter Hybrid Inline-Four
- Horsepower: 215 HP
- Torque: 163 LB-FT
- 0-60 MPH: 8.3 seconds
- Fuel Economy: Up to 44 MPG combined
Comfort and Features
The 2020 Lexus ES offers a luxurious and comfortable cabin with:
- High-quality soft-touch materials and leather upholstery
- Excellent noise insulation for a serene driving experience
- Ample space for passengers, including rear legroom
- 17 cubic feet of trunk space
- Standard features including an 8-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a ten-speaker sound system

The 2020 Lexus ES is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable used luxury sedan, offering a blend of comfort, efficiency, and value.