New or certified pre-owned Lexus IS: which fits Orange County drivers?

A new Lexus IS fits the Orange County driver who wants the current model year and the new-vehicle warranty. A Lexus L/Certified IS fits the driver who wants a recent IS that Lexus has inspected and covers under its L/Certified program. Tustin Lexus sells new Lexus IS models at 45 Auto Center Drive in Tustin, and it sells certified pre-owned Lexus vehicles.

Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Tustin. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.

Who should buy a new Lexus IS and who should buy L/Certified?

A new Lexus IS suits the Orange County driver who wants a 2026 model with the maker’s new-vehicle warranty from the first day. A certified pre-owned IS suits the driver who wants a recent model that comes with inspection and the L/Certified program’s coverage. Both paths run through Tustin Lexus, which offers new Lexus financing, Lexus leases and pre-owned loans for either one.

Choose new if the warranty clock should start with you and you want the current model year. Choose L/Certified if you want a car another owner has already driven, backed by Lexus’s inspection and program terms. Price, warranty, daily use and financing are compared below, so you can match the car to your budget.

What does a new Lexus IS cost compared with a certified one?

The 2026 IS 350 F SPORT Design starts at $46,895, the lowest starting price for an IS trim. A certified car’s price depends on its model year and mileage, so compare its listed price with that new starting price before you decide.

Sales tax follows the vehicle’s registration address, and it applies to both paths. Tustin’s combined rate is 7.750%, but Santa Ana is 9.250% and Buena Park is 8.750% (California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, 2026). Illustrative only: on a hypothetical $40,000 car registered in Tustin, 7.750% tax comes to $3,100.

Registration costs also rise with value. The Transportation Improvement Fee is $33 for a vehicle valued at $0 to $4,999, $66 for $5,000 to $24,999, $132 for $25,000 to $34,999, and $198 for $35,000 to $59,999 (California Department of Motor Vehicles, 2026). A car’s value sets its tier, whether it is new or certified.

Depreciation is the other part of the bill. iSeeCars found that average five-year depreciation improved to 41.8% across more than 950,000 five-year-old vehicles sold from March 2025 to February 2026 (iSeeCars, 2026). A certified car has already been through its first owner’s years of value loss.

How do new and L/Certified Lexus IS warranties compare?

A new 2026 IS carries a basic warranty for 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Its powertrain warranty runs 72 months or 70,000 miles, and corrosion coverage lasts 72 months regardless of mileage. Roadside assistance lasts 48 months from the in-service date, with no mileage limit.

An L/Certified IS carries the L/Certified Limited Warranty, which has unlimited mileage. Its coverage begins when the basic warranty expires or on the purchase date, whichever is later. It remains in effect until the earlier of two years or the date the owner transfers the vehicle (Lexus L/Certified Warranty Supplement, 2025).

A warranty matters most when a car needs repair. According to J.D. Power, Lexus ranks highest overall in vehicle dependability among premium brands for a fourth consecutive year in its 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Lexus recorded 151 problems per 100 vehicles, against an industry average of 204, and a lower number means fewer problems (J.D. Power, 2026).

How does the Lexus IS fit daily Orange County driving?

The 2026 IS 350 F SPORT Design seats five, with 44.8 inches of legroom in row one, 32.2 inches in row two, and 10.8 cubic feet of cargo room. The EPA certifies the rear-wheel-drive IS 350 at 19 mpg city, 27 highway and 22 combined.

Orange County commuting puts most of the miles in traffic. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute counted 137 hours of delay and $3,935 in cost per auto commuter in 2024 in the Los Angeles, Long Beach and Anaheim urban area, which takes in Orange County. Those were the worst figures among the 494 urban areas it measures (Texas A&M Transportation Institute, 2025).

The EPA’s combined figure weights city driving at 55% and highway driving at 45%, so the city number carries most of the weight in the 22 mpg combined rating. The AWD version is certified at 19 mpg city, 26 highway and 22 combined.

How do I finance, lease or trade in for a Lexus IS at Tustin Lexus?

Tustin Lexus offers new Lexus financing, Lexus leases and pre-owned loans. You can start a secure online finance application before your visit. That form is an application, not a pre-approval.

Financing is the usual route on a new car. More than 80% of new car buyers financed in the third quarter of 2025, compared with roughly 35% of used car buyers (Experian, 2025). Compare the rate on each path before you choose.

If you trade in a car, check what you still owe first. Edmunds found that 28.2% of trade-ins in July 2025 involved negative equity, with buyers owing an average of $6,902 above the vehicle’s value (Edmunds, 2025). Tustin Lexus accepts trade-ins and has an online appraisal tool, so you can start the valuation online before you visit.

Which Lexus IS fits my budget, warranty and driving: new or certified?

The rear-wheel-drive 2026 IS 350 F SPORT Design is the entry point at $46,895. Adding all-wheel drive raises the starting price by $2,000, to $48,895. If your budget is set first, the price difference between those two trims is the number to plan around.

When is a new or certified Lexus IS the wrong choice?

A new or certified IS is the wrong choice if you need more seating or cargo room than the IS offers. The IS seats five and carries 10.8 cubic feet of cargo room. Tustin Lexus also sells new GX, LX, NX, RX, RZ, TX and UX Hybrid models, and the lineup is worth a look if the IS does not fit the way you haul.

If you need all-wheel drive, choose an AWD trim, which starts at $48,895. If a new IS is more than you want to spend, price out a certified car first and compare its listed price with the new starting price.

FAQ

Can I trade in my car when buying a Lexus IS at Tustin Lexus?

Yes. Check what you still owe on the car first, so you know your equity before you visit.

Does Tustin Lexus offer Lexus leases?

Yes. Tustin Lexus offers Lexus leases alongside new Lexus financing and pre-owned loans. Ask the sales team for the current terms on the IS you want.

Can I apply for car financing online at Tustin Lexus?

Yes. Tustin Lexus has a secure online finance application. It is an application, not a pre-approval.

Can I shop for a Lexus IS online at any hour?

Yes. You can shop Tustin Lexus inventory online at any hour. Finish the purchase at Tustin Lexus, 45 Auto Center Drive, Tustin, CA 92782.

What does the Lexus L/Certified inspection cover?

The Lexus L/Certified inspection is a 161-point checklist. It covers the powertrain, chassis, undercarriage, electronics and safety systems, plus small items such as the spare tire and first aid kit.

What should I check before buying a certified Lexus IS?

Check the Lexus certification and remaining warranty, the accident and ownership history, and the out-the-door pricing, including dealer-installed accessories. Ask for each item in writing before you sign.

Can I book a service appointment online at Tustin Lexus for my IS?

Yes. You can book a service visit for your IS online through the Tustin Lexus website. Tustin Lexus’s technicians are Lexus factory-trained and certified. While you wait, the service department offers a Wi-Fi lounge, a complimentary café and a complimentary car wash. Service hours are Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday from opening at 7:00 AM until 5:30 PM. The service center is closed Sunday.

Does the Lexus IS come in all-wheel drive?

Yes. The 2026 IS 350 F SPORT Design AWD starts at $48,895, and the F SPORT AWD starts at $51,345, both as the manufacturer states them. The IS 350 AWD is certified at 19 mpg city, 26 highway and 22 combined.

Why buy a new or certified Lexus IS at Tustin Lexus?

Customers describe the sales process in their own words. In a June 2026 5-star Google review, Dexter P. wrote: “Had an incredible experience with the team at Tustin Lexus! From the moment I arrived, the customer service was top-tier—friendly, organized, and entirely stress-free. They kept me updated throughout the process and didn’t rely on high-pressure sales tactics or unnecessary upselling. The waiting area is spotless and comfortable, too. It’s clear they truly value their clients. Highly recommend this location!”

For an Orange County buyer weighing a new IS against a certified one, we put both paths in one visit. New Lexus financing, Lexus leases and pre-owned loans are all offered, and you can start the finance application or the trade-in appraisal online. The sales team is available Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. To start, compare the models on the Tustin Lexus website, then visit Tustin Lexus at 45 Auto Center Drive with your budget and your questions.

Tustin Lexus answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Tustin showroom, or call (714) 368-3200.

Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Tustin Lexus for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.