2021 Lexus ES

Lexus ES

You won’t find many Lexus ES sedans floating around on South African lots, and that’s not an accident. Buyers in this segment tend to play it safe, sticking to the German badges with their sprawling dealer networks and stronger resale confidence. The ES goes its own way, pairing a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol with a CVT — a combination that’s all about quiet, measured progress rather than outright pace. On paper at least, there’s just one ES up for grabs at the moment, stickered at R449,900. That kind of scarcity isn’t by design; it’s because these cars simply don’t change hands all that often. That lone car is a 2022 ES 250 EX, showing 92,000 km, which is well above average for a three-year-old luxury sedan. You have to weigh that mileage against what you’d get from, say, an E-Class or 5 Series at the same price, and that matters, especially if you’re thinking about value down the line. For those who do lean ES, it’s usually about bulletproof reliability and cabin quality — the NuLux leather, the hush on the N1 between Joburg and Pretoria, and physical controls that still make sense. The CVT’s lack of engagement is a dealbreaker for some, but honestly, most ES drivers aren’t chasing thrills. With no new stock and just that one used example, bargaining power is basically zero, so you’ll either pay the ask or walk away.