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Quelle Occasion

Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Used Lexus CT I: the buying guide

Hatchback · 2011–2020 · Hybrid

✓ 14 sources cited · updated on 13 October 2026

Buy with care
Reliability
not rated
No documented fault
Estimated monthly cost
€347/month
Indicative prices
€11,000 – €17,000

1 known fault

Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo 1 of 5

Lexus CT I, front three-quarter view

Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Verdict

Buy with care

A compact hybrid with 136 hp combined (1.8 petrol and electric motor, continuously variable transmission), rated five stars by Euro NCAP. Cars built between 2010 and 2012 were recalled for curtain airbags: check that the recall work has been carried out. The boot holds 375 litres.

Reliability
not rated
Indicative prices
€11,000 – €17,000
Monthly cost
€347
Euro NCAP
5/5

Which version to choose

Versions to favour: Hybride 136, Hybride 136 restylée.

  • Hybride 136

    ✓ Recommended

    Hybrid · Automatic · 136 hp · 3.8 L/100 km · 89 g CO₂/km · Crit'Air 1

    1.8 petrol producing 99 hp combined with an electric motor, 136 hp combined, continuously variable transmission. Sold before the 2018 facelift.

    Engine: Toyota 1.8 hybrid (2ZR-FXE)

    Verdict on this engine: Buy with care

  • Hybride 136 restylée

    ✓ Recommended

    Hybrid · Automatic · 136 hp · 3.6 L/100 km · 82 g CO₂/km · Crit'Air 1

    Same powertrain after the 2018 facelift: redesigned grille, 10.3-inch screen (depending on trim) and Lexus Safety System+ pack.

    Engine: Toyota 1.8 hybrid (2ZR-FXE)

    Verdict on this engine: Buy with care

Market prices

€11,000 – €17,000

Indicative range: 2011 to 2020, all mileages, middle half of online listings from private sellers and dealers.

Collected on 13 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.

Known faults

Recall: curtain airbags (risk of the inflator separating)

Manufacturer recall

Lexus recalled CT 200h cars of the 2011-2012 model years (built from August 2010 to April 2012 according to the Irish regulator): the curtain airbag inflator can come apart and throw parts into the cabin. The fix consists of fitting retaining brackets at a dealership (announcement from June 2016). Check with the serial number that the work has been done.

Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

Versions
Hybride 136
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

All faults by version and mileage →

Manufacturer recalls

See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Lexus CT”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.

Real monthly cost

Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated

Monthly cost by item
Fuel or electricity€94
Insurance€77
Maintenance€26
Depreciation€150
Total per month€347

⚠ Estimates to treat with caution

  • NEDC consumption (older, more optimistic than WLTP) as no WLTP figure is published: fuel is probably slightly underestimated.
  • Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
  • Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
Fuel (petrol)€94

Hybride 136 version: combined consumption of 3.8 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.14 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.

3.8 × 1.15 × 2.14 € × 10 = €94

Petrol price (SP95-E10): French national average on 7 October 2026.

Insurance€77

Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.

Depreciation€150

Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.

Inspection checklist

Things to check

  • Check with Lexus, using the serial number, that the curtain airbag recall has been carried out (especially for 2010-2012 cars).
  • Ask for the complete service history, as the car is known to be expensive to maintain.
  • Check the condition of the hybrid battery: warning lights, petrol engine running more often than usual, abnormal fuel consumption.
  • Check the front brake pads, tyres and suspension.
  • Look at the boot floor, which is raised because of the batteries, and check rear visibility on the test drive.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Has the curtain airbag recall been carried out? Do you have proof?
  • Has the car been serviced at a Lexus dealership? Do you have the invoices?
  • Has the hybrid battery ever been diagnosed or replaced?

Test-drive tip: read the fault codes

A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.

See OBD2 scanners on Amazon → (new tab)Partner link

Electric or hybrid equivalent

No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost

Alternatives

Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0

Toyota Auris

II · 2012–2018

Buy with care
Price
€8,500 – €15,000
Reliability
3.5/5
Fuel types
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de

Toyota Prius

IV · 2015–2022

Buy with care
Price
€13,700 – €18,500
Reliability
not rated
Fuel types
Hybrid

Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

Toyota Corolla

XII · since 2019

Excellent choice
Price
€18,000 – €29,900
Reliability
5/5
Fuel types
Hybrid

Before you buy: check and equip

Check the history

Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of parts for the Lexus CT I (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.

Insure the car

Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Euro NCAP rating of the Lexus CT 200h?

Five stars: 94% for adult occupant protection, 84% for child occupant protection, 55% for pedestrian protection and 86% for safety assist. Pedestrian protection is its weak point.

What is the boot capacity of the Lexus CT 200h?

375 litres, up to 985 litres with the rear seat folded according to Autotijd. The floor is raised because of the batteries, but there is no spare wheel and the false floor is useful (Moniteur Automobile).

What engine does the Lexus CT 200h have?

A 1.8 petrol producing 99 hp and an electric motor producing 82 hp, for 136 hp combined, with a continuously variable transmission. The 2018 facelift did not change the technical specification.

Found a listing?

Soon, we will analyse your Lexus CT listing: price, mileage, watch points.

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