Before you buy a Lexus IS in Uganda

by Edwin

The Lexus IS is a series of Entry-level luxury cars sold by Lexus since 1999. The IS was originally sold under the Toyota Altezza nameplate in Japan from 1998 (the word altezza is Italian for "highness") until the introduction of the Lexus brand and the second-generation Lexus IS design in 2006. The IS was introduced as an entry-level sport model slotted below the ES in the Lexus lineup. The Altezza name is still used at times to refer to chromed car taillights like those fitted to the first-generation model, known as "Altezza lights".

Before you buy a Lexus IS in Uganda

The Lexus IS is a desirable, stylish and well-built alternative to more mainstream German executive saloons. Rather than copying the competition, Lexus has forged its own path with the IS. It’s brimming with kit, and the interior is crafted from sumptuous materials that wouldn’t look out of place.

However, there’s no diesel option, no manual gearboxes and no practical estate model, so if you want one, you may need to compromise.

Click here to buy or hire a Lexus IS or Car Spare parts in Uganda

Buying a foreign used Lexus IS from a local Ugandan car bond

There are a number of ways you can buy a Lexus IS in Uganda today and one of the simple ways is through a car bond. Here, everything has been done by your car bond dealer. All you have to do is simply pay for the car from the car bond and drive home. However, you can also find that some Lexus IS have only been cleared the CIF fees only.

This would mean that if you want a Lexus IS then you will have to clear the rest of the taxes. Alternatively, you can buy a Lexus IS from a local car bond in Uganda with all the due tax charges and fees paid. All you have to do is to pay the whole price of the car and then the car is transferred to you as the new owner. You can find the Cost, Insurance and Freight of a Lexus IS (from abroad to Kampala) to be around USD 2,000 or above USD 2,000 as stated by the car bond dealers. The total sum of the CIF can change due to year of manufacture, condition of the car, mileage and the dealer you choose to buy your Lexus IS from. Some car bonds or dealers offer tremendous discounts. So you may want to look around for them before you settle down to a particular dealer or bond.

Importing a foreign Used Lexus IS from Japan or other parts of the world

In case if you prefer to import you own Lexus IS from say Japan, the things would change a bit. First it would require you to find a trusted dealer or seller in that regard, determine your specific car features and requirements, expected budget you plan to spend on buying the car and well calculated taxes to be paid to the tax authorities in order to clear Lexus IS.

The taxes charged by the Uganda Revenue Authority include Import Duty, Value added (VAT), Withholding Tax, Environmental Levy, Infrastructure Levy, and Registration Fees basing on the CIF of the Lexus IS from Japan. For example a Lexus IS 2006 can be got at a price of $3,200 and will have a fee of Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) totaling to $5,400 to Kampala, Uganda with no Local taxes paid yet.

On arrival to Kampala, Uganda, you will have to clear the taxes at The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), apply and pay for a number plate and then the third party license. You will also notice that some of these charges or fees differ from other vehicles.

Some of the taxes charged by the Uganda Revenue Authority for motor vehicles include Import Duty, Value added (VAT), Withholding Tax, Environmental Levy, Infrastructure Levy, and Registration Fees.

Click here to buy or hire a Lexus IS or Car Spare parts in Uganda

General Lexus IS reviews for Uganda

The Lexus IS goes its own way in the compact executive saloon class, with angular styling that takes some of its inspiration from the LFA supercar. It has similar dimensions to its rivals, but overall it seems longer and narrower, and the dynamic detailing really sets it apart.

All cars come with ‘Lexus media display’ and a six-speaker stereo. Cruise control, keyless entry and dual zone climate control are all included, too. A superb Mark Levinson stereo is available as an optional extra across the range.

There’s lots of space up front in the Lexus IS, though it does get a bit tighter in the back. The seats are plush and supremely comfortable over long journeys – but if you’ve got a bad back it might be worth avoiding the firmer F Sport models.

The current Lexus IS is a big improvement over the previous-gen car. It’s bigger inside thanks to thinner front seats – resulting in more rear legroom - though it's still not enough for tall passengers. It’s a shame Lexus couldn’t make the transmission tunnel a bit smaller, though, as it makes things a bit tricky for those in the middle seat. There’s more space up front, and plenty of room for you to scatter bits and bobs around the cabin.

Click here to buy or hire a Lexus IS or Car Spare parts in Uganda

Availability of Lexus IS Spare Parts in Uganda

Since the Lexus IS is mainly manufactured in Japan, its spare parts are imported in the country. Japanese cars are very popular in Uganda due to one of the fact that it’s cheaper and closer to import the car to Africa than from Europe. This means Lexus IS spares can be easily accessed while you are in Uganda.

Lexus IS competitors in Uganda

Let’s give the Lexus IS the competition it deserves and it includes the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4.

Our Verdict

The Lexus IS is a compact executive saloon aimed at the BMW 3 Series. It takes a different approach with its hybrid power train. It has Low emissions, comfortable seats, bold styling all made to suit your needs.

Click here to buy or hire a Lexus IS or Car Spare parts in Uganda

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