Car shopping on a shoestring budget is often difficult in this rough economy; it's also financially prudent for retirees looking to stretch their savings or consumers planning for retirement. While this might make driving a luxury car seem like an impossible dream, the truth is that there are plenty of quality used luxury vehicles available today.
From superb reliability and safety to excellent fuel economy and impressive versatility, these eight used luxury cars are ideal for consumers on a budget.
- 18-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70-79
- 80+
2017 Lexus GS
Average price: $23,513
Although Lexus introduced the GS in 2013, the 2017 Lexus GS comes with excellent reliability and low maintenance and repair costs that more than make up for its age.
According to RepairPal, this full-size luxury sedan has average annual repair and maintenance costs of just $429, which is significantly less than the segment average of $729.
There is only a 7.3% chance of the 2017 Lexus GS needing severe repairs. That means it's more than 50% less likely to have serious maintenance issues than the average vehicle in its class, which has a 14.7% chance.
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Average price: $24,133
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class should appeal to consumers looking for a luxury car that's as fun as it is versatile. It comes as a sedan, station wagon, coupe, or convertible.
The famed German automaker redesigned the coupe and convertible in 2018, and the sedan and station wagon in 2017.
Edmunds awarded the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class an astounding overall rating of 8.6 out of 10. They praised its gorgeous style and athletic driving ability, as well as its high-class cabin aesthetic and comfort.
2019 BMW 5 Series
Average price: $21,800
First appearing on dealership lots in 2017, the 2019 BMW 5 Series received an excellent 8.1 out of 10 score for its overall quality from Edmunds.
In particular, they praised its technology, notably its driver aids, like adaptive cruise control and parking cameras, as well as its comprehensive smartphone integration.
Their review also lauded the luxury sedan's comfortable seats and top-notch climate control features.
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2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Average price: $21,739
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class features a model design that the famed German automaker introduced in 2015; it may be old, but it's certainly not dated.
According to Edmunds, this sedan's stately interior has aged like fine wine. Unsurprisingly, they named it as one of the best luxury cars of 2019, praising its technology and its design's appreciation for traditional luxury.
2020 Lincoln MKZ
Average price: $20,711
The 2020 Lincoln MKZ is an excellent choice for buyers in the market for a reliable luxury vehicle with below-average maintenance and repair costs.
According to RepairPal, owners only spend an average of $481 a year on repairs and maintenance for this midsize sedan, which is significantly less than the segment average of $607 a year.
Although this iteration of the Lincoln MKZ first hit the road in 2013, the 2020 model features a bevy of standard features and noteworthy powertrain options. Edmunds praised the MKZ's hybrid option, as well as its zippy turbocharged V6 engine.
2020 Genesis G80
Average price: $24,234
The 2020 Genesis G80 should appeal to consumers looking for a safe luxury sedan. This sleekly designed South Korean luxury vehicle received stellar five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The 2020 Genesis G80 has zero recalls, investigations, or complaints on file with the NHTSA, and it also comes with several standout standard safety features, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, crash imminent braking, and dynamic brake support.
The Genesis G80 first hit the road in 2017 and features a roomy interior that offers a quiet ride while blending refinement, performance, and power, according to Edmunds.
2022 Acura ILX
Average price: $23,559
Although the 2022 Acura ILX first appeared on dealership lots in 2013, consumers should know that this compact luxury sedan is a paragon of reliability.
According to RepairPal, the 2022 Acura ILX is the most reliable car in its class. On average, its maintenance and repairs only cost owners $372 a year, which is far less than the segment average of $554 a year.
It also only has a 4.4% chance of needing major repairs, while the typical compact luxury car has an 11.1% chance. Currently, there are no recalls for the 2022 Acura ILX.
2024 Audi A3
Average price: $24,329
The 2024 Audi A3 has an EPA-estimated 32 MPG combined rating, although Edmunds stated that they were able to get an impressive 34.7 MPG rating during its real-world test drive.
They also lauded the A3's comfortable ride quality, sporty handling, and top-tier audio system and in-car tech. The A3 is also one of the newer models on this list, with Audi introducing its current iteration in 2022.
Bottom line
These used luxury cars are a great deal for consumers because of their fuel efficiency, reliability, safety, and style. Their average prices of less than $25,000 also make them more affordable than the average used car in the U.S. this year, which costs $25,600.
Car shoppers looking to save even more money should diligently research any vehicle before purchasing it, just like they would carefully compare auto insurance rates to save on car insurance.
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