Best Used Luxury Cars: Ballin’ on a Budget
Buying a used luxury car can be one of the smartest ways to get into a high-end vehicle without the hefty price tag of a brand-new model. These lightly used luxury vehicles from brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi offer substantial value with minimal depreciation impact.
Why Consider Used Luxury Cars?
- A pre-owned car that’s only one or two years old is still relatively fresh but has already taken the biggest depreciation hit.
- Luxury sedans offer high levels of comfort, convenience, performance, and status at a lower price.
MotorTrend’s Methodology
Our experts consider several factors when selecting the best used luxury cars, including:
- Value rating from IntelliChoice
- J.D. Power quality and reliability rating
- IIHS Top Safety Pick award or NHTSA overall five-star safety rating
- Used car inventory with under 80,000 miles
Top Picks for Used Luxury Cars
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2023 Audi A3
- Approximate Price: From $21,000
- Pros: Sharp exterior design, modern high-tech cabin, strong and smooth powertrain.
- Cons: Limited standard driver assist features, cramped interior for bigger passengers.
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2023 Audi A6
- Approximate Price: From $27,500
- Pros: High-end interior, abundance of technology, quiet ride.
- Cons: Road noise with larger wheels, plain exterior design.
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2021-2022 BMW 3 Series
- Approximate Price: From $17,000
- Pros: Strong powertrain options, agile handling, generous trunk space.
- Cons: Limited standard driver assist features, uninspired interior design.
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2022 Genesis G80
- Approximate Price: From $36,000
- Pros: Luxurious interior, spacious back seat, comprehensive safety features.
- Cons: Unrefined handling, coarse powertrains.
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2021-2022 Lexus ES
- Approximate Price: From $27,000
- Pros: Comfortable seating, top-notch cabin materials, impressive fuel economy in hybrid version.
- Cons: Awkward infotainment interface, noise in F Sport trim.
Conclusion
Buying a lightly used luxury car is a smart financial decision that doesn’t mean sacrificing on quality or features. These models offer the best balance of performance, comfort, and value, making them ideal for anyone looking to ‘ball on a budget’ in the luxury car market.
