With the cost of living continuing to climb, some car shoppers simply can’t handle the expense of a brand-new luxury car. In fact, some of today’s latest models can easily surpass the $80,000 mark.
If you want to save some serious cash, consider buying a pre-owned ride.
2008 Acura RL
The 2008 Acura RL’s outstanding long-term reliability makes it a great investment. Not only is this luxury sedan built to last, but it’s also easy to maintain. Well-aged styling gives you another reason to consider the 2008 Acura RL. Anticipate paying between $6,500 and $9,000 for this used car.
Under the hood sits a bulletproof V6 engine, which develops a competitive 290 horsepower. Aside from the Acura RL’s strong acceleration, it also offers decent fuel economy on the highway. Anticipate getting up to 24 mpg at cruising speeds.
Because this generation comes standard with Acura’s famed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, you’ll always experience great traction in bad weather.
2011 Lexus ES
Like Acura, Lexus is well-known for producing dependable vehicles. The 2011 Lexus ES is no exception. When serviced on a regular basis, it should have no trouble exceeding 300,000 miles. Even better, prices for a pre-owned Lexus ES average around $8,500.
Under the hood sits a 268-horsepower V6, which develops full power on regular unleaded fuel. Although the Lexus ES isn’t blistering fast, you’ll be able to confidently merge onto a busy interstate. A buttery smooth ride makes the 2011 Lexus ES great for long roads. In terms of fuel economy, expect to get around 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
2007 Cadillac STS
The 2007 Cadillac STS deserves some serious consideration. Like most Cadillac vehicles of the past, it delivers a remarkably comfortable ride. A full-size interior enables your family and friends to experience a strong feeling of relaxation. Plus, music fans will appreciate the Bose stereo system, which delivers impressive sound clarity at all volumes.
When searching for a used STS, you’ll have two different engines to choose from. While the V6 returns up to 27 mpg, the 320-horsepower V8 enables the STS to really move out in a hurry. The open road is where the Cadillac STS truly shines. A touring-tuned suspension enables the STS to offer great handling.
For an affordable $7,500, you should be able to find a 2007 Cadillac STS that’s in excellent shape.
2009 Mercedes-Benz E350
Although the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a decade old, it still rivals the luxuriousness of a brand-new car.
This midsize luxury sedan is a solid all-around performer. Motivating the E-Class is a dependable V6 engine, which develops 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission ensures especially smooth performance. Fuel economy stands at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Exceptional craftsmanship gives you another reason to choose the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350. From the center console to the door seams, every aspect of the car displays excellent build quality.
Expect to pay around $8,500 for a well-maintained E350.
2009 Audi A3
If you want an especially practical luxury car, check out the 2009 Audi A3. A hatchback design enables you to stuff a lot of extra cargo in the back. Even the lowest trim level comes equipped with leather upholstery and satellite radio.
When behind the wheel of the 2009 Audi A3, you can look forward to having a blast. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine develops a soothing 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. While the seven-speed automatic transmission is quick, there’s even more fun to be had with the six-speed manual gearbox. When coasting along the highway, the A3 will easily return 30 mpg. Most importantly, owners haven’t reported any major problem areas.
While prices will vary based on condition, a low-mileage Audi A3 can be found for less than $8,500.
2009 Hyundai Genesis
During its heyday, the 2009 Hyundai Genesis was among the most underrated luxury sedans on the market. Even now, it’s a genuine diamond in the rough.
For good reason, many experts consider the Genesis to be a great alternative to a BMW 5 Series. Not only is the Genesis more reliable than its German rival, but it also gives you more value for your money. If you search hard enough, you should be able to locate a used Genesis for less than $7,000.
While even the 290-horsepower V6 delivers a strong performance, the available V8 engine develops a muscular 375 horsepower. Models equipped with a V6 engine can deliver 18 mpg in town and 27 mpg on the freeway.
2010 Toyota Avalon
The 2010 Toyota Avalon excels in all of the most important categories. It’s remarkably reliable, efficient, and comfortable enough for the everyday grind. If you run across a low-mileage Avalon for less than $9,500, don’t hesitate to go check it out. These cars are well-known for their durability.
Powering the Avalon is the same V6 engine found in the previously mentioned Lexus ES. A 268-horsepower production enables the Avalon to offer good passing power. Gas mileage is great for a full-size sedan. The EPA rates the 2010 Toyota Avalon to return 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
2008 Acura TL
The 2008 Acura TL is a midsize luxury sedan with the heart of a sports car. A lot of people are drawn to its cool exterior styling.
Even if you don’t get the high-performance S-Type model, you’ll be more than happy with the TL’s performance. Acura rates its V6 engine to develop a healthy 258 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy stands at 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Accurate steering and tight handling give the Acura TL a fun factor that most luxury sedans can’t match.
Models with only 100,000 miles on the odometer have an average price of $9,500. If you don’t mind paying a little more than $10,000, you can get the highly coveted Type-S version.
2008 Audi A5
Even today, the 2008 Audi A5 still turns plenty of heads on the road. It’s sleek profile and sporty stance will immediately catch your eye. Prices for the 2008 model average around $8,200, which proves to be a great deal.
This luxurious coupe is ideal for everyday commuting. Audi’s standard Quattro AWD system gives you superior traction regardless of the driving conditions. Putting the Audi A5 into motion is a sweet-sounding V6 engine, which cranks out 265 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. While the sorting through gears with the six-speed manual transmission is fun, you’ll find the automatic-equipped A5 to accelerate even quicker.
2011 Lincoln Town Car
The 2011 Lincoln Town Car is a classic American luxury sedan. While the Lincoln Town Car is not designed to deliver a sporty driving performance, it excels at gobbling up the interstate. You’ll love the Town Car’s soft ride and excellent passenger room. Owners also rave about the Town Car’s trouble-free performance.
All versions of the Town Car come equipped with a Ford-built 4.6-liter V8 engine. Because this engine is so easy to service, it’s perfect for do-it-yourself mechanics. While city fuel economy isn’t the best, you should be able to average around 24 mpg on the highway.
In terms of cost, anticipate shelling out around $9,000 for a 2011 Lincoln Town Car that’s in solid condition.