Sophisticated and Affordable: The Best Luxury Cars to Buy Used

Can you imagine yourself behind the wheel (leather-wrapped and heated, of course) of a luxury vehicle? It’s a beautiful dream, isn’t it? But what if we told you that it doesn’t have to be a dream and that we can help you find an affordable luxury car that gives you all the sophistication and features your heart desires? When you’re looking for the best without the high price tag, it’s time to consider used luxury vehicles for sale, like those we have to offer here at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick. We can help you make your dream of owning a luxury vehicle a reality!

There is no question that luxury vehicles come with a high price tag when you shop for a new model with all the bells and whistles available. When you consider how fast a new car depreciates in its first few years on the road, this high sticker price can be even harder to swallow. You can avoid this rapid rate of depreciation as well as a high MSRP by shopping for a used luxury sedan that offers the same level of sophistication at a more affordable price. By doing this, you’ll find that you can afford a top-tier trim that might’ve been out of your budget if purchased new.

So, where should you start your search for the best used luxury cars? We’re here to help, which is why we’re highlighting a few of our top picks in the luxury sedan market. Here’s a closer look at heavy-hitters like the BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS, Jaguar XF, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

BMW 5-Series

With BMW’s reputation for building the ultimate driving machine, it makes sense to start our list with the BMW 5-Series. 2021 models are priced between $54,200 and $103,500, which makes buying a used model an affordable option that allows you to avoid those first few years of rapid depreciation. So, which 5-Series models have the most to offer? It all depends on your budget.

The 2018 5-Series is a great option that offers reliability and sophistication as well as a robust powertrain lineup that includes a diesel and plug-in hybrid among its five options. This year’s model also offers state-of-the-art technology as well as one of the largest trunks in its class. Other perks include a quiet and refined cabin made of high-quality materials and comfortable seating for the driver and four passengers.

As with any used vehicle, you can save even more money by shopping for older models, and that’s what makes the sixth-generation 5-Series a practical option. These models, the 528i and 535i, were produced from 2010 to 2016 and still offer plenty of luxury and sophistication with a lower price tag. Just be mindful of the model’s mileage, go over the CarFax report carefully to get a full picture of the vehicle’s history, and take a test drive to see how it handles for yourself before signing on the dotted line.

Lexus GS

Making its debut on American roads in the early 1990s, the Lexus GS enjoyed a solid run until 2020, when declining sales led to its discontinuation. This makes snagging a used GS a great option if you’re a fan of the Lexus brand but aren’t ready to pay full price for a luxury sedan. So, which models should you shop for? We recommend starting with 2016 models or newer, depending on your budget.

Lexus gave the GS a major overhaul in 2016 with a bolder front grille and the addition of several new trims and powertrain options. These additions include the swanky GS F with the powerful V8 engine under the hood to satisfy those drivers with a need for more speed. Also earning perfect reliability ratings, the 2016 GS offered more standard safety features and paved the way for the expansion of these features on the 2017 model that included the addition of new driver-assist technology like Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Alert.

If you’re looking for a GS with more modern features, then you’ll want to shop for models made between 2018 and 2020. As with any used vehicle, you’ll find that newer models offer more connectivity and driver-assist features. This is certainly the case on the 2018 Lexus GS that earned outstanding safety and reliability ratings thanks to its design and array of safety features. One thing to remember as you shop for a newer GS model is that modern technology and safety features often come with a higher price tag, but newer used models can still be affordable if you shop smart.

Jaguar XF

With the 2021 Jaguar XF starting at $43,995, shopping for a used XF is a great way to get behind the wheel of this British icon. The XF made its debut in 2008 to replace the S-Type and hasn’t looked back since, with the sedan delivering exceptional luxury and a variety of standard features that range from leather seating and climate control to navigation and more. If you value performance over age, then you’ll definitely want to look for models like the 2012 XF that came with a 5.0-liter V8 engine under the hood to deliver 385 roaring ponies of power.

For newer models, we suggest looking at the 2019 XF that offers a sporty exterior and spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The 2019 model doesn’t necessarily scream power, but it handles exceptionally well and is surprisingly efficient. This year’s model also sees the addition of a larger standard touchscreen as well as more advanced safety features.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

One of the most reliable used luxury sedans you’ll find on the road comes from Mercedes-Benz and is the refined E-Class. The new 2021 E-Class sedan starts at $54,250, which is affordable considering the Mercedes-Benz nameplate and its reputation for reliability. However, you’ll find shopping for a used model offers even more value, especially when you consider the reputation of older models like the 2012 E-Class that earned praise for its exceptional safety rating. Add in the fact that the 2012 sedan also offers a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that handles exceptionally well, and it’s easy to see why the luxury sedan is ranked one of the best.

A great thing about shopping for a used E-Class is that you’ll find consistent luxury and sophistication across the lineup, whether you’re looking for a 2012 model or a newer model like a 2019. For example, the 2019 E-Class earned an excellent safety score and high praise for its performance and handling, which makes it a great buy if you’re looking for a newer model that offers more modern features. Of course, newer models like the 2019 come with a higher price tag, but how can you put a price limit on a luxury sedan that offers a horsepower range between 241 and 603?

What Will You Drive?

Luxury vehicles carry a lot of weight among consumers in the automotive industry as many people consider these vehicles to be a symbol of wealth and sophistication. This has to mean that all luxury vehicles come with sky-high sticker prices that you can’t avoid, right? Fortunately, that’s no longer the case, thanks to a rich inventory of used luxury vehicles that prove you don’t have to pay full price for the vehicle of your dreams. Instead, you can shop smart by shopping our used inventory to find the perfect balance of luxury and affordability.

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