Key Takeaways
New luxurious vehicles aren’t identified for being reasonably priced, even for those who go for a base mannequin with a base engine and essentially the most fundamental front-wheel-drive setup. A brand new automotive on this phase often retails for six figures, however they have an inclination to lose their worth fairly quickly, as Forbes reviews. That is why we went out looking for used luxurious vehicles underneath $30k – with mid-size and full-size fashions being thought-about – of which there are various. Why are there so many used luxurious vehicles out there on this worth bracket? It is fairly easy, truly. Individuals who find the money for to purchase a luxurious automotive are inclined to find the money for to get a brand new one each few years, simply because the guarantee runs out. And driving a luxurious automotive with none kind of guarantee is unhealthy information. Let’s simply say that the automotive’s price and the price of repairing it do not drop on the identical charge. The price of sustaining a used massive luxurious sedan is commonly additionally considerably greater than a brand-new mid-spec Camry.
This text was initially printed in August 2023, however has been up to date with related data and is right as of July 2024.
This level is completely illustrated if you have a look at the worth of tires. A set of tires for a 2023 Camry with a V6 engine is roughly $1,000 for those who follow the OEM-recommended rubber. To exchange the tires on a 2015 Mercedes-AMG S63 sedan prices $1,600. And you can be changing the rear wheels extra actually because AMG V8s are identified for punishing tires. The rear tires alone are $450 per tire.
Even so, everybody ought to personal a used luxurious automotive a minimum of as soon as, if solely to get it out of their system. It additionally helps for those who go into this endeavor understanding what to anticipate, so you will not be shocked when Merc hits you with a $900 invoice for a fundamental oil and oil filter service. Luckily, there are additionally used luxurious vehicles with respectable reliability scores. They may not be as prestigious as a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, however they definitely dwell as much as any expectations you may need relating to luxurious automobiles.
With that in thoughts, here is a listing of the 12 greatest used luxurious vehicles underneath $30k.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
We’d as effectively get the obvious luxurious sedan out of the best way first. For roughly $30,000, you may get a 2015 S550 4Matic with practically 100,000 miles on the clock. Sadly, AMG fashions are a bit of bit out of vary, however you continue to get a 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 and all-wheel drive. It is no slouch off the road, because the 450-horsepower engine offers sturdy acceleration. S-Class fashions have at all times been identified for sturdy security scores, however the very best factor concerning the S is the high-tech options. Mercedes-Benz has at all times used its top-tier sedan to debut nifty inside and security options that finally filter all the way down to the remainder of the vary.
The W222 did not obtain the very best reliability rankings, so it is necessary to examine that every one recall work has been finished to the automotive. A full service historical past can also be a should.
Lastly, preserve an eye fixed out for scratches on the wheels. S-Class fashions often have a fancy suspension setup, ensuing within the smoothest journey within the business. The very last thing you wish to do is purchase a automotive from somebody who could not park or drive correctly, by which case the suspension won’t be top-notch anymore.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)
Mannequin years
2014 – 2020
Base MSRP when new
$94,400 (2015 mannequin)
Engines*
3.0L twin-turbo V6
3.0L V6 plug-in hybrid
4.0L twin-turbo V8
4.7L twin turbo V8
6.0L twin-turbo V12
*AMG variations of the sixth-gen S-Class have been additionally out there, however these are impossible to be out there for underneath $30k
BMW 7 Sequence
The S-Class and seven Sequence have been in an ongoing battle for many years. BMW is at present within the lead, however solely as a result of Mercedes-Benz seemingly forgot the definition of luxurious. Just like the S, the 7 Sequence is provided with each conceivable luxurious and security merchandise out there on the time. Deciding between them is a matter of private desire, however we suggest going for the 7 if satisfying dealing with is your factor. The 7 Sequence is a Limo GTI, which tends to shrink round you.
The 7 Sequence additionally tends to lose worth faster than the S-Class, so that you might be artistic with the funds. You will get a 2019 740i with the silky-smooth turbocharged inline-six or a 2016 750i with 56,000 miles on the clock this this worth vary. Each engines are nonetheless in use, and reviews point out that the sixth-gen 7 Sequence is comparatively trouble-free. Nevertheless, we would nonetheless need a full service historical past for added peace of thoughts.
BMW 7 Sequence (G11)
Mannequin years
2016 – 2022
Base MSRP when new
$81,300 (2016 mannequin)
Engines
3.0L turbocharged I6
3.0L turbocharged I6 plug-in hybrid
4.4L twin-turbo V8
6.6L twin-turbo V12
Lexus LS
The number of LS fashions out there for lower than $30,000 is staggering. You will get an OG first-generation in pristine situation for as little as $12,000. The common worth for a third-gen mannequin is roughly $15,000, whereas a facelifted fourth-generation mannequin is between $20,000-$25,000. The perfect factor concerning the LS is that it is bulletproof, regardless of which technology you select. It additionally does the identical job because the S-Class and seven Sequence, so that you get the most effective luxurious vehicles ever made.
A Lexus LS can also be the proper massive sedan if you wish to mix in. You get the identical kind of spacious cabin, high quality leather-based seats, beneficiant rear-seat legroom, and a number of normal options, however wrapped up in a much less flashy package deal. In order for you essentially the most luxurious automotive underneath $30k you may get, you are able to do far worse than the LS.
Lexus LS (Fourth Era)
Mannequin years
2007 – 2017
Base MSRP when new
$72,520 (2017 mannequin)
Engines
4.6L V8
5.0L V8 hybrid
Lexus ES
Need Lexus LS-like luxurious however with glorious gasoline economic system? Then, the Lexus ES is the reply you are searching for. There are a number of 2019 and 2020 low mileage fashions out there, all powered by Toyota’s well-known 3.5-liter V6, paired with a {smooth} eight-speed computerized transmission. As a result of these automobiles are solely three to 4 years previous, you get most fashionable security and luxury options as commonplace, together with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite tv for pc radio, and good security rankings throughout the mannequin vary. And since that is principally a Camry in enterprise apparel, it will final a lifetime.
Lexus ES (Seventh Era)
Mannequin years
2019 – current
Base MSRP when new
$39,750 (2019 mannequin)
Engines
2.5L I4 hybrid
3.5L V6
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Jaguar XE
America didn’t reply effectively to the Jaguar XE, and it is not tough to see why. It prices far more than the equal BMW 3 Sequence or Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The turbocharged four-cylinder fuel and diesel engines have been mediocre, and also you needed to pay $50,000 for those who wished a supercharged V6 underneath the hood. Due to Jag’s poor judgment, the XE was solely on sale for 4 years, and used costs have dropped dramatically.
You will get a 2018 V6 with all of the toys included as commonplace for $30,000. This is without doubt one of the greatest vehicles out there on the used market. The XE is massively thrilling, borrowing an engine and entrance suspension from the magnificent F-Kind. Folks have a tendency to think about the three Sequence as the very best dealing with compact govt categorical, however the XE is on one other degree fully. Not solely is that this the most effective luxurious vehicles underneath $30k, but it surely’s additionally the most effective sports activities saloons ever made. Sadly, you will must take care of Jag’s dimwitted infotainment system, and like most British vehicles, it does not have the very best reliability rankings. However when it really works, it really works superbly.
Jaguar XE
Mannequin years
2017 – 2020
Base MSRP when new
$39,900 (2020 mannequin)
Engines
2.0L I4 turbodiesel
2.0L turbocharged I4
3.0L supercharged V6
Cadillac CTS
The third-generation Cadillac CTS was not only a turning level for the Caddy however American vehicles generally. It modified the notion that every one American vehicles had low-quality interiors and will do nothing greater than drive quick in a straight line. The CTS and the varied physique types it spawned have been adequate to go up towards vehicles just like the Acura TLX, BMW 5 Sequence, and Jaguar XF. It was a $45,000-$60,000 automotive when it was new, however because of depreciation, there are a whole bunch of CTS fashions out there. Even top-spec 2019 fashions with 30,000 miles on the clock are promoting for lower than $30,000.
Each mannequin comes commonplace with computerized begin/cease, driver-selectable driving modes, a premium Bose sound system, wi-fi cellphone charging, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However the very best factor concerning the CTS is the amount of cash Caddy spent making it deal with even higher than its European rivals. It is a sensational automotive to drive, whether or not you go for the 265-hp turbocharged four-pot or the 335-hp 3.6-liter V6. The one you actually need is the 420-hp twin-turbo V6, however you may need to buy round and negotiate a bit to get one for $30,000.
Cadillac CTS (Third Era)
Mannequin years
2014 – 2019
Base MSRP when new
$46,995 (2019 mannequin)
Engines
2.0L turbocharged I4
3.6L V6
6.2L supercharged V8
Porsche Panamera
We have now good and unhealthy information. The excellent news is you could purchase a Porsche Panamera with a V8 engine and between 60k-80k miles on the clock for roughly $30,000.
The unhealthy information is that will probably be a first-generation automotive, broadly thought to be one of many ugliest vehicles ever made. Fortunately, for those who’re behind the steering wheel, you do not want to take a look at it. The BMW M5 set the usual within the go-faster govt categorical phase for a few years, however the Panamera blew it out of the water.
We would not hassle with the top-spec Turbo. The S and 4S are geared up with a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8, which is highly effective sufficient. Rear-wheel-drive is a should except you reside in a cold-weather state and require all-wheel drive. When you store round rigorously, you would possibly even discover a used automotive geared up with a great deal of elective extras included. The Panamera was out there with leisure for the rear seats, and the usual touchscreen infotainment system within the entrance remains to be respectable. First-gen fashions are fairly strong, making it the most effective used vehicles out there, and Porsche servicing costs aren’t as ridiculous as you would possibly count on.
Porsche Panamera (First Era)
Mannequin years
2010 – 2016
Base MSRP when new
$89,800 (2010 mannequin)
Engines
4.8L V8
4.8L twin-turbo V8
3.6L V6
3.0L turbocharged V6
3.0L supercharged V6 hybrid
4.0L turbocharged V8 plug-in hybrid
Volkswagen Touareg
When it was new, individuals could not abdomen paying $60,000 for a Volkswagen Touareg. Now there are a number of 2017 (the ultimate 12 months it was on sale within the USA) fashions out there for $30,000. You may even get the restricted version Wolfsburg Version with 20,000 miles on the clock. The Touareg is without doubt one of the most misunderstood SUVs ever. Sure, it was costly, but it surely used the identical platform because the Cayenne and Audi Q7. The inside high quality is phenomenal, and VW included a great deal of luxurious options as commonplace.
After the notorious Dieselgate scandal, the V6 diesel was dropped from the vary. This left the three.6-liter VR6 engine as the one choice. The 280-hp output was ample, however that diesel engine was a tower of energy. When you can forgive VW for Dieselgate, purchase a kind of.
Volkswagen Toureg (Second Era)
Mannequin years
2011 – 2017
Base MSRP when new
$49,495 (2017 mannequin)
Engines
3.0L V6 turbodiesel
3.6L V6
3.0L supercharged V6 hybrid
Bentley Continental GT
Imagine it or not, the primary mannequin 12 months of the first-generation Continental GT has dipped beneath $30,000. However do not forget that it is now a 20-year-old automotive powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine. And whereas W-shapedd engines are magnificent, they’re extraordinarily costly to run and repair. Bentley boasted about Bluetooth connectivity, heated seats, and navigation on the time, however these gadgets are commonplace in most $30,000 vehicles nowadays. What you will not get in a contemporary $30k automotive is the Bentley’s consideration to element and sense of event. It is a good purchase if you’d like individuals to suppose you are wealthy. However when you’ve got any widespread sense, keep distant.
Bentley Continental GT (First Era)
Mannequin years
2004 – 2010
Base MSRP when new
$149,990 (2004 mannequin)
Engines
6.0L twin-turbo W12
Toyota Land Cruiser
We wanted a minimum of one massive, luxurious, and dependable SUV on this record, so the Vary Rover is out. Whereas the 2024 Land Cruiser nonetheless must show itself, the J200, launched in 2007, is almost inconceivable to kill. Its V8 engine wasn’t essentially the most highly effective round (the fashionable turbocharged four-pot is significantly better), and the design is bland, however that is the place the criticism stops.
The inside is well-insulated, and the seats are massive and comfortable. The cabin is outdated, but it surely has all the required luxuries, and also you get the concept that it’s going to final for ages. The trunk area is immense, and whereas it might not have a high security choose, it’s going to crush something in its path. And it could go wherever, because of low vary and a full-time 4WD system. It principally does the identical job because the Vary Rover, however reliably.
Toyota Land Cruiser (J200)
Mannequin years
2008 – 2021
Base MSRP when new
$85,665 (2021 mannequin)
Engines
5.7L V8
Associated
We drove the Land Cruiser off-road, and whereas it is impressively succesful, we’ve some questions.
Audi A8
Just like the Lexus LS, the Audi A8 takes a extra discreet method to luxurious motoring than its 7 Sequence and S-Class rivals. It is by no means been essentially the most enjoyable luxurious automotive to drive, but it surely’s the most effective at isolating occupants from the surface world. Not like the Lexus, the A8 is susceptible to extraordinarily excessive operating prices – it is German, in any case. Taking a look at gross sales information, a 2013 A8 L with 19,000 miles bought for underneath $30k in 2024. With its 4.0L turbocharged V8, this was a near-$90,000 automotive when it was new, demonstrating the impact of depreciation on these German luxurious barges. For a automotive that is over a decade previous, the third-gen A8 remains to be a good-looking sedan for those who’re trying to find supreme luxurious on a funds.
Audi A8 (Third Era)
Mannequin years
2011 – 2018
Base MSRP when new
$49,495 (2017 mannequin)
Engines
3.0L supercharged V6
3.0L turbodiesel V6
4.2L V8
4.0L turbocharged V8
6.3L W12
Cadillac Escalade
One of the recognizable symbols of American automotive luxurious, the third-generation Escalade now commonly dips beneath $30k on the used market. This model is not as refined as the brand new one, but it surely nonetheless comes with all of the leather-based, area, and V8 energy consumers on this phase crave. In 2024, a Platinum mannequin with the 6.2L V8 and solely 13,000 miles bought for across the $30k mark. It is a ton of automotive for the cash, and there ought to be fewer issues with the naturally aspirated V8 than the turbocharged engines discovered on many German luxurious sedans on this record.
Cadillac Escalade (Third Era)
Mannequin years
2007 – 2014
Base MSRP when new
$63,745 (2014 mannequin)
Engines
6.2L V8
6.0L V8 hybrid
Associated
These are our 10 greatest picks for those who’re searching for a premium automobile on a funds.