Most drivers consider luxury cars as pieces of automotive brilliance that cost a fortune. Although this might be the case for some iterations (i.e., the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Bentley Bacalar), not all hope is lost. A slew of surprisingly affordable luxury cars still lurk on the used market from automakers such as Audi, Cadillac, BMW, Porsche, and Lexus – all comfortably fitting a $25,000 budget.
Besides oozing an air of opulence across the board, these vehicles feature powertrains that generate head-turning performance figures. Regardless of their luxury status, these cars are all shades of reliable, meaning you won’t have to spend a fortune on routine repairs and maintenance. Without further ado, let’s take a peek at 10 cheap and reliable luxury cars that’ll plaster a smile on your face and stand the test of time.
How we made our model selections: HotCars analyzed luxury cars under the $25,000 mark (per Kelley Blue Book’s fair market value metric) and with J.D. Power’s Quality & Reliability scores of at least 80%. Featured models are ranked from the most expensive to the cheapest. Additional reliability information for average yearly maintenance costs was lifted from RepairPal, estimated maintenance costs for the first 10 years were trawled from CarEdge, and total recalls were sieved out from NHTSA.
15 Reliable Luxury Cars That Will Last For Years
If you’re looking for a dependable and opulent ride, these luxury cars will check the boxes as they provide these qualities and more.
10 2020 Acura TLX: $20,933
Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $440
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,364
- J.D. Power Reliability Ratings: 81/100
- Total Recalls: 4
The 2020 Acura TLX Luxury Sedan Costs Just $440 Per Year To Maintain
As the ’80s drew to a close, Japanese car manufacturers sought ways to enter the saturated North American automotive market. To aid this expansion-themed commitment, these entities went the way of creating distinct luxury sub-brands. Honda formed theirs — Acura — and has seen it move from strength to strength in over three decades. Although some Acura nameplates have gone under the radar, the TLX gained traction and gave the brand something to cheer about.
For the 2020 model year, the Acura TLX buzzes with a base 2.4-liter inline-four engine rated at 206 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque; that said, the top-spec 3.5-liter V6 TLX generates 290 horses and 267 lb-ft of torque. Although the 2020 TLX’s interior looks a tad busy, it denotes functionality with leather upholstery seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
9 2019 Infiniti Q50: $20,587
Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $638
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $8,136
- J.D. Power Reliability Ratings: 82/100
- Total Recalls: 1
The 2019 Infiniti Q50 Has A 400-Horsepower Twin-Turbo V6
The 2019 Infiniti Q50 has three distinct powertrains. While the variant tied to the base model is a turbocharged inline-four that gives out 208 horsepower, the summit of the performance spectrum lies a twin-turbocharged V6 that gives off 400 horsepower. These performance metrics place the 2019 Infiniti Q50 as
the overlooked sports sedan that offers roaring performance
.The 2019 Q50 keeps you connected with the revolutionary Infiniti InTouch system. Safety remains a top priority, with innovative driving assistance features like Forward Emergency Braking and Predictive Forward Collision Warning. But besides being fast and reliable, the Q50 boasts a stellar reliability track record among luxury performance cars, with an 82/100 J.D. Power reliability rating.
8 2017 Lexus IS: $19,378
Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $543
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,786
- J.D. Power Reliability Ratings: 89/100
- Total Recalls: 2
The Lexus IS Boasts An 89/100 J.D. Power Reliability Score
The “IS” is Lexus’ representative in the compact luxury sedan segment. For 2017, the Lexus IS has a variety of powertrain configurations. While the base IS200t features a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 241 horses, the IS300 and IS350 feature a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 255 horsepower and 306 horsepower, respectively.The 2017 Lexus IS has an interior that shares a semblance with a fighter jet’s cockpit, with sports seats and conspicuous switchgear. Technological add-ons such as a 7.0-inch display and a 10-speaker stereo system further elevate the car’s profile. With an estimated annual maintenance cost of $543, the 2017 Lexus IS slips into our list of
sedans with lower maintenance and repair costs
.
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10 Reliable Luxury Cars That Will Last 500,000 Miles
If you’re looking for a car that will never let you down, these luxury models are your best bet.
7 2013 Lexus LS: $17,629
Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $792
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,786
- J.D. Power Reliability Ratings: 85/100
- Total Recalls: 1
The 2013 LS Cements Its Dependability With An 85% J.D. Power Reliability Rating
Lexus is revered as one of the most reliable luxury car brands, as it makes more dependable vehicles when compared to its rivals; this fact is further evidenced by the impressive reliability ratings associated with its nameplates. And the 2013 Lexus LS is a testament to the entity’s commitment to luxurious dependability.
The 2013 LS is propelled by a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces a mind-boggling 386 horses and 367 pound-feet of torque when paired to a rear-wheel-drive configuration. The 2013 Lexus LS cements its luxurious stance with an interior fitted with high-quality leather seats and wood trim inserts; there’s also a 12.3-inch display on the car’s dashboard. With an 85/100 J.D. Power reliability rating, the 2013 Lexus LS is one of the most reliable luxury car alternatives to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class that you can buy without breaking the bank.
6 2011 Porsche Panamera: $14,317
Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,252
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $16,531
- J.D. Power Reliability Ratings: 78/100
- Total Recalls: 0
The 2011 Porsche Panamera Has A V8 That Coughs Up 550 Horsepower
The Porsche Panamera is deemed a luxury car bargain
as it seamlessly blends plush and affordability in one package. For 2011, the Panamera has five unique engine configurations. While the variant paired with the base trim was a 3.6-liter V6 that can belt out 500 horses, the top-of-the-line Turbo S has a 4.8-liter V8 that can generate a whopping 550 horsepower.Although the 2012 Porsche Panamera can only accommodate four passengers, featured seats provide great support, making long-distance trips hassle-free. Furthermore, safety add-ons like anti-lock brakes and traction control come as standard on all Panameras.
5 2015 Hyundai Genesis: $12,340
Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $556
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: N/A
- J.D. Power Reliability Ratings: 80/100
- Total Recalls: 4
The 2015 Genesis Features A 420-Horsepower V8
Genesis is Hyundai’s sub-brand that specializes in curating luxury cars and SUVs
. The 2015 Hyundai Genesis lacks a serious punch with a 3.8-liter V6 that can generate 311 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque; those who seek more pep can opt for the optional 5.0-liter V8, capable of belting out a stellar 420 galloping horses and 383 lb-ft of torque. There’s also an adjustable Sport Mode add-on that paves the way for aggressive and responsive driving when the need arises.The 2015 Hyundai Genesis witnessed a 3-inch wheelbase increment over its predecessor, thereby offering a noticeable bump in legroom, especially for those in the rear seats. Although the 2015 Genesis interior is deemed minimalist overall, it oozes class with leather-trimmed seats, clear and concise gauges, and a 7-inch display.
4 2016 BMW 3 Series: $10,323
Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $773
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $13,219
- J.D. Power Reliability Ratings: 83/100
- Total Recalls: 4
The 2016 BMW 3 Series Boasts A Solid 83/100 J.D. Power Reliability Rating
The 2016 BMW 3 Series breathes a new lease of life into the lineup, offering upgrades that see it stand apart from the fresh-faced competition. For 2016, the 340i, with a six-cylinder engine pushing out 320 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, takes the place of the 335i.The 2016 BMW 3 Series’ cabin oozes opulence, all thanks to the integration of high-quality materials. This automobile also seats five individuals on leather-themed upholstery; that said, the 2016 BMW 3 Series has front sports seats, power-adjustable front seats, heated rear and front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Technology-wise, this BMW lineup fields functionalities like a nine-speaker stereo system and BMW’s iDrive infotainment system as standard. The 2016 BMW 3 Series also has an 83/100 reliability rating from J.D. Power, thereby cementing itself as
one of the most reliable cars BMW has ever produced
.
3 2012 Lexus ES 350: $10,269
Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $415
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,488
- J.D. Power Reliability Ratings: 90/100
- Total Recalls: 3
The 2012 Lexus ES 350 Costs Only $415 To Maintain Per Year
The 2012 Lexus ES 350 is a luxury car that offers some serious pep. For context, it’s powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque when paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup gives the 2012 ES 350 a 0-60 mph sprint of 7 seconds.The Lexus ES 350 makes luxury its central theme, with supple leather and wood trim inserts. The car also provides ample headroom and legroom alongside a trunk that accommodates 14.7 cubic feet of cargo. Safety also takes precedence on this Lexus, as it has anti-lock brakes and stability and traction control. The 2012 Lexus ES 350 also has the highest J.D. Power reliability ratings on our listing, with a stellar 90% value.
10 Most Reliable Luxury Cars For Daily Use
While BMW may take three of the spots on our list of dependable luxury cars, there may be a surprise entry at the top of our list.
2 2007 BMW Z4: $9,065
Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $698
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $13,999
- J.D. Power Reliability Ratings: 85/100
- Total Recalls: 2
The 2007 BMW Z4 Comes In Convertible And Coupe Trims
A replacement for the uninspiring Z3, the BMW Z4 is a sports car every gearhead should drive. It made its debut at the 2003 Paris Motor Show and caused a stir with an excellent exterior aesthetic and peppy engine. For 2007, the BMW Z4 has two unique trims — the 3.0i Roadster 2D and 3.0si Roadster 2D. While the former has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that releases 215 horses and 185 lb-ft of torque, the 3.0si Roadster 2D denotes a performance uptick of 40 horsepower and 35 lb-ft of torque.
The 2007 Z4’s interior denotes high-quality materials and fields enough legroom and headroom (a phrase rarely associated with small convertibles). Although the 2007 BMW Z4 had several optional packages for extra allure, the Sport Package is preferred by many, as it includes BMW’s Dynamic Driving Control and a sports suspension for seamless handling.
1 2012 Cadillac CTS: $7,253
Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $635
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $13,406
- J.D. Power Reliability Ratings: 86/100
- Total Recalls: 2
The 2012 CTS Boasts Up To 318 HP From A 3.6-Liter V6
Almost 12 years on, the 2012 Cadillac CTS continues to make a statement in the luxury sport sedan segment. For starters, the CTS possesses a roomy interior comprising opulent materials and high-tech entertainment functionalities.
While the 2012 CTS comes standard with a 3.0-liter V6 that pushes out 265 horses and 220 pound-feet of torque, it’s pertinent to note that this model year witnessed the inauguration of a peppier 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 318 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. And despite the 2012 Cadillac CTS wielding a retinue of features that’ll see gearheads clamoring for it, it features a fair market price (according to Kelley Blue Book) of $7,253.
Sources: AccelerationTimes, Edmunds, KBB, NHTSA, J.D. Power, and vehicle manufacturer sites.
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