10 Used High-End Luxury Cars That Are Affordable To Own Today

Most people will tell you to stray far away from a used high-end luxury car. Expensive repair bills and broken features can quickly become a nightmare for those wanting a nice yet reliable vehicle. It is not always the case though, with plenty of options from brands like Lexus or Mercedes on the used market for affordable luxury vehicles that will still get you to work every day. In most cases, luxury cars are some of the most reliable vehicles ever made with all of the attention to detail during production.

It can be hard to decipher which models will hold together for years to come. Thankfully, we have done the research to make this list of 10 high-end luxury vehicles that are still affordable. We will dive into the used purchase price, reliability, features, and more to give you the best choices available today. Whether it is a weekend car or a daily driver, each entry on this list is affordable in its purchase price as well as maintenance for years to come.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Kelley Blue Book (KBB), RepairPal, J.D. Power, Edmunds, EPA, and official manufacturer websites. These models have been ranked based on their price, reliability, and features.

10 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350

Average Used Price: $10,366

Punching just below the uber luxurious Mercedes S-Class, the Mercedes-Benz E350 does a great job at providing enough luxuries to warrant a $10,000 used purchase price. A decade after its release, the E350 still keeps a premium interior feel even if it is missing the ventilated seats you would find in the S-Class. Pushing the luxury sedan around is a 302 horsepower V-6 that will keep ticking for another decade without much hassle.

Performance Specifications

When it was new, the 2014 E350 rang in at just over $55,000, meaning that the average used purchase price of $10,000 nowadays is a bargain bin price. With a 0 to 60 MPH time of just under six seconds and enough power to kick the back end out, the E350 is also a riot to drive around. Its no Mercedes-AMG, but the E350 definitely gets the job done.

Pros

• 5.8 second 0-60 MPH time
• Power-adjustable, heated, position memory seating
• Premium interior that is nearly silent

Cons

• Outdated infotainment software
• Nine recalls to make sure they are done
• Bland exterior design

9 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550

Average Used Price: $6,899

When thinking of luxury vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is one of the first brands to be brought up, and for good reason. Vehicles like the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550 set the stage for many luxury vehicles to come. Heated and ventilated front seats, air suspension, and a massive V-8 engine to haul you around in 2008 would set you back $86,700. Now, you can find an S550 for under $10,000, which may need a bit of work to get up to date, but afterward, you will have a very reliable yet luxurious sedan.

Performance Specifications

Although it is an older entry on our list, the S550 still earns a spot by having great ownership reviews on Edmunds. Not only do those who own them adore them, but with minimal maintenance, the S550 will keep running for many years to come. There are some faults, such as the air suspension wearing out, but if one is kept up on, it shouldn’t give you much headache.

Pros

• Automatic air suspension for a smooth ride
• Heated and ventilated, electronically adjustable front seats
• Complete Harman Kardon sound system

Cons

• Large displacement V-8 is a gas guzzler at 19 CMB MPG
• HVAC blower motor is a common failure
• Very large vehicle to drive around being a sedan

8 2010 Audi A6

Average Used Price: $8,938

One step above the A4, the Audi A6 fills a need for those who want to show off a bit without shelling out for the top model. What this means now is that there is a host of them on the used market for well under $10,000. Selling for $53,310 when new, the 2010 Audi A6 has become a secret used luxury car to buy. Between the phenomenal all-wheel-drive system and the supercharged V-6, the quiet interior of the A6 becomes your favorite place to be.

Performance Specifications

Yet another case of a high-end luxury vehicle that has depreciated heavily, the 2010 Audi A6 makes for the perfect daily driver. As long as the one you are driving has been relatively maintained, the transmission won’t let you down, allowing for a cheap alternative to a brand-new Audi. It may not have the best infotainment software anymore, but if you can get past that, there isn’t much else to complain about inside.

Pros

• Power adjustable and heated seats
• Reliable Audi Quattro all-wheel drive system
• Supercharged V-6 power delivery

Cons

• Thirsty engine setup with 21 CMB MPG
• Transmissions without maintenance will get rough
• Bland exterior styling

7 2016 Hyundai Genesis

Average Used Price: $13,113

Stepping into the 2016 Hyundai Genesis, you are greeted by swathes of leather, aluminum, and other premium materials. Sitting down, you will be wrapped in a heated and ventilated front seat, as well as providing lumbar support. Standard safety features keep you focused on the road ahead, and a high-quality audio system lets you jam out for the trip. What you would normally expect from a six-figure car is now in your hands for roughly $13,000.

Performance Specifications

Not only does the 2016 Hyundai Genesis have a phenomenal interior, it is lugged around by a powerful 5.0-liter V-8 engine. Producing 420 horsepower, the V-8 makes the Hyundai boogie down the road at a speed you would expect from an AMG Mercedes. They hit the nail on the head just before the company was split as well, since the V-8 Hyundai gets high marks for reliability from RepairPal. We would keep our eyes peeled for one, as the value is certainly up there.

Pros

• Host of advanced safety features
• Adaptive cruise control as standard
• 123 cubic feet of interior space

Cons

• Very thirsty V-8 with 18 CMB MPG
• Rear seats do not fold down
• On the cusp before Genesis became its own brand

6 2014 Infiniti Q70

Average Used Price: $13,078

A wonderful combination of style, performance, and luxuries, the 2014 Infiniti Q70 is often forgotten because of its low sales numbers. For those who know, however, the Q70 is secretly the best luxury sedan you can buy for under $15,000. The 3.7-liter V-6 engine is punchy and derives a great amount of reliability from the VQ engine platform. These are the same engines you will see in the Nissan 350Z, but larger and more powerful.

Performance Specifications

Inside the Q70 you will find a more subdued interior, but that is not to say it is without its luxuries. Dual-zone climate control, push-to-start, and a power-tilting moonroof give you an air of high-end driving without having to spring for a beefy full-size car. While some may see the stiffer suspension as a downside, we enjoy the sportier driving feel you get, allowing you to use all 330 horsepower from the V-6.

Pros

• Hybrid version available for more MPG
• Classy interior feel with calm leather colors
• Sportier driving characteristics than most on this list

Cons

• Firm ride quality for a luxury vehicle
• V-6 fuel economy is sub-par
• Noisy from engine area during acceleration

5 2010 Porsche Panamera

Average Used Price: $7,159

The Porsche Panamera is quickly becoming the best-kept secret for reliable luxury vehicles that don’t cost a fortune. With a large V-8 engine up front and miles of legroom in the rear seats, the Panamera makes up for its rather silly-looking exterior shape. Known for their beautiful 911 sports car, Porsche dropped the ball with the Panamera on that front. However, they knocked it out of the park everywhere else.

Performance Specifications

An advanced all-wheel-drive system and the classic Porsche PDK transmission lets the Panamera rocket to a 4.7-second 0-60 MPH time. Combining this performance with a well-trimmed interior, the Panamera would run you close to $75,000 without options when new. So, for 10 percent of the cost now, it is a no-brainer to pick one up.

Pros

• Dual-clutch automatic is precise
• Porsche build quality is durable
• Sports car driving aspects with loads of rear passenger room

Cons

• Very goofy roofline
• Outdated infotainment system
• Could feel faster for the big V-8

4 2012 Lincoln MKS

Average Used Price: $6,903

Yet another best-kept secret of high-end used luxury vehicles is the 2012 Lincoln MKS. Powered by a Ford EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, the MKS has plenty of grunt to compete with the likes of Audi or Mercedes. However, it doesn’t stop at the engine, as the MKS also has a quality leather interior that houses a host of standard features. You will find heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, and more, all for under $7,000 used.

Performance Specifications

The EcoBoost V-6 will keep plugging away for years to come, and has proven itself with numerous Ford applications. The 2012 MKS on its own has a reliability rating of 86/100 from J.D. Power, making it one of the highest on this list. Although some will point to a high estimated annual repair bill, the Lincoln MKS will rarely see the shop if it has had a history of general maintenance.

Pros

• Good power and MPG from the twin-turbo V-6
• Spacious interior
• Host of standard features

Cons

• Lazy handling but stiff suspension
• Interior materials could be more durable
• Boring design throughout

3 2013 Audi A4

Average Used Price: $7,440

The updated 2013 Audi A4 made way for plenty of comfort, convenience, and performance for being the entry-level model. A tried and true Audi 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder makes a mountain of torque to power all four wheels. New in 2013 was the switch to electric steering as well, furthering the precise performance of the A4. Throughout the interior, you will find a timeless design with premium materials, making it feel like it is not a decade-old vehicle.

Performance Specifications

Considering the A4 had an MSRP of $32,500, it isn’t the greatest depreciation we have seen on this list. However, the value is still immense. A 10-speaker premium audio system and heated leather seating for close to $7,000 is hard to come by. Having the whole package of performance, quality interior, and great reliability gets the Audi A4 onto this list.

Pros

• Classy and modern cabin design
• Plentiful standard features
• Handles surprisingly well

Cons

• Hard-to-navigate infotainment
• Cramped back seat
• Lacking a wagon body style after model refresh

2 2015 Cadillac ATS

Average Used Price: $11,557

A sibling to the respected Cadillac CTS, the ATS just takes two of the doors away. The 2015 Cadillac ATS holds its own against the rest on this list with a reliability score of 79/100 from J.D. Power. Fewer trips to the shop for maintenance and repairs mean lower ownership costs, and on a luxury vehicle, we can’t ask for more than that.

Performance Specifications

What some may see as the older demographic vehicle, the Cadillac has always been a staple in American luxury machines. It may not have the looks of a Porsche or Mercedes, but it does have a presence on the road. Sinking into a leather recliner of a driver’s seat for a long trip will always be a rewarding experience as well.

Pros

• Classy and cushy Cadillac interior
• Very quick 3.6-liter V-6 engine
• Sleek coupe design

Cons

• Small back seat and trunk
• Infotainment and climate controls are hard to use
• Base model engine is slow and noisy

1 1998 Lexus LS400

Average Used Price: $3,629

There wouldn’t be a list of affordable high-end luxury vehicles without the Lexus LS400. Specifically, the 1998 model year, the LS400, received a nice refresh from the initial design but kept everything that was adored in it. The 1UZ Toyota-derived V-8 engine has enough power to move the large luxury sedan but will run for a literal million miles. Finding what used to be a roughly $60,000 LS400 for under $5,000 gives you incredible value.

Performance Specifications

Although most on the market are a boring beige color, the LS400 washes your worries away after stepping inside. There is a host of electric adjustability, as well as multiple square feet of quality wood and leather trimmings. Our only major downside to the LS400 is the gas guzzling V-8. With a combined MPG of 19, you will be seeing the pump quite a bit throughout its lifespan.

Pros

• Most value per luxuries
• Extremely reliable V-8 engine
• Whisper quiet interior

Cons

• Ugly exterior colors
• Gas guzzling V-8
• Two decades-old technology