12 Dirt Cheap American Luxury Cars On The Used Market Today

Imagine cruising down the boulevard in a slice of American luxury, the sun setting in the rearview mirror as the city lights start to come to life. The allure of American luxury cars lies not just in their opulent interiors and smooth rides, but in the statement they make: a blend of classic elegance and bold, unapologetic presence.

The used car market is a treasure trove of cheap luxury cars for those who know where to look, offering up iconic brands and models that promise a premium experience at prices that can almost seem too good to be true. Let’s find out which American luxury cars offer the best value on the used market today.

UPDATE: 2024/04/27 12:32 EST BY DENNIS KARIUKI NJOKI

Due to fluctuating prices on the used car market, we’ve updated this list to reflect the latest pricing and added more models to the list.

How we made our Model Selection
: To identify the top 10 budget-friendly luxury American cars, we focused on luxury vehicles with an average used price of under $15,000, according to KBB’s fair market price. We set the age limit to 15 years, taking into account all American luxury vehicles that were in production from 2010 onwards. Performance and features were sourced from the respective manufacturers. Listed models were arranged in descending order, from the most expensive to the cheapest, based on their average used price.

12 2014 Cadillac XTS: $12,320

Specs

The 2014 XTS Blends Advanced Technology With Timeless Luxury

The 2014 Cadillac XTS is a proclamation of success and a vow that Cadillac is one of the best luxury car brands, seamlessly combining performance with technology and comfort. Its 304-horsepower engine ensures that this is not merely a luxury car; it’s an automobile that provides an exhilarating driving experience in addition to the available features such as Bose Studio Surround sound and Magnetic Ride Control suspension.

The Cadillac XTS is for those looking to drive the simple pleasures of luxury and technology that will always be timeless. With its advanced functionality and plush interior, every ride on the XTS is an event that proves luxury and innovation don’t have to be mutually exclusive. The XTS is one of those performance luxury sport sedans that offer great value for just over $12,000 on the used market.

Best Luxury Features

• Multi-level heated and ventilated driver and passenger seats
• Bose Studio Surround Sound audio system
• Leather and wood trim

11 2015 Cadillac ATS 2.5: $11,383

Specs

The 2015 ATS Offers Compact Luxury And Agile Handling

The 2015 Cadillac ATS reflects the rush of driving through its dynamic 2.5-liter inline-four engine with 202 horsepower, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, and six-speed paddle shift transmission. With a sophisticated interior anchored by the CUE infotainment system, the ATS offers seamless connectivity and opulence on every trip.

The ATS isn’t just about driving; with advanced safety technology and a stirring look to match, it’s tuned to your spirited desire for high-caliber performance and next-generation features. And it all comes at a competitive price of about $11,383 that opens up the world of luxury driving to those who always live life in motion.

Best Luxury Features

• Bucket front seats
• Bose premium brand audio system
• Magnetic Ride Control suspension

10 2014 Chrysler 300S: $11,043

Specs

The 2012 300S Combines Bold Styling With Power

Sleek luxury meets the road in the 2014 Chrysler 300. The 300’s bold looks say a lot about who you are, and the available luxurious appointments, like leather upholstery and simulated carbon fiber trim, say a lot about how you got there.

This luxury powerhouse has a commanding presence, with up to 292 horsepower in a 3.6-liter V6 engine, ensuring every trip comes with its own special blend of power and grace. Choose your soundtrack and listen to sublime quality with the available Beats by Dre audio system, and experience the control of the most advanced all-wheel-drive system in its class. The 2014 Chrysler 300 is a true classification of cool American luxury for budget collectors.

Best Luxury Features

• Multi-level heated driver seat
• Beats Audio premium audio system
• Leather and simulated carbon fiber trim

9 2013 Lincoln MKX: $10,778

Specs

The 2013 MKX Is Where Spacious Comfort Meets The Weekender

The 2013 Lincoln MKX seamlessly marries the ideals of luxury with potent performance (and adds enough cargo space for the luggage), thanks to its 305 horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine. The impressive THX II audio system and adaptive cruise control make sure that your time on the road is time well spent, enjoyable, and, most of all, personified.

Its advanced technology, extensive space, and slick interior design make every drive a spa day for the luxury lover. The 2013 Lincoln MKX is a triumphant study of affordable luxury, thanks to its average used price of about $10,778, making it one of the cheapest used luxury cars for sale.

Best Luxury Features

• Multi-level heated and cooled driver and passenger seats
• Alloy, leather, and chrome trim
• MyLincoln Touch with voice-activated navigation system

8 2013 Buick LaCrosse: $10,394

Specs:

The 2013 LaCrosse Is A Spacious Luxury Sedan With A Smooth Ride

The 2013 Buick LaCrosse is the symbol of luxury that doesn’t compromise your standards on a budget. A 303 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine is aided by an eAssist mild hybrid system that ensures the LaCrosse is as efficient as it is elegant. An available intelligent All-Wheel Drive gives you security without sacrifice with a more stable and secure ride.

Beyond, the Buick LaCrosse has a refined interior, complete with the quietest cabin in its class, and groundbreaking technologies from a Harman/Kardon premium audio system.

Besides being luxurious, though, the LaCrosse won’t stress you with maintenance costs as, like a few other used American luxury cars, it is surprisingly cheap to own and maintain.

Best Luxury Features

• Multi-level heated and ventilated driver and passenger seats
• Harman/Kardon premium audio system
• Leather, simulated wood, and simulated alloy trims

7 2011 Lincoln Town Car: $9,275

Specs

The 2011 Town Car Was The Last Of Its Name

For decades, the Lincoln Town Car was a popular sight in major US airports as it was the desired means of transport for deep-pocketed individuals. That’s because it offers plenty of cabin room for its occupants, thanks to its plus-size dimensions. This also means it has one of the largest trunks, offering a whopping 21 cubic feet of cargo room.

Although it was largely outdated compared to its modern counterparts, the Lincon Town Car offers impressive luxury features, including heated seats and a cabin upholstered in leather, alloy, and wood. 2011 was the last model year of the Lincoln Town Car, marking an end to one of America’s most iconic full-size luxury sedans. Used examples are among the cheapest luxury cars for sale today, averaging under $10,000 on the second-hand market.

Best Luxury Features

• Multi-level heated driver and passenger seats
• 9-speaker audio system and 1 subwoofer
• Leather, Alloy, and wood trim

6 2014 Buick Regal: $9,016

Specs

The 2014 Regal’s Sporty Sophistication Is Underrated

The 2014 Buick Regal is a car where performance meets luxury in a really beautiful package. The Regal’s available 259-horsepower 2.0-liter Turbo engine takes the driving experience to a thrilling level, while greater fuel efficiency can be had with the eAssist system. The revolutionary Interactive Drive Control System lets the discerning driver customize their driving dynamics, proving that luxury can indeed be smart and thrilling.

The Regal represents a beacon of value in the luxury market, with premium features included in the price without needing to add an extra premium. While now discontinued after 2020 for the United States market, we have plenty of reasons to miss the Buick Regal.

Best Luxury Features

• Multi-level heated driver seat
• Bose premium brand audio system
• Leather, simulated wood, and chrome trim

5 2012 Cadillac CTS 3.6: $8,817

Specs

The 2012 CTS Blends Elegance With Performance

Get ready to treat yourself to a world where power meets sheer luxury with the 2012 Cadillac CTS, the pinnacle of American elegance. Step inside, and you’re welcomed by an ambiance that fuses beauty with utility, decked in soft-touch materials and elegant wood trim that highlights its sophistication. With the adaptive remote start system, your ride is ready when you are, adapting seamlessly to any weather conditions.

Other standout luxury features include a Bose premium audio system and heated driver and passenger seats that ensure that you get to where you’re going in style. If you are looking for an affordable luxury car with a budget of under $10,000, the 2012 CTS ticks all the boxes, and it comes with a potent 240-hp Ford EcoBoost engine.

Best Luxury Features

• Multi-level heated driver and passenger seats
• Bose premium brand speakers
• Simulated carbon fiber trim
• Adaptive remote start system

4 2013 Lincoln MKZ: $8,520

Specs

The 2013 MKZ Is A Fusion Of Technology And Comfort

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ, a true icon of American reliability, luxury, and longing boasts a 240-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Imagine the sky above you, unobstructed, thanks to a fully retractable panoramic glass roof. Night drives? They’re transformed with adaptive LED headlights, making every journey an event to remember. The MKZ stands out as a marvel of innovation, draped in unmistakable style.

Driving the MKZ is choosing opulence and comfort, with an inexpensive luxury-looking interior that’s all about premium materials and an exquisite infotainment system that keeps you connected, no matter where you are.

Best Luxury Features

• Multi-level heated driver and passenger seats
• 11-speaker audio system with satellite radio
• Wood and alloy trim
• Retractable panoramic glass roof

3 2011 Cadillac STS: $8,222

Specs

The 2011 STS Is An All-Round Mid-Size Luxury Sedan

The Cadillac name is synonymous with Americans as it is one of the oldest luxury car brands. It has been in the luxury business for decades, and you can collect some of its thoroughly depreciated models, like the STS, for next to nothing. According to KBB, a 2011 Cadillac STS goes for about $8,222; hence, it makes our list of the most affordable luxury cars on sale today.

The STS is not as popular as other Cadillacs on this list, but it sat between the CTS and the DTS in Cadillac’s luxury model lineup. It is a well-rounded member of the family, offering a stylish exterior, agile handling, and respectable performance. The interior is equally decent, featuring some high-tech gizmos, real wood trim, and aluminum accents.

Best Luxury Features

• Multi-level heated and ventilated driver and passenger seats
• Bose premium brand audio system
• Leather, wood, and alloy trim

2 2010 Cadillac CTS Luxury: $7,089

Specs:

The 2010 CTS Features Beautiful Styling Inside Out

Since it came into existence in 2003, the Cadillac CTS has been redefining the American luxury segment with its eye-catching styling, comfortable ride quality, and incredible performance. For 2010, the Cadillac CTS received a new base engine that was more powerful than the previous 3.6-liter base engine.

There were no significant changes in the interior, with the CTS offering a pleasant mix of available wood and leather accents and tasteful alloy trim. Complementing this look was a beautifully stitched soft-touch dash covering that made the CTS’ interior stand out as one of the most elegant designs in the mid-size luxury segment. These features make the 2010 CTS such a bargain, as you can snag one today for about $7,089.

Best Luxury Features

• Multi-level heated driver and passenger seats
• Bose premium brand speakers
• Leather and wood trim

1 2010 Cadillac DTS: $7,066

Specs

The 2010 DTS Is Where Classic Opulence Meets Commanding Presence

Discover the timeless sophistication of the 2010 Cadillac DTS: a car that combines traditional Cadillac excellence with technological innovation. There are a number of eye-catching options as well, such as Night Vision and a heated steering wheel, so it’s easy to tailor the DTS to reflect your personality.

Above all, the DTS is a throwback to Cadillac’s roots as a luxury car brand, showing the true meaning behind the Cadillac logo, offering a spacious and lavishly appointed interior. Indeed, when you choose the DTS, you’re choosing a car with ample backseat legroom for even tall adults.

Best Luxury Features

• Massaging seats
• Cooled, multi-level heated driver and passenger seats
• Bose premium brand audio system
• Wood trim

Source: Kelley Blue Book