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35 Used Luxury Vehicles That Are Now Great Bargains

Cameron Eittreim October 30, 2019

23. Lexus SC400

When the Lexus brand was launched, it hit the market amidst much fanfare. The SC400 was a precision-built Japanese luxury sports car. Incorporating one of the first V8 engines to come from Toyota, the SC400 was a powerful performer taking on the likes of the SL500. Even on the used car market, the SC400 is a stellar bargain. The V8 engine that was developed for the Lexus brand is still one of the most reliable and well-made engines to this day.

Lexus is a brand that was developed to take on the finest coming out of Germany. Every inch of the SC400 was researched and precision built. The quality standards that came out of the Lexus brand were higher than most automakers were implementing at the time. What that meant for the SC400 is that you’ll get an exceptional car to this day. It’s not uncommon to find an SC400 with a reasonable amount of mileage that still runs strong. Everything about the SC400 is a quality sports car with more than enough power and refinement.

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22: Jaguar X-Type R

When it comes to luxury cars that get a bad rap, the X-Type is at the forefront. The ordinary X-Type model was a bit of a let down in terms of reliability. Owners of the X-Type spent more time with their vehicles in the shop as opposed to on the road. Due to lackluster sales, the X-Type never really managed to gain a foothold on the market. The Type R was a special edition that was powered by a V8. If you want a stellar bargain for a high-powered sports sedan, the X-Type R is worth finding.

Due to the reputation of the car, the resale value is very low, so you can save thousands on this car. Due to the limitations of technology at the time, the X-Type is ahead of the curve. The car had a lot of standard luxury features that made it quite comfortable. In the Type-R trim, the X-Type has a completely custom front grille and fascia. Couple that with a two-tone leather interior the X-Type is a solid ride for the price. You can expect to pay a little bit more for an X-Type R over the standard model, but it won’t be by much.

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21. Lincoln LS

Another high-performance luxury sedan that came out during the early 2000s was the Lincoln LS. While you might not equate the Lincoln brand with speed or performance, the LS was a step in the right direction. Lincoln was going for a younger demographic when the LS was released. Power was derived from the same V8 engine that could be found in the X-Type R, which gave the LS an exceptional amount. The LS was a step above the Town Car, which had been the staple of the Lincoln lineup for decades.

Although the LS didn’t achieve the sales volume Ford execs hoped for, the sedan was still an ample performer. There were a lot of issues with reliability in regards to the transmission. But the good thing about buying a used car is that many of these problems have already been remedied. If you are looking for one of the last big, V8-powered sedans, the LS stands out. You get the refinement of a Lincoln and throaty V8 of a muscle car. It’s the best of both worlds if you love performance but don’t want to sacrifice.

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20. Infiniti G20

Where do we begin with the G20? The compact Infiniti sedan has been on the road since the early 90s and offered drivers a fun and affordable way to get a luxury car. The G20 doesn’t look like much, and at first glance that’s alright. When you get behind the wheel of the G20, you’re in for something special. The overall size of the G20 is compact, about the same as a Sentra. But its light weight helps propel the car with authority.

The final years of G20 production gave the car a more contemporary look. The subtle styling is still handsome, especially in the red paint scheme. Interior wise, the G20 had higher quality materials than you might expect in this price bracket. G20 shoppers had the option of getting a navigation system or the Bose sound system. All in all, the G20 is a stellar compact luxury sedan for anyone who wants to enjoy their driving experience without breaking the bank. Finding a manual transmission G20 is a tad bit more difficult, and you can expect to pay extra.

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19. Mitsubishi Lancer EVO

What was at one point one of the most expensive production sedans on the market, the EVO is a performance sedan that offers serious bang for the buck. The Lancer EVO has been known for its performance all around the world. The car is a legend in the eyes of many professional drifters. You can get an EVO on the used market nowadays for a lot less than the sedan was when it was brand new. The EVO incorporated a good deal of luxury items such as leather Recaro racing seats and a complimentary navigation system.

The Lancer EVO stood out from the crowd in terms of design. You just don’t find a vehicle that looks this unique anymore. Developing a worldwide reputation for performance is no easy feat, and the EVO has done it in stride. This sedan is very within range for most shoppers now. Whether you want one for its legendary name or just to drive one of the best performance sedans ever made, the EVO is a standout vehicle that will look great in your garage and on the road.

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18. BMW M3 (E90)

BMW is not a brand that ages well when it comes to the residual value. Sadly, as with most luxury cars, BMWs loses most of its value when it drives off the lot. The E90 generation of the 3-Series was notable for its exceptional on-road manners and refined interior. The M3 was the sport model of the generation and it’s gone down in value over the past decade. Getting your hands on an M3 has never been cheaper. Decent examples are going for less than $20,000. This generation of the M3 is a stellar bargain for that price, and buyers get a lot of great features.

The sports package on the M3 comes with a beefier engine, alloys, and an appearance package. In addition to the exterior enhancements, the M3 also came with a built-in navigation system. Overall, the M3 presents a well-rounded sports sedan. You’ll notice that the timeless exterior styling is one of the reasons the 3-Series remains a popular choice on the used car market. When it comes to elite driving attributes at a reasonable price, the E90 variation of the M3 is a standout deal.

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17. Porsche Boxster (987)

You probably don’t think the Boxster was an affordable luxury car, but the entry-level Porsche has been getting much better in price. The first thing that’s great about the Boxster is its lightweight and affordable design. Drivers just don’t find a lightweight sports car that was built with this level of quality anymore. Even though the original Boxster is over 20 years old, the car has a timeless style. The Boxster is one of the last roadsters to feature a lightweight and fun-to-drive Porsche style.

Porsche Boxster via Bing — Photo Credit: Porsche

Timeless driving manners aren’t the only benefit of the Boxster. The roadster also featured an updated interior with such options as heated leather seating. The overall design of the Boxster is something you can enjoy driving every day. There’s a reason why the Boxster has been one of the most popular Porsche models to date. The car offers a stellar amount of quality in a fun-to-drive vehicle. Resale values have decreased in the first generation Boxster and you can now get one for less than $5,000.

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16. Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen has always been able to offer drivers a signature German ride with high-quality materials, and the Golf R is no different. The first thing that makes the Golf R stand out from the regular GTI model is the turbocharged engine. There’s also a bit of weight reduction to make this Golf lighter than the average consumer version. The Golf has long been the car for sophisticated but frugal shoppers who still want quality.

There’s nothing cheap about the Golf, and that’s a good thing. The car drives like a baby Audi, and its precision German engineering shines when you take this thing out on the road. Volkswagen has gone to great lengths to reduce cabin noise, so you’ll notice a significant reduction over previous models. As with any Volkswagen, the Golf R is going to have its fair share of reliability issues. But with steady repairs and maintenance, it will be a reliable car for many years to come.

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15. Chevrolet Corvette (C5)

The Corvette has always been thought of as an expensive vehicle, but in recent years used models have become a great “everyman” vehicle. If you want an exhilarating blend of sheer horsepower and some nice luxury features, the Corvette is above average. C5 models are the most modern and comfortable to date, and resale prices have fallen below $5,000 for some models. You can expect to get a C5 with a bit of mileage on the odometer, but the GM-derived LS1 motor is one of the most reliable engines to come out of Detroit.

Later years saw special edition models such as the ZL1 and the Z06, which will set you back quite a bit. But a basic convertible or coupe model will be a reasonable price. For that investment, you get one of the best driving Corvette models to ever hit the market. The design is sleek and still looks excellent to this day. There’s nothing outdated about a C5 Corvette and the timeless style has helped it to remain one of the most popular sports cars. If you want a pure driving experience like nothing else, a C5 is far from a bad option.

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Audi RS4 via Bing — Photo Credit: Edmunds

14. Audi RS4

Audi is a driver-oriented car brand. Generally speaking, Audi had fallen out of favor during the early 2000s. The designs were unimaginative. But if you want a V8-powered German sports sedan that wouldn’t break the bank, the RS4 is for you. This beast of a sedan is seldom found with a V8 under the hood, which makes it rare. The RS4 can hold its own against the likes of the M3 and other sport sedans.

Audi has always been a stickler about interior quality, and the RS4 is no different. You’ll notice that every RS4 utilizes a high-quality interior. The factory seating is very comfortable. The performance was one of the strongest parts of the RS4. The precision-engineered V8 is utilizing the same technology that you’d find in a Porsche. The RS4 was a relatively compact sedan, which made it a blast to drive. Finding a used RS4 is not too hard to accomplish. Most of these sedans will have relatively low mileage which makes for a great sports sedan.

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13. Dodge Charger R/T

When the Dodge Charger burst onto the scene for the 2006 model year, it was one of the most popular cars to hit the market. Consumers went crazy for the blocky muscle car look and the Hemi V8 engine that came under the hood. Surprisingly enough, early examples of this sedan can be had for less than $10,000. For that price, you get the 368 Horsepower Hemi V8 engine and a car that has a pretty much timeless design. The Charger had a lot of interior features that made it comfortable.

The first generation of the new Charger came in a variety of different packages such as the Daytona and then Rumble Bee. These special editions still look great to this day, and the Charger has one of the roomiest interiors you can get. If you want a powerful V8 that will leave an impression, you can’t go wrong with the Hemi V8. The resale values are still reasonable so you can find a low mileage Charger for a decent price.

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12. Hyundai Genesis GT Coupe

Although you probably don’t realize it, the Hyundai Genesis has been around for a decade now. In that time the coupe has become the hidden jewel of the performance world. The Genesis offers superb power and performance at a bargain-basement price. Getting your hands on a first-generation Genesis can be an exhilarating feeling. Get behind the wheel of the V8 or V6 version and you’re in for a lightning-fast sports car that still looks good after all this time. Features in the Genesis include a plush leather interior.

The cool thing about the Genesis is the fact that it is a rear-wheel-drive coupe. Rear-wheel drive is not something that you traditionally see on modern cars anymore. As such, the Genesis is a fun-to-drive performance coupe that combines a lightweight driving experience and powerful acceleration. You can find a Genesis coupe on the used car market for under $7,000. This price is a steal for a car that feels like it’s a lot more expensive. The overall design of the Genesis will leave a smile on your face as well as the other drivers in your mirrors.

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11. Cadillac CTS-V

Cadillac was, at one point in time, the pinnacle of luxury in the automotive world. But as German and Japanese automakers advanced in terms of technology, Cadillac fell by the wayside. Cadillac was a brand that was equated with elderly customers, and that image hurt the brand’s sales. The CTS was born out of Cadillac’s “art and design” advertising campaign. In terms of the design of the car, the sharp edges and contoured design gave the CTS a futuristic look that was ahead of its time.

The thing that made the Cadillac CTS-V stand out from the crowd was the Corvette LS-Series engine that was under the hood. Car enthusiasts were taken aback by its exceptional horsepower and performance. If you want an exciting car that you can throw around on the track and in person, the CTS-V is a car that will take you there. Values on the CTS-V have remained steady but the car is very affordable. You can get an early CTS-V on a budget with low mileage and minimal wear. This particular Cadillac is sure to be a collector’s item in the future.

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10. BMW 8-Series

You’ve seen the 8-Series before. It’s a BMW that makes a statement wherever it goes. The interesting coupe was the talk of the 90s and was driven by celebrities such as Eazy-E. What made the 8-Series so cool? For starters, this BMW has one of the best V-12 engines to come out of the factory. To get V-12 power back then was not an easy feat. The 8-Series was a step above the rest in terms of refinement and new technology, so people went for it. Even today, the 8-Series is an affordable supercar that still offers exhilarating performance.

The main problem with the 8-Series was the expensive maintenance schedule. Owners would often complain about the frequent maintenance that the big V8-12 engine required. But if you can afford the maintenance and you want a V-12 powered supercar the 8-Series is a standout choice. Performance coupes have evolved a lot since the 8-Series hit the market, and yet the car still offers a great driving experience.

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Porsche 928 via Bing — Photo Credit: Car Domain

9. Porsche 928

Touring cars are a mixture of versatility and performance. There are times when you’re going to want to hit the open road without the discomfort of a sports coupe. The 928 was famously featured in the movie Scarface. One of its many good features on the 928 was the four-seat interior. The rear seating is roomy enough for four full-sized adults to enjoy a weekend out at the golf course. There weren’t very many Porches that had a functional backseat.

Enthusiasts enjoy the pure driving the 928 provides. You get the best of both worlds in terms of a functional vehicle that you can drive every day. Most Porsches are kept as a secondary collector’s car, and the 928 was the first mainstream model. The 928 was essentially the precursor for the Panamera. Owning a passenger Porsche is a unique experience, and the 928 makes it an affordable option for the everyman. If you’ve always dreamed about owning a Porsche but you need passenger seating, the 928 is a stellar vehicle.

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G35 via Bing — Photo Credit: Motor Trend

8. Infiniti G35

The next-generation midsize Infiniti sedan was the G35, bringing a combination of modern styling and class to the segment. The G35 was unique in that it was based on the Nissan 350Z. Drivers got the same engine and powertrain but with a slightly more comfortable package. The coupe version of the G35 was the Nissan 350Z through and through, with the addition of a fully functional backseat. The resale value of the G35 sedan and coupe has remained very affordable, and even a high mileage G35 can be a great purchase.

Infiniti G35 via Bing — Photo Credit: Top Speed

The model was perfected from year to year, and there was even a sport version of the G35 which added a bit of flair to the mix. G35 driving characteristics are in line with the sports car heritage the 350Z brings to the table. The G35 is among one of the best examples of what a luxury sports sedan and coupe bring to the table. The price is affordable enough that just about anyone can get one. If you’ve always wanted an affordable luxury car that still performs great, the G35 is it.

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7. Rolls-Royce Silver Spur

The 90s were an excellent time for the luxury car industry. Technology had finally advanced enough that automakers could provide a full-featured vehicle with all the bells and whistles drivers wanted on the road. Rolls-Royce is a brand that has always been equated with the highest standards of quality. The Silver Spur was known as the go-to large car for celebrities and its performance was exemplary. Interior-wise, the Silver Spur is one of the most luxurious large exotic sedans on the market. Resale values have dropped enough that you can get a stellar deal on one of these vehicles.

The Silver Spur has a powerful V-12 engine under the hood. People who enjoy how to drive will enjoy how the Silver Spur takes twists and turns with authority. No matter how old the Silver Spur gets, the car commands attention. The reliability of the Silver Spur has been questionable and you can expect to spend a pretty penny on repairs and maintenance. But maintenance issues aside, the Silver Spur is a notable performer that combines a high level of luxury with a fun demeanor.

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6. Audi S6

Another high-powered German car on our list is the Audi S6. Audi has a penchant for making fun sports sedans that deliver serious performance. The S6 is one of these standout models. The first thing that we noticed about the S6 is its powerful V10 engine. 435 horsepower will guide you with authority on the freeway and just about everywhere else. The S6 is a stellar deal that has lost a good amount of value since it was new. This is good news for used luxury car buyers who want serious performance that delivers.

We like the S6 for its quality and refinement. The S6 is a big sedan, with a plethora of luxury features that make it a great vehicle. There are other big improvements that the S6 has over the rest of the Audi line, such as a phenomenal passenger area. The backseat on the S6 is huge and remains a big factor to this day. The sheer engineering of the S6 is what has propelled the sedan to such longevity. The smooth-running, powerful V10 engine has a level of quality that you’d only find in a German automobile. If you want a powerful exotic that almost anyone can afford, the Audi S6 is a great choice.

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5. BMW M6

Another rare occurrence on the roads right now is the M6. You might have seen the large super-coupe roaming an urban area near you, but there were very few of these actual M6 models put into production. This is another example of a fine BMW V10 engine going to work. In terms of sheer design, the M6 coupe is a thing of pure beauty and still looks great to this day. Even though the car was released in 2007, you’d think that it just rolled off of the assembly line. The quality of the M6 is unparalleled and the powerful engine makes the vehicle a sheer joy to drive.

Owners will be taken aback by the on-road driving characteristics that make the car such a pleasurable experience. The overall design is top-notch, to say the least, and the car retains its signature quality. There is also a convertible version of the M6 which came with a retractable roof. Whichever way you slice it, the M6 is one of the most exhilarating performance coupes on the market. Nowadays, you can get one for a very affordable price, thousands less than the vehicle was when it first rolled onto dealerships.

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4. Jaguar XJR

There are quite a few exotic performance sedans that were misunderstood in the last few decades, and the XJR is one such example. The car had fallen out of favor with the buying public due to outdated design. Thus, most automotive enthusiasts never gave the performance version a try. But the Jaguar XJR is a very powerful sedan that can handle business on the track or the street. The car rides on the iconic XJ platform that stayed in production for decades.

The powerful, supercharged V8 engine is one of the best to come from Jaguar. XJR drivers will feel the precision that this car rides with. There are very few vehicles on the road that can match the XJR in terms of build quality and performance. If you’re one of the lucky few who get to take an XJR out for a spin, you will thoroughly enjoy everything the car has to offer. The unique design elements make the XJR a piece of automotive history. XJR models were only available in a few choice colors, and production was low. If you manage to find a used XJR in good shape, you’re in for something special.

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3. Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

The AMG lineup has been delivering hard-hitting sports cars for decades. Some models are utilizing a supercharged V6, while others have a potent V8 engine under the hood. The AMG Line is generally a very rare addition to the Mercedes fleet and these great cars hold value. The E63 was one of the first modern AMG models to hit the market and it featured a powerful V8 engine with all of the new bells and whistles. The E63 was part of the new design philosophy at Mercedes and the car is beautiful to this day.

Drivers of the E63 will appreciate all of the unique luxury features such as the adjustable rear seating. You and your passengers will be riding in sheer comfort when you take the E63 out for a spin. If you prefer to drive alone, the E63 is a purist sport sedan and there are a ton of enhancements that have been made. The car drives like it was designed to hug the road with an electronic sports suspension. The great thing about the E63 is that it is still a livable car to this day.

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2. Porsche 911 Carrera

While the Porsche Boxster was the everyman’s Porsche, the Carrera was a $100,000 driving machine that was developed for exhilaration. Take a seat in this iconic sports car and you’ll feel the powerful V6 take you by storm. This model was one of the iconic Porsches of the new millennium. With all of its luxury options, this car was an expensive model back when it was new. But with the used car market, you can grab a Carrera for a bargain nowadays. Maintenance on these cars was not bad, and the Carrera has a pretty decent reliability rating from consumers.

Driving a Porsche is an experience, and if you’re ready to step up from the Boxster, this is how to do it. The Carrera was developed for the track, and you can feel it when you take it out on the road. Nothing is slow or outdated about this car, and even a 2005 Carrera will still garner attention wherever you go. So whether you are new to Porsches or this was your dream car, a used Carrera can be an excellent choice. The car is scary fast and provides enough options for a comfortable ride.

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Lesux IF-A — Photo Credit: Auto Evolution

1. Lexus IS F

As the years have gone by, Lexus has continued to evolve into a full-fledged luxury car company. Originally, Lexus was launched with two vehicles, the ES250 and the LS400. In the late 1990s, the economy was booming and young tech entrepreneurs wanted something sporty. Thus, the IS200 was born. The compact executive car was meant to compete with the BMW 3-Series and it did in every aspect. The IS200 was fun to drive, compact, and featured a powerful engine.

LExus IF-A — Photo Credit: Auto Evolution

A cult following was gained for the original Lexus IS200. To this day the car remains popular. If you want a lightweight and reliable compact luxury car, you couldn’t go wrong with the IS200. The interior was above average and featured all of the bells and whistles you’d expect to find on a larger Lexus model. Later years saw the addition of an IS200 wagon and sport edition. Finding an IS200 on the open market is not an easy task because people tend to hold onto these vehicles for a long time. But the limited availability of this vehicle should speak volumes about its quality.

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35 Used Luxury Vehicles That Are Now Great Bargains

23. Lexus SC400

22: Jaguar X-Type R

21. Lincoln LS

20. Infiniti G20

19. Mitsubishi Lancer EVO

18. BMW M3 (E90)

17. Porsche Boxster (987)

16. Volkswagen Golf R

15. Chevrolet Corvette (C5)

14. Audi RS4

13. Dodge Charger R/T

12. Hyundai Genesis GT Coupe

11. Cadillac CTS-V

10. BMW 8-Series

9. Porsche 928

8. Infiniti G35

7. Rolls-Royce Silver Spur

6. Audi S6

5. BMW M6

4. Jaguar XJR

3. Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

2. Porsche 911 Carrera

1. Lexus IS F

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