Now, when you are interested in a used luxury car there are a few things to consider. First off, the best used luxury cars are 3-4 years old as they have shed most of their value and after that their resale should stay pretty much level for the next 3-5 years.
One other reason used luxury cars of this vintage are so appealing is the fact that they still qualify for manufacturer’s “Certified Pre-Owned” programs. These programs offer extended warranty periods and the peace of mind of a thorough inspection process. Most of these programs also will change the brake pads and tires if they are past a certain wear point.
Another bonus is the fact that most of these “Certified Pre-Owned” models are well maintained off-lease vehicles that usually only have 30,000-40,000 miles on them. Also, they are usually very well equipped with all the luxury goodies you want like navigation, premium audio, moonroof, supple leather seats and much more.
So now it is a just a matter of picking which one you want most. Now, I could recommend some luxury cars with the worst resale value (thereby making them better deals) but these are, to be frank, less than desirable models. As follows are highly desirable used luxury sedans that are also tremendous bargains. Happy car hunting!
BMW 3-Series
Simply put, this is the most fun to drive luxury sedan when it comes to a value/price perspective. Its rear drive layout and precision handling/steering matrix assures that you will never regret buying one. Also take into account that you might still have some of the 4 year/50,000 mile free maintenance program and the deal gets even sweeter.
A high percentage of people lease their new 3-series sedans so there is an abundance of perfectly maintained (thanks to the free service package) “Cetified Pre-Owned” cars on all BMW dealer lots. They are also tremendous bargains. Also, keep in mind that a 328i (in automatic or manual transmission form) is really all the sport sedan you really need.
Acura TL
If you don’t like the looks of the current generation TL there is always the option of buying a last generation model which was universally loved by buyers. I own a 2006 TL and can vouch for the fact that it is fun to drive, lavishly equipped and unfailingly reliable. It also looks like an Italian sport sedan. So that helps, too.
Acura TSX
This four cylinder sport sedan can get up to 30 miles per gallon highway, is stylish and has impeccable build quality. They are also tremendous bargains and Acura dealers have some of the best service departments in the business. Not that you should need their services very often. This is one very reliable and economical luxury sedan.
BMW 5-Series
The last generation, Chris Bangle designed 5-series may have caused a stir when it was launched but it still looks stylish today. The recently introduced 5-series, by comparison, looks positively pedestrian and vaguely bloated. All of the same bonuses mentioned in the 3-series commentary apply here. Only the car is bigger.
Audi A4 2.0T Quattro
Nothing screams class quite as loudly as an Audi A4 sedan. The 2.0T engine offers more than enough power and can return fuel economy in the 30s on the highway. Do avoid the front wheel drive CVT automatic models as the transmission is less than reliable. Stick to the six-speed automatic with the Quattro or a manual transmission variant and you will be very happy. This also makes for a very slick and luxurious sedan to take to the ski slopes.
Sources: BMW.com
Acura.com
Audiusa.com
