If you want a luxury car but don’t have a massive budget, don’t worry; we’ve got your back. If you’re willing to buy an older model, it’s possible to get behind the wheel of something that’s usually only available to the wealthy.
Obviously, buying a cheap luxury car is one thing; maintaining it is a whole different story. There’s usually a reason why these cars are cheap, and more often than not, it’s related to maintenance and running costs.
We compiled this list of 24 affordable luxury cars using websites and tools such as J.D. Power, Hagerty’s Valuation Tool, KBB, and various used car marketplaces. We chose all the vehicles based on affordability and luxury.
1990 Bentley Turbo R
Bentley is one of the biggest names in the luxury car game, and if you’re into classic cars, the Turbo R is the way to go. Unlike many other large luxury sedans, the Bentley Turbo R is perfect for driving enthusiasts, not just people who want to enjoy the comfortable back seat.
Under the hood, the Bentley Turbo R has a turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 engine that churns out around 300 British thoroughbred horses. The last models rolled off the assembly line in 1997, and while it was an expensive car in its day, you can find a Turbo R for $15,000 now.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Few cars can match the luxury of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but the S500 combines that with a powerful V8 engine, so it’s fun to drive, too.
The fourth-gen S-Class cost over $80,000 in the early 2000s, and you can find one for under $10,000 now, making it an incredible bargain for ballers on a budget who like their opulence with a side order of German engineering.
Lexus LS600h
Lexus introduced the LS lineup in the late 1980s, and since then, it’s been among the best offerings in the luxury car space. The Lexus brand saw its popularity skyrocket in the 1990s thanks to its vehicles’ unmatched reliability, and that was mainly due to the LS.
There are many different versions of the LS on the used market, but we’d go for the LS600h from the late 2000s and early 2010s. The hybrid version is slightly more expensive than the gas-only model, but it’s worth it. You can find one for around $10,000, and seeing as Lexus vehicles regularly rack up 500,000 miles, it’ll serve you for years to come.
Audi A8
The second-gen A8 was Audi’s flagship model, so it is jam-packed with innovative technology. The interior is also stylish and luxurious, with leather as far as the eye can see.
Audi stuffed a variety of powerful engines under the hood, ranging from a couple of V6 units to a W12. Diesel and gasoline engine options were available. Depending on the trim, mileage, and condition, an A8 can be found on the used market for less than $10,000.
Bentley Arnage
In the late 1990s, Bentley gave its largest, most opulent sedan model a much-needed revamp in the late 1990s, resulting in the Arnage, a model that lasted until the late 2000s.
During its time on the market, the Bentley Arnage earned a reputation for being as fast as it was luxurious, especially in the twin-turbocharged Arnage T model. It’s possible to find an Arnage for around $20,000 now—not bad, considering it was one of the most expensive cars in the world.
BMW 7 Series
BMW’s 7 Series from the mid-2000s offered all the tech and luxury a VIP could ask for. True to form, BMW ensured decent performance thanks to a range of potent engines.
When new, the 7 Series Bimmer had a six-figure price tag, so it’s astonishing that you can score one now for less than $10,000.
Bentley Continental GT
The Continental GT was the first Bentley fully developed under Volkswagen ownership, so it had to make a statement. While it was aimed at a different audience than the ‘old money’ Bentley customers of the past, it still offered plenty of comfort and luxury.
Early Continental GTs can be picked up for under $20,000 today, but spending a bit more is wise. We still think it’s a bargain for that price.
Lincoln Town Car
American carmakers also offer luxury cars, which tend to be cheaper than models from European brands. The Lincoln Town Car has been around for ages, and while it may not be as opulent and technologically advanced as a Bentley or BMW, it made up for that in sheer comfort.
The Last Town Car rolled off the assembly line in 2011, so even the newest cars are over a decade old. There are plenty of cars available for under $10,000, with earlier cars being listed for just a couple of grand.
Jaguar XJ
Buying a used Jaguar XJ will get you plenty of performance and luxury for very little money. The XJ was available with a couple of V8 engines, including a supercharged version. Foreign markets also had V6 and diesel options.
A new 2006 Jag XJ cost between $61,000 and $91,000, but you can enjoy all this British elegance for less than $10,000 these days. That’s a real bargain!
Toyota Century
Generally, only JDM fans have heard of the Toyota Century, which means many wealthy people have been missing out on one of the best luxury cars ever made. The second generation had an impressive production run of 20 years, from 1997 to 2017, so you can now import the early models to the States.
Toyota packed the Century with all the latest technology and creature comforts, and they’re built like Rolls-Royces. The best part is that it was available with a V12 engine, and it’s possible to get behind the wheel of this JDM luxury car for less than $20,000 now.
Cadillac CTS-V
Cadillac has always been the ultimate American luxury carmaker. It built massive land yachts with suspension softer than a bed made of puppy hair for a long time, only to suddenly change directions. Cadillac wanted to beat the Europeans at their own game and began building luxurious but sporty cars, such as the CTS-V.
The Cadillac CTS-V has a powerful V8 engine, sporty suspension, and a luxurious cabin. You can get your hands on one for as little as $5,000, although we suggest spending around $20,000 for one in better condition, as many owners drive these cars hard.
Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade emerged in the late 1990s and became a status symbol immediately. Every politician, CEO, athlete, and rapper seemed to have one, and for good reason. The Escalade offered plenty of space, was luxurious, and could even venture off-road.
While early cars can be bought for a song, we’d go with the third generation from 2007 to 2014 purely because it offers some modern tech while still being good value for money. Prices range from as little as $5,000 to $20,000, so there’s an Escalade for any budget.
Land Rover Range Rover
Those who want to explore the world by venturing off the beaten path should certainly consider buying a Land Rover Range Rover. It’s even great on regular roads if that floats your boat.
The Range Rover combines high-end luxury with square-jawed ruggedness in an almost unique way. There’s a V8 engine under the hood, and power is sent to all four wheels. Inside, it has all the creature comforts of its era. Getting behind the wheel will set you back as little as $5,000, but you need to be prepared to spend a bit of money on maintenance as well.
Rolls-Royce Silver Spur
Rolls-Royce is undoubtedly the world’s most famous luxury automaker. It tends to make cars for people who prefer to be chauffeured around rather than spend time in the front seat like some peasant.
In 1995, the Silver Spur cost $180,000 before the buyer chose any customization options. Well, these days, we can pretend to have generational wealth, and for just $15,000, you can enjoy some Grey Poupon in the backseat of your very own Rolls. Unfortunately, it only returns 12 miles to the gallon, so we won’t be going far with today’s gas prices.
Maserati Quattroporte
The Maserati Quattroporte is guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go. In fact, it sounds so amazing that people will turn to look long before they can see you. The fifth generation debuted in 2003, so it’s over 20 years old already, but the facelifted version from 2008 has aged well, so we’d go for that one.
Inside, there’s a luxurious, hand-crafted interior, and under the hood, you’ll find a Ferrari-derived V8 that emits the most glorious howl. Finding a Quattroporte for roughly $20,000 is possible, but make sure you have some money left to keep it running.
Tesla Model S
If the recent Hertz rental scandal has taught us anything, it’s that the Tesla Model S has depreciated significantly and is much more expensive to own than we were told.
However, it’s a decent car when everything works as it should, and you get to brag that you’re saving the environment (on a budget). We’d buy one mainly for the acceleration because instant torque never gets old. 2015-year models are currently listed for just over $10,000, but we’d stay away from the cheapest ones and instead pay a bit extra for a more solid car.
Porsche Cayenne
Porsche built its Cayenne on the same platform as the Audi Q7 and VW Touareg, and when it first arrived, it was the world’s most advanced SUV. It wasn’t an immediate success, but it slowly won people over thanks to its excellent performance and decent handling.
Today, the first-gen Cayenne can be found on the used market for under $5,000, but most people will think you paid a lot more. The deteriorating wiring can make it a nightmare to maintain, so make sure you find a good one.
Bentley Eight
The Bentley Eight was the gateway drug to proper, traditional British luxury, as proven by its price tag of “just” £50,000 when it launched in 1984. It was a bit simpler and more basic than the Mulsanne it’s based on, featuring a mesh grille, steel wheels, and a cloth interior (leather was introduced in 1987).
We don’t care if it was the entry-level model; it’s still a Bentley, and we’ve found some for sale for as little as $15,000.
Lincoln MKZ
If you’re looking for a more modern luxury car, you can check out the Lincoln MKZ. It has a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower, a panoramic glass roof, adaptive LED headlights, and many other gizmos and gadgets.
It’s over a decade old now, and plenty of affordable cars are available on the used market. The national average KBB fair purchase price for a 2013-year model is just $7,883. That’s a lot of car for your money.
Buick Regal
The fifth-generation Buick Regal is another modern-day American luxury car you can pick up for very little money these days. It looks good and comes with all the modern features available in 2014, including an Interactive Drive Control System that lets the driver customize the driving dynamics.
With a 259-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter, performance is decent as well. The Regal was discontinued after 2020, but there are plenty of used cars available. The 2014-year model can be had for under $10,000.
Lexus ES300
When the fourth-generation Lexus ES300 arrived in the early 2000s, it had practically every feature available on a mainstream sedan at the time. Thanks to a potent V6 engine under the hood, it also offers decent performance for a 20-year-old luxury sedan.
Lexus charged around $31,500 when it was new, but now you can get away with paying roughly 10% of that for a decent-condition car.
Cadillac XTS
The XTS offers all the luxuries you’d expect from a Cadillac, including a Bose surround sound system and Magnetic Ride Control suspension. Performance is taken care of by a 304-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine.
What surprised us the most about the Cadillac XTS was the current price on the used market. For just $12,500, you can be the proud owner of a modern, sporty, and comfortable Cadillac.
Chrysler 300
If you’re more of a Mopar fan, then the 2014 Chrysler 300 is a great luxury car option. Few cars look as menacing as the Chrysler 300, so it’s the perfect choice if you have a reputation to uphold.
Again, you’ll find all the modern luxuries from a decade ago, including a Beats by Dre sound system. The 3.6-liter V6 engine option delivers a reasonable 292 horsepower. If you’re willing to part with roughly $10,000, you can have a Chrysler 300 in your driveway right now. Actually, you can pay a couple of grand and still get one, but it’ll be the first-gen version.
Acura ILX
If you don’t want to drive a car that’s a decade old, or more, Acura has a solution for you in the form of the ILX. The 2020 ILX is an entry-level model from Honda’s luxury division, with plenty of safety features and luxury tech and gadgets.
With a 201-horsepower 2.4-liter engine, it’s also good fun, if not fast. We’ve found a 2020 ILX for as little as $15,000 for a car in good condition.
