11 Budget-Friendly Luxury Cars To Buy Second-Hand

While the car market isn't quite as red-hot as it was during the height of the pandemic, a combination of strong demand, short supply, and inflation has kept prices buoyant over the last couple years. According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB) data, the average new car price for March 2023 was just over $48,000, a slight decline over the previous month but only by a single percentage point. The market is tipping slightly more in favor of buyers, but the most popular new models continue to see long waiting lists and potentially high dealer markups for existing inventory.

The used market, however, looks a little brighter, at least for buyers looking for luxury cars. In particular, certain models at the more affordable end of the luxury market can be picked up for significant discounts off their original MSRP, making them within reach of those who can't justify splashing out on a new luxury vehicle. We've scoured the classifieds to whittle down 11 top picks that offer great value at the moment, from crossovers to convertibles. Our road tests for each car proved them to be strong contenders when they were new, and a few years on, they're arguably even more appealing.

We've also covered how much buyers should expect to pay for each, using data from KBB's fair market valuation tool. Each one of these 11 cars can be picked up for less than the price of an average new car, but each offers luxury well above what most new cars offer.

It might have been around for several decades now, but Nissan's luxury arm Infiniti has always struggled to make its mark on the American market. In its early years, it could have been argued that the brand's unremarkable styling didn't help matters, but the same cannot be said of the 2017 Q60. It's definitely one of Infiniti's best-looking cars to date, although it was axed after the 2022 model year as the marque shifted its focus to more lucrative SUVs and crossovers.

As a used buy, however, it's an appealing alternative to the usual raft of German coupes, especially in top-spec Red Sport 400 trim. It originally retailed for more than $50,000 in 2017, but today KBB estimates a more wallet-friendly fair used price of $29,147. For their cash, buyers get a twin-turbo V6 under the hood making 400 horsepower, all of which is sent to the ground through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. The car's handling isn't quite as athletic as its looks and spec sheet might suggest, feeling more suited to cruising than carving up backroads, but it's still plenty fast enough in a straight line. 

It's by no means the perfect luxury coupe, then, but there's a lot to like, especially at its current used price.

During SlashGear's drive of the 2017 Audi A4, we praised its sharp styling, predicting that in "five to six years from now the A4 will still look great." 

That prediction wasn't wrong –- the car's exterior has been given only minor facelifts since then, meaning the 2017 model still looks modern even seven years after its debut. Like any luxury car of its age, the 2017 A4 has been subject to some serious depreciation, which makes it temptingly affordable today. KBB puts its fair market price at just $19,590, making it one of the cheapest cars here, but by no means a compromise.

Inside, the A4's cabin is simple but elegant, and there's no sign of the scratchy plastics that plague some other entry-level luxury models. Audi's tech-forward approach means that a well-equipped 2017 model sports as many safety assistance features as some new luxury cars, while the cabin's impressive sound insulation makes cruising and commuting a more relaxing affair than the competition. Take the Audi off the highway and onto the twisties and it'll deliver in that regard, too, even if it's a little short of BMW's best sedans.

Consumer interest in convertibles has been on the decline for years now, and several brands have axed their drop-top cars in the face of low sales. However, for buyers who still want to live the roofless life, the 2021 BMW 430i Convertible is a great way to do just that. It's not for everyone -– primarily because of the huge and very polarizing front grille –- but for those sold on its looks, it's a tempting used pick. KBB reports a fair purchase price of $42,664, which is more than $10,000 less than the car cost when new.

The main charm of the 4 Series is undoubtedly how it drives. It strikes the right balance of being docile at everyday speeds while being equally enjoyable during more spirited driving. However, it's also both very comfortable and very roomy, at least in the front seats –- although anyone seriously considering the ergonomics of the second row probably shouldn't be looking at a convertible in the first place. A relatively niche car, it might be, but it's an appealing one nonetheless.

During our first drive of the latest generation Audi Q3, we were left surprised at just how luxurious it was compared to larger, more expensive Audi models. The current generation, which debuted for the 2019 model year, was both fun to drive and very well equipped, yet its asking price didn't reflect that. Today, it's even better value, with KBB estimating a fair used price for a 2019 model to be $24,197.

It packs many of the innovative safety and infotainment features that are also found on pricier models, and despite being one of the older cars here, its exterior styling still looks fresh and unique. Like many entry-level luxury cars, the Q3's options list was both long and potentially very costly, so it's worth seeking out a used example with as many added extras as possible for the best value. That said, even base models boast upscale, refined cabins that feel a cut above what else is on offer at this price point.

The 2021 Genesis G80 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, with open-pore wood trim and Nappa leather in the interior that helps provide a silky smooth ride that our reviewer thought was comparable to a Bentley. It also packs a 3.5L turbo V6 engine, which transfers its 375 horses to the tarmac at a pace that can be brisk but never harsh.

Then there's the attention to detail, with metal switches, uniquely designed wheels, and the roomy cabin all adding to the air of refinement. However, the car is not as expensive as its upscale features might suggest. A 2021 G80 can be picked up for $41,469, according to KBB. That's still not an insignificant amount of money, and there are a lot of BMWs, Audis, and Mercedes that can be found for cheaper. 

However, Genesis is still an emerging brand, which is one of the key reasons it offers high-level luxury features for reduced prices – it has to prove itself to buyers. The brand is still in the process of forging an identity for itself, but cars like the G80 prove that it can compete with the big players when it comes to both value and luxury.