Luxury cars drop in value faster than yesterday’s smartphones, which is great news if you’re after high-end comfort without the sticker shock. Thanks to depreciation, yesterday’s status symbols can now be had for used Toyota money.
But there’s a trade-off. While purchase prices plummet, maintenance and repairs can still hit luxury levels — especially on aging European models. So we set out to find the sweet spot: luxury vehicles that combine style, features, and performance with reasonable long-term ownership costs.
How We Chose These Cars
We looked at luxury models with significant depreciation compared to their original MSRP, some losing over 80% of their value. Using sources like Kelley Blue Book, J.D. Power, Hagerty, Bring a Trailer, and Autotrader, we prioritized cars that:
- Were priced under $25,000 on the used market
- Offered premium features, performance, or brand cachet
- Represented a range of body styles and eras (from 1990s classics to 2020 models)
- Had strong enthusiast or ownership communities to help mitigate maintenance costs
1990 Bentley Turbo R
Bentley is a heavyweight in the luxury car world, and if you’re a fan of classic rides, the Turbo R is your dream machine. Forget the typical big, comfy sedans made for lounging in the back seat. The Turbo R is all about the thrill of the drive, built for those who love a little adrenaline with their luxury.
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. But there are options with different engines as well.
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 brand’s popularity skyrocketed in the 1990s thanks to its vehicles’ unmatched reliability, mainly 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 is worth it. You can find one for around $12,000, 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, which is jam-packed with innovative technology. The interior is also stylish and luxurious, with leather as far as the eye can see.
Audi stuffed 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.
Volvo S80 V8 AWD
Volvo isn’t always the first name that comes to mind when you think luxury, but the S80 V8 AWD proves it should be. This Swedish flagship sedan quietly packed a Yamaha-built 4.4-liter V8 under the hood, sending power to all four wheels. Inside, you’ll find plush leather seats, wood trim, and classic Volvo safety tech.
Originally priced over $55,000, the S80 V8 can now be found for under $10,000 — and it’s one of the best under-the-radar choices for buyers who want a bit of Scandinavian cool with their comfort.
Infiniti M45
The second-gen Infiniti M45 is a Japanese luxury sedan that often gets overlooked, which is a shame — because it’s a seriously solid car. Under the hood, you’ll find a 4.5-liter V8 with 325 horsepower, wrapped in rear-wheel-drive architecture and understated good looks.
It cost over $50,000 when new, but it often sells for less than $8,000 now. It’s comfortable, fast, and surprisingly reliable. Think of it as Japan’s answer to the 5 Series — but cheaper to fix and less likely to rust.
Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
The Lincoln MKS isn’t the most famous nameplate in the brand’s history, but the EcoBoost version deserves a second look. With a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 borrowed from the Taurus SHO, it’s surprisingly quick and packed with tech like adaptive cruise control, THX audio, and all-wheel drive.
Prices have dropped well below $10,000, making it a sneaky-good buy for anyone who wants old-school American comfort with a healthy dose of modern muscle.
Hyundai Equus
When Hyundai decided to take on BMW and Lexus, it went all-in with the Equus. This full-size flagship came with a 5.0-liter V8, a massaging rear seat, and luxury features usually reserved for cars twice the price, including an owner’s manual delivered via iPad.
New, the Equus Ultimate trim topped $65,000. Now? You can pick one up for under $15,000. Maintenance can be pricey through dealers, but DIYers and Hyundai specialists have kept these quietly running for years.
Genesis 5.0 R-Spec
Before Genesis became its own luxury brand, the original Genesis sedan laid the foundation. The 5.0 R-Spec was the hot-rod version, packing a 429-horsepower V8 and rear-wheel drive into a stealthy, no-nonsense sedan.
It’s quick, comfortable, and packed with features like Lexicon audio and adaptive suspension. When new, it cost $47,000 — now you can snag one for half that or less. A real sleeper in every sense.
Lexus GS430
The Lexus GS430 is often overshadowed by its LS sibling, but this mid-size luxury sedan deserves more love. It features a 4.3-liter V8, rear-wheel drive, and Lexus-grade reliability, wrapped in a sleek body that still looks sharp today.
Originally priced over $50,000, many clean examples now sell in the $7,000–$10,000 range. It’s the perfect balance between performance and poise — think of it as the Lexus that likes to party.
Acura MDX SH-AWD (1st Gen)
The original Acura MDX helped define what a luxury SUV could be in the early 2000s. With seating for seven, a silky V6, and Honda’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, it offered capability without sacrificing comfort.
While not as plush as a Range Rover, it’s far more reliable and affordable. Prices today hover around $5,000–$7,000. If you need a family-friendly luxury ride that won’t bleed you dry, this is a smart bet.
Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI
If you like your luxury with a side of weird, the Touareg V10 TDI is your kind of SUV. This German bruiser came with a 5.0-liter twin-turbo diesel V10 that made 553 lb-ft of torque — more than a Ferrari 488.
It was wildly overengineered, loaded with tech, and cost nearly $70,000 new. Today, you can find running examples for $8,000–$12,000. Just be warned: repairs aren’t cheap. But for sheer presence and torque, it’s in a class of its own.
Bentley Arnage
In the late 1990s, Bentley gave its most significant, opulent sedan model a much-needed revamp, resulting in the Arnage, which 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. Once a symbol of British luxury, this Bentley was among the priciest sedans of its time.
BMW 7 Series
BMW’s 7 Series from the mid-2000s offered all the tech and luxury a VIP could request. True to form, BMW ensured decent performance thanks to various potent engines.
When new, the 7 Series Bimmer had a six-figure price tag, but now you can score one 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 around $25,000 today, but spending a bit more is wise. We still think it’s a bargain for that price.
Jaguar XJ
Buying a used Jaguar XJ gives you lots of luxury and power without the high price. The XJ was available with several V8 engines, including a supercharged version. Foreign markets also had V6 and diesel options. They are very reliable cars, earning a 5-star rating on Cars.com! One forum user mentioned that the XJ’s biggest drawback is that Jaguar stopped producing them in 2019.
A new 2006 Jag XJ costs between $61,000 and $91,000, but you can enjoy all this British elegance for less than $10,000. 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 it’s built like a Rolls-Royce. 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. It can be had 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 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 must also be prepared to spend some money on maintenance.
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. 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 ensure you have some money left to keep it running.
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 much 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 entry point to proper, traditional British luxury, carrying a price tag of “just” £50,000 when it launched in 1984. It was a more understated version of the Mulsanne it was based on, featuring a mesh grille, steel wheels, and a cloth interior (leather became standard in 1987).
It may have been the brand’s more affordable offering, but it’s still every bit a Bentley, and we’ve found well-preserved examples for as little as $15,000.
Lexus ES300
When the fourth-generation Lexus ES300 arrived in the early 2000s, it had practically every feature available on a mainstream sedan. 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. A 304-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine provides performance.
What surprised us the most about the Cadillac XTS was the current price on the used market. For less than $12,000, you can be the proud owner of a modern, sporty, and comfortable Cadillac.
Luxury, Recalculated
These cars prove that luxury doesn’t have to come with a brand-new window sticker. Whether you’re after comfort, performance, or timeless design, the used market is full of models that still deliver the high-end experience at a more approachable price point.
Sure, some may come with quirks or upkeep costs, but for many buyers, that’s a worthwhile trade for the kind of driving experience that doesn’t feel ordinary.
Because real luxury isn’t about being new, it’s about feeling special, every time you turn the key.