Few things in life can spark more joy than getting a steal on a used luxury car. With the prices of new vehicles skyrocketing in the last five years, even once-affordable models like the Toyota Camry feel and cost the same as a luxury car nowadays. Yet, most of us know that buying used cars has pros and cons, and reliability standards are always important, especially when you are out of the warranty period.

As fun as it sounds to buy a used Mercedes S-Class for a fraction of its original price, the alluring discounts don’t necessarily make the purchase a good idea. If you want luxury and reliability, your best bet is to stick to the Asian brands. This is why we have curated a list of the best Korean and Japanese luxury cars that have peaked in depreciation and increased in their value-per-dollar ratio. Join us as we dissect our top selection of Asian luxury cars that are now affordable bargains.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources. The models below have been ranked based on their Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price. This price calculation takes into consideration the national price average.

10

2017 Genesis G80 3.8

KBB Fair Purchase Price: $14,629

First up on our list is the second-generation Genesis G80 (2016-2020).

2017 Genesis G80 3.8 Performance Specifications

In 2016, Genesis officially separated itself from Hyundai to form its independent luxury division. What was once known as the Hyundai Genesis Sedan was reintroduced as a new model in 2017, dubbed the Genesis G80. The 3.8-liter variant of the 2017 Genesis G80 isn’t a luxury sports sedan intended for all-out performance, but rather, its focus is on supple comfort. Considering its age, the interior of the 2017 G80 has aged well, even if the material quality isn’t top-level. The 2017 G80 is a well-balanced luxury cruiser, and you’ll be happy to know that

Apple CarPlay
and Android Auto are standard (many others can’t say the same).

9

2017 Acura TLX

KBB Fair Purchase Price: $15,609

Next up is the first generation of the Acura TLX flagship sedan (2015-2020).

2017 Acura TLX Performance Specifications

The Acura TLX is the Japanese brand’s direct competitor to BMW’s 3-Series, and when equipped with the optional V-6 engine, the TLX is a worthy competitor. Although the BMW 3-Series may do the “sports” part of a sports sedan a lot better, the TLX’s V-6 provides more than enough juice to party. Not to mention that both the 2.4-liter inline-four variant and the 3.5-liter V-6 are significantly easier and cheaper to maintain than the German equivalent. Sadly, no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration is featured in the 2017 TLX, and we’d avoid the SH-AWD models unless you can justify the extra repair costs that will occur as a result of the more complex system.

8

2018 Acura ILX

KBB Fair Purchase Price: $15,993

Next up is the first and only generation of the Acura ILX (2013-2022).

2015 Acura ILX Performance Specifications

The Acura ILX was intended to serve as the sedan one tier below the Acura TLX, and as a result, it is only available with the smaller 2.4-liter inline-four. Despite this, the first facelifted ILX (2016-2019) retains many of the TLX’s luxury features, such as the amazing “jewel eye” headlights. Although you may miss the torque of a turbocharged engine, performance is still solid among its entry-level luxury competition. If you love the versatility of the Honda Civic, but want just a bit more refinement, the ILX provides comfort, quality, and reliability in a balanced package.

7

2017 Infiniti Q50

KBB Fair Purchase Price: $16,851

Next up is the first and only generation of the Infiniti Q50 (2014-2024).

2017 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 Performance Specifications

So you want a practical Japanese vehicle, but you aren’t willing to compromise on performance? The 2017 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 is one of the best options that will tick all the right boxes. In the Red Sport trim, you get access to the full 400 horsepower capability of the twin-turbo V-6, which also offers 26 MPG combined. Granted, if you like to press the pedal, you will be sure to get less than that. Yet, you won’t feel guilty about your sub-par fuel efficiency because of how enjoyable and responsive the engine is. Sadly, you won’t find an LSD in the RWD model, but the Q50 still offers engaging and adaptable driving dynamics, whether you drive on edge or prefer a smoother ride.

6

2015 Lexus LS 460

KBB Fair Purchase Price: $19,575

Next on our list is the fourth generation of the Lexus LS flagship sedan (2007-2017).

2015 Lexus LS 460 Performance Specifications

Yes, the 2015 Lexus LS did at one point cost over $75,000 new, and that fact may be worrisome come maintenance time. However, the naturally aspirated V-8 engine found in the Lexus LS is one of the most reliable V-8 engines on the market. This fact still holds even today, as this same engine platform still powers current Lexus models like the gorgeous LC 500. We love the fourth-generation Lexus LS because it simply provides insane value for its price point. You search far and wide, but we would go out on a limb to say you won’t find a more complete sedan for under $20,000.

5

2017 Genesis G80 5.0

KBB Fair Purchase Price: $19,607

Next up is the top-trim 5.0-liter variant of the second-generation Genesis G80 (2017-2020).

2017 Genesis G80 5.0 Performance Specifications

The V-8-powered variant of the G80 brings a whole new level of performance and capability to Hyundai’s mid-sized sedan. This variant feels just as European as any of its luxury rivals when considering its perceived quality levels. The equivalent Mercedes E-Class of this era already utilized a twin-turbo V-6 as opposed to a V-8 engine, but despite the lack of torque, we applaud the smoothness of the naturally aspirated platform. The V-8 engine alone doesn’t transform the heavy G80 into a sports car, but rather, makes the chassis responsive, but never hurried. If your style is more comfort and quality over sheer performance, there is a lot to love about the mature quality of the 5.0-liter G80 sedan.

4

2017 Lexus ES 350

KBB Fair Purchase Price: $19,621

Next up is the sixth generation of the Lexus ES sedan (2013-2018).

2017 Lexus ES 350 Performance Specifications

If you want the definition of reliability clad in top-quality comfort, you will find few other cars as befitting as the sixth-generation Lexus ES. Both the hybrid and non-hybrid models have their pros and cons, but if you want a truly refined luxury experience, the V-6-powered ES 350 is the surefire choice. Be ready to eat up miles in this sedan because it is as practical and enjoyable as a daily cruiser can be with class-leading ride quality. Is it boring? Yes, it is! Yet, sometimes boredom is a good thing, as there is comfort in blending in as “just another Lexus”.

3

2017 Infiniti Q60

KBB Fair Purchase Price: $22,863

Next up is the second generation of the Infiniti Q60 Coupe (2017-2022).

2017 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 Performance Specifications

This makes the Q60 the only coupe on this list, which is the slightly sexier version of the Q50 sedan. Of course, the crown jewel of the Q60 Red Sport 400 is its twin-turbo V-6 engine, but the Red Sport 400 variant is a complete performance package. As it stands, this twin-turbo V-6 powertrain is the only product from Japan that is competing with BMW’s B58 inline-six in the RWD luxury sports car market. Included in the Red Sport are upgrades such as:

• Improved brakes, front and rear
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Updated gearing ratios
• Additional water pump and oil cooler
• Semi-aniline Leather sports seats

2

2017 Lexus IS 350

KBB Fair Purchase Price: $23,512

Our final Lexus model is the third generation of the Lexus IS sedan (2014-present).

2017 Lexus IS 350 Performance Specifications

If the Lexus ES had a smaller, RWD brother, it would be the IS sedan. But you may be wondering why the smaller entry-level IS model costs more on the used market than an ES or LS sedan of the same era? Well, it’s all about availability. Despite the IS being the most affordable sedan in the current Lexus lineup, the ES has significantly outsold the IS year after year.

Why is that the case? Well, people don’t buy Lexus because they are cheap, but because they are comfortable, refined, and reliable. This is why the Lexus IS sedan is kind of a weird car in the Lexus lineup; it’s sporty, but nowhere near as sporty as its rivals. It’s comfortable, but not nearly as comfortable as a Lexus ES, which is priced so closely to the IS, you would pick it 10 out of 10 times if your selling point is comfort and practicality. Despite this, the third-generation Lexus IS holds its dying niche, and until we know what will replace it in the next generation, it will keep its place.

1

2017 Infiniti Q70

KBB Fair Purchase Price: $28,943

Last up is the only generation of the Infiniti Q70 sedan (2014-2019).

2017 Infiniti Q70 5.6 Performance Specifications

The Infiniti Q70 5.6 was Nissan’s attempt to fight against the likes of the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5-Series, boasting as the only V-8-powered Infiniti or Nissan sedan in the entire lineup. Although the V-6 and Hybrid trims exist, we would avoid the V-6-powered models. They are just too underpowered for a vehicle at this price point. Conversely, the V-8 is smooth and enjoyable, but it isn’t nearly as evocative as you’d hope because of the Q70’s two-ton weight. Yet, again, you may wonder why the Q70’s price remains so high despite other attractive models in its segment.

Well, the Q70 suffers from the same issue as the Lexus IS: availability. Infiniti was happy to sell a couple of thousand Q70 models per year when it was around, and this sedan has been out of production for over five years now. Yet, considering this was the brand’s flagship, coming in at nearly $70,000 starting, you are still getting a healthy discount on one of the finest sedans Nissan has ever offered (if you can find one).