Everyone wants to be a baller. Maybe even a shot caller, and if that’s the case, then that status has to come with wheels to back it up. However, some of us are balling on a budget, this writer included, and don’t see the need to spend the absorbent amount of money that some companies deem their new luxury cars worth.
In that case, eyes turn towards the used market, where plenty of surprising deals can be found if one knows where to look. From German-engineered BMWs to Americana classics like Cadillacs and Lincolns, the used market is jam-packed with luxury four-door sedans that will still get anyone where they need to go reliably and in style. These ten cars should also hold their value for a bit longer, depending on the trim level, and offer second-hand buyers a chance to look exactly like what they want to be – a baller.
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, including J.D. Power, Edmunds, and Kelley Blue Book. These entries are listed in descending order of average price, not reliability. J.D. Power reliability ratings will be listed alongside each entry unless noted otherwise.
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10
2017 Lexus ES 350
Average Used Price: $19,865 | Reliability Score: 90/100
The Lexus ES350 checks in at the number 10 spot on the list just under the $20,000 mark, but well beyond many of the others on the list when it comes to reliability. That makes sense, though, as the ES350’s cabin is not as nice of a place as one might expect out of Toyota’s luxury brand.
However, Toyota’s definition of luxury is a bit different from most. See, whereas some may want all the glitz and glamour that can be bolted onto a car, Lexus doesn’t operate that way. Instead, Lexus offers something extremely comfortable, and while it may not be as flashy, it will get its owner where they intend to go every time, and thus, the ES350 gets the nod.
Important Notes
- While it may be luxurious, the ES 350 lacks the horsepower of other models on this list. Its 3.5-liter V-6 only churns out 268 horsepower.
- Adaptive cruise control is standard on the 2017 model year of the ES 350.
- Along with offering quiet luxury, the ES 350 also earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA.
Additionally, these cars hold their value extremely well. It’s nowhere close to the newest entry that will make this list and is still the most expensive, so if you can swing the nearly $20,000 price tag, it’s as safe of a buy as any on the used market.
9
2014 Mercedes S-550
Average Used Price: $19,301 | Reliability Score: 82/100
When it comes to luxury, the Mercedes-Benz is arguably the best on the market and has been for the past 10 years. The brand has offered a more subdued look in recent years that truly becomes captivating once the driver enters the cabin. However, that kind of luxury comes with a price, and as such, second-hand buyers will need to look back to 2014 and older models to find one that checks in under the $20,000 price point.
Important Notes
- Despite the electronically limited top speed of just 130 mph, the S-550 gets there in a hurry with nearly 450 lb-ft. of torque out of its twin-turbo V-8.
- The S-550 remains large and in charge, with a curb weight of just over 4,700 lbs.
- 2014 was one of the first years to have a perfume atomizer as an option in the S-Class, so if a buyer wants to either fumigate their guests or swoon them, they at least have the option.
Complete with all the ambient lighting one could ever desire and numerous driver comfort and safety features that some cars don’t even have standard today, any used Mercedes-Benz S-Class will garner plenty of points for luxury and reliability. However, the resale value continues to plummet on the Mercedes flagship line, meaning that the joy of ownership doesn’t come with the joy of padding one’s wallet when one decides to sell.
8
2020 Acura ILX
Average Used Price: $19,114 | Reliability Score: 80/100
Much like Lexus, Honda’s luxury sub-brand, Acura, delivers luxury at an affordable price. That’s reflected no more anywhere else than in the 2020 ILX. For those unfamiliar with the line, the ILX is essentially a Civic underneath in a very, very pretty suit. As the first and only entrant on this list from the current decade, second-hand buyers can expect more tech than what can be found elsewhere on the list and, by virtue of simple math, a few more low-mileage examples floating about the used space.
Important Notes
- Much like the Lexus from earlier, the ILX gets nobody anywhere quickly with just over 200 hp.
- There’s nothing particularly exciting about the ILX except the fact that it’s much newer than other options on the list.
- In order to get Apple Car Play or Android Auto, buyers must opt for one trim level up from base – the premium trim.
Where the ILX wins over, though, is its sporty appearance. In the higher trim levels, Acura opts for a more aggressive look with a piano-black rear spoiler and side skirts to give the car a more aggressive feel. If a buyer is looking to match a sporty appearance with a luxurious, comfortable feel, the Acura ILX deserves a look.
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7
2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 4Matic
Average Used Price: $18,073 | Reliability Score: 78/100
Ah, the people’s Mercedes. The 10th generation of the E-class cemented the line as one of suburbia’s favorites. It may not be an S-class, but the best thing about the E-class, specifically the
E300
4Matic, is that it’s so widely available. At the time of writing this article, there are currently more than 250 units for sale nationwide on AutoTrader. The used market for these cars is nowhere near as stingy as the new side of it, and after these cars have been babied around the suburbs of any large metropolitan area, they typically aren’t eaten up with miles when they get put up for sale.
Important Notes
- The E300 actually comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
- It’s also rather economical, getting just shy of 30 miles per gallon on the highway and 22 in the city.
- Independent multi-link suspension helps the E300 be one of the smoothest riding options in its price range and model year.
Why the specificity of the 4Matic, though? Easy. It’s more bang for your buck, and can still be had for less than $19,000. Springing for the 4Matic will help the car hold its value just that bit extra if the new owner ever decides to part ways with it, making it the preferred trim to purchase.
6
2018 Lincoln Continental
Average Used Price: $16,516 | Reliability Score: 85/100
When Ford re-entered the luxury sedan market with the Lincoln Continental, admittedly, even I thought it was going to stick around longer than it did. The creative manner in which Ford integrated the door handles with the bottom of the windows just oozed luxury. That, coupled with the fact that it was absolutely massive for an American sedan at the time and packed with technology, made it different. Unfortunately, it was too different, and just about nobody bought it.
Important Notes
- The Continental had a surprisingly robust powertrain, churning out over 300 horsepower from its 3.7-liter V-6.
- To put down that power, Lincoln offered both a front and all-wheel drive option.
- Whereas some say the hallmark of a good luxury vehicle is the well-built ‘thunk’ of a door being shut, the Lincoln opted for a quiet, soft close system so as not to alarm other passengers.
There are a few cons to unpack with that last bit of information. Namely, that they’re hard to find on the used market, seeing as nobody actually used them. However, they do still look stunning, and unlike anything else Lincoln or Ford have produced in the last 20 years. That means if someone wants to be different and get great luxury for a great price, all they need to do is seek out one of the few late-2010s Lincoln Continentals that were bought and then go about their day.
5
2019 Kia Cadenza
Average Used Price: $16,878 | Reliability Score: 7.7/10 (Edmunds)
Nobody would be blamed if Kia wasn’t the first name that comes to mind when it comes to luxury sedans, and that’s entirely fair. However, those people have probably never seen or ridden in a Cadenza. The Cadenza stands as a forgotten stab at making a luxury sedan from a company that is typically known for making economical, everyday four-door SUVs and the like.
Important Notes
- Four-wheel independent suspension was implemented in order to give the Cadenza a more luxurious ride.
- The car itself is quite wide, measuring 73.6 in. across without the mirrors, but aren’t all good road hogs?
- Kia actually offered a 10-year, 100,000-mile drivetrain warranty on the Cadenza as standard.
Don’t be fooled, though, as the Cadenza was built to compete with the likes of the BMW 3-Series (more on that in a bit) and Mercedes. Kia checked all the boxes with this one – plenty of seating room, a supple, luxurious cabin, a true presence of luxury from all angles of the car – all the ingredients are there to sell. But because it didn’t have the right badge on the front, no one bought it, and thus, they can be picked up on the cheap nowadays.
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4
2019 Volkswagen Arteon
Average Used Price: $16,575 | Reliability Score: 7.5/10 (Edmunds)
Kia isn’t the only company that decided to take a shot at the titans of luxury sedans in the late 2010s. Volkswagen also did the same with its Arteon, and much like with the Cadenza, nobody paid that much attention. While it might have been down on power in comparison to some of the other models in the space, the Arteon did look fantastically futuristic. Whoever styled this car needs free rein at VW in the future, and maybe then the look of the car will change more than once every decade.
Important Notes
- VW tuned its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine all the way up for the Arteon, which produces 268 hp.
- There are a total of 15 different suspension settings on the Arteon controlled by VW’s own software.
- Automated emergency breaking is standard on all Arteons, with additional driver safety features like adaptive cruise control being optional.
Much like the Kia, the VW Arteon was meant to challenge the likes of the BMWs, Mercedes, and Cadillacs of the world, but fell short just before it could do so. However, that means that for the savvy second-hand buyer, there’s still plenty of opportunity left to laugh at their friends who overspent on their cars all the way to the bank.
3
2018 Audi A4
Average Used Price: $15,642 | Reliability Score: 85/100
An often underappreciated member of the German automotive space, Audi has the formula figured out just like its main German competitors. They’ve been making really superb sedans for quite some time, and have earned a stamp as a more minimalistic, luxurious manufacturer as a result. The A4 is one of the lower-tiered models in Audi’s collection, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t come packed with features.
Important Notes
- This choice boils down to what a buyer wants – economic ability or power. The front-wheel drive version of the A4 only puts out around 190 hp, while the Quattro puts down just over 250.
- The Quattro can also be had with a six-speed manual for those looking for a more authentic driving experience.
- Unlike many entries on this list which are limited to 130 mph, the A4 tops out at 155 mph.
The A4 came with a turbocharged inline-four and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for instance, meaning that when it needed to, it could be plenty sporty. No, it may not be the best looker on the list, especially when it’s painted McDonald’s Yellow, but it is ideal for someone who wants to get subtle ‘nice car’ nods from passersby who are in the know.
2
2018 BMW 330i
Average Used Price: $14,362 | Reliability Score: 84/100
The inevitable one makes its appearance. The four-door sedan is almost synonymous with BMW at this point, and for good reason. Whether it’s the road ability or its iconography, it’s hard to beat what BMW can do with these platforms.
Important Notes
- The 330i goes from 0-60 in just 5.5 seconds.
- As one of, if not the most, economical options on this list, the 330i notches over 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
- BMW is one of the last manufacturers still offering a lot of rear-wheel drive options, and the 330i falls into that category. However, an all-wheel drive model (BMW XDrive) can be optioned.
The 2018 3-Series line offers arguably the most bang for one’s buck right now, as it still has substantial tech in comparison to new cars, but doesn’t run up the pocketbook like one from this decade. Additionally, because these are so popular, used examples are not hard to come by whatsoever. Much like with the E-Class earlier, suburbia loves these cars for good reasons, and they’re typically well taken care of as a result. A buyer can do little wrong in looking for a BMW 3-series, but there is a cheaper option still out there.
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1
2018 Cadillac CTS
Average Used Price: $13,739 | Reliability Score: 80/100
While the CTS-V of this generation garners plenty of fame, and deservedly so, the regular CTS gives owners something to think about as well, especially as many a used example can be found for an astonishingly low amount of money. These cars come fitted with an array of engine options, all offering good power, and the typical plush Cadillac interior delivers more of an old-money feel than a newer one.
Important Notes
- Cadillac was completely bonkers in the late 2010s, but didn’t get credit for it until the 2020s. The V-6 in the CTS still churns out 335 horsepower before fitting the optional turbo.
- Much like with the BMW, rear-wheel drive was standard, and matched with that horsepower figure, buyers didn’t have to spec these cars to the max for them to be a bit tail happy.
- The naturally aspirated V-6 still got 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
Unless your friends are of the geriatric variety, they may spend all their time asking you why you didn’t just spring for the CTS-V, and then you can tell them the price, and laugh your way to the bank because you bought a Cadillac – one of the pillars of American luxury – for far less than half the price of a new Toyota RAV4, and that’s something to be proud of no matter what.
