Scotty Reiss |
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Scouring The RealReal, Poshmark and our favorite consignment stores for gently used, still-of-the-moment dresses and handbags has become a sport. Gently used or New With Tags is the objective: It’s almost like you’re the first owner. Same with nearly new, low-mileage luxury cars.
We are fans of used luxury cars for several reasons. First, they tend to have larger, more powerful engines that will last longer. Then, they are notable for a more timeless design; interiors and exteriors tend to evolve rather than undergo dramatic transformations one generation to the next.
And, they are outfitted with more durable and timeless finishes and materials, and technology can be ahead of the curve for the industry. In all, a used luxury car represents a great deal if you can find the right fit for your needs and lifestyle.
There are a lot of options in used luxury cars, so to narrow it down, we looked only at the most reliable luxury and premium cars that are less than four years old, priced under $30,000 and with with 40,000 or fewer miles. Here are 14 of the best used luxury cars under $30,000.
2021 Audi Q5, Estimated Price: $27,000-$30,000
This was one of my favorite luxury cars of the year and even a few years later, still remember how great the Audi Q5 made me feel. Shown here in the sportback edition, it is also available in a traditional square-back SUV. Our search turned up models with less than 30,000 miles, so very gently used, in Premium and Premium Plus trims.
Read: Audi Q5 Sportback Luxury SUV Review: I’m in Love With the Shape of You
2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Estimated Price: $24,000-$28,000
We fell in love with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio at first site: Its iconic heritage Alfa badge, the sleek rounded exterior lines and an interior that is finely edited and designed; it’s not like any other car on the road. And several years later all this design holds up beautifully.
Read: 9 Reasons You Should Consider the Alfa Romeo Stelvio for Your Next SUV
BMW 228 Gran Coupe, Estimated Price $26,000-$29,000
BMW tends to wow when they introduce a new model or trim, and the 228 Gran Coupe was no exception. Filled with sporty style, premium finishes and a very nice, satisfying growly sound, this sedan was well-priced new and even better gently used.
Read: Meet the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, Estimated Price: $26,000-$30,000
Mercedes-Benz has a nice habit of producing amazing, powerful, luxe-filled cars, typically under the AMG label, and then, delivering a doppleganger that is equally as lovely but for a much lower price. Such is the case here with the Mercedes-Benz GLC, one of the brand’s best-selling SUVs of all time. Available in a sport back (pictured here) or squareback, the GLC is a solid choice from Mercedes.
2020 Mercedes Benz GLC 300: Technology and Luxury at Your Service
2021 Cadillac XT5, Estimated Price: $24,000-$28,000
Cadillac’s 2020 models are the first generation of this design era and set the brand on its current trajectory of distinctive exterior details that are still a theme in current models, such as a simplified badge and vertical tail and running lights, a more intuitive interior design and of course, lovely, soft to the touch materials. The Cadillac XT5 embodies all that and more in a fun to drive, lovely to occupy SUV.
Read: Cadillac XT5: Luxury Gadgets that Make Driving Comfortable and Fun
2021 Lexus NX, Estimated Price: $26,000-$30,000
The compact Lexus NX SUV got a huge makeover in 2022, but the 2021 model is no slouch. Filled with premium materials, technology and a lovely drive experience. And, it’s Lexus—designed and built to last decades and go hundreds of thousands of miles.
Read: Lexus NX 300 F Sport, ‘Athluxury’ in An SUV
2021 Infiniti QX50, Estimated Price: $24,000-$28,000
I have always been a fan of this car—I own one—and the 2019 makeover was a stunner. But does it matter? Every model year of the Infiniti QX50 is filled with luxury, technology and comforts that will spoil you. And, they are built to last, so you can enjoy all those luxe features for longer.
Read: Infiniti QX50 Review: This Could Be the Most Beautiful Car on the Road
2020 Ranger Rover Evoque, Estimated Price: $25,000-$29,000
This sporty SUV blazed into the market a decade ago and immediately set new standards for design and luxury— as Range Rover is known to do. The sleek roof line, pop out door handles and interior details give the Range Rover Evoque a modern, elegant look, even years later.
Read: 6 Reasons The 2020 Range Rover Evoque Will Make it on to Your Bucket List Too
2021 BMW X2, Estimated Price: $25,000-$30,000
The first generation of the BMW X2 was a bit of a lightning bolt: Cute, fun, affordable and an entree to the BMW lifestyle for younger buyers still building their careers and financial foundations. Or, for someone who just wants cute, fun and affordable. And, this generation remains the only current model on the road with the BMW Roundel on the rear pillar between the rear windows, a clever detail.
Read: BMW X2 Luxury Crossover Review: The Boyfriend Car
2022 Lincoln Corsair, Estimated Price: $25,000-$30,000
When Lincoln began its current design journey, it started with the Corsair. A sleeker look, more premium materials inside and out, and a comfortable cabin with lots and lots of legroom. Oh, and a name: Corsair replaced the MKC when Lincoln abandoned the letter-series names of its cars and SUVs.
Read: Lincoln Corsair Reserve AWD: Perfect Everyone Dreaming of Winter (and Those Dreading It!)
2023 Acura Integra A-Spec, Estimated Price: $28,000-$30,000
We were surprised to see the Acura Integra A-Spec one on the used market so fast after its introduction but if you find one, grab it quick. The re-introduction of the Acura Integra is big: a fun, luxury performance car that will at once pamper and thrill.
Read: 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec Review – A Fabulous Nod to its Younger Self
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, Estimated Price: $25,000-$30,000
The “A” class is the entry level of the Mercedes-Benz lineup and represents a great opportunity to get in at the ground level of this luxury brand. The 2021 GLA is a great little compact SUV that delivers all that is Mercedes-Benz at an affordable price—and any model year.
Read: All-New for 2021, The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Is Ready For Anything!
2020 Lexus UX, Estimated Price: $24,000-$28,000
The Lexus UX replaced the CT200 hybrid, popular for its compact size and great fuel economy. UX stands for urban crossover but could also mean user experience for the premium materials and tech in this compact SUV that’s perfect for city driving, hauling bikes, dogs and more.
Read: Lexus UX: Is this Compact SUV the Perfect Car for City Life?
2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia, Estimated Price: $24,000-$27,000
The true mark of a luxury car is timeless design and the Alfa Romeo Giulia lives that idea. It’s rounded corners and elegant design feel as rich and modern now as when it was first introduced in 2016. While some details evolve, overall, it just feels good, no matter the vintage. And, those wheels. We’ll never get tired of looking at those wheels.
Read: Alfa Romeo Giulia Review: Only For Those Who Want to Live This Life
As with any purchase, buying a used luxury car comes with caveats: Do your research. Have a used car inspected before purchase. Make sure that it’s a financial fit for your life and your budget. Shop around and make sure you’re getting the right price. And don’t be afraid to walk away if you feel that you’re being lied to or the deal just feels wrong. And then, enjoy your new to you luxury car!
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By Scotty Reiss
Journalist, entrepreneur and mom. Expertise includes new cars, family cars, 3-row SUVs, child passenger car seats and automotive careers... More about Scotty Reiss
