Luxury cars depreciate quickly, which is both a blessing and a curse. These cars can appear so elegant on the surface, with an attractive price tag to match. The driving dynamics usually also match the appearance with much smoother ride quality and acceleration than an average economy car.
Upon closer examination, used cars are sometimes ticking time bombs, like an unreliable powertrain or electrical components that stop functioning. Some of these cars even have poor ergonomics or cheap interior materials that make it clear why they depreciated in the first place. However, some of these cars have many redeeming qualities that make the negative qualities worth the purchase.
10 Buy: 2011 - 2015 Lexus GS 350
This car is by far the best choice for those looking for a reliable car that will not be too problematic. The Lexus GS 350 tends to be more expensive than its competitors for a good reason.
The interior materials are excellent in this generation of the GS, the ride quality is very smooth, and safety ratings are excellent that year. Many models can be found for around $20,000, depending on the mileage.
9 Avoid: 2013 - 2019 Maserati Ghibli
While the Maserati Ghibli is well-known for having an impressive exhaust note, thrilling driving dynamics, and unique styling, it is still a poor choice as a used car option. The interior materials are not quite up to par compared to German rivals and come with several strange designs.
But the quality and reliability in the Ghibli are what makes it a bad car to buy. Infotainment, power-steering, and brake issues are well-documented by owners.
8 Buy: 2009 - 2016 Hyundai Equus
The Hyundai Equus is a Korean offering that might initiate some self-conflict. This car comes loaded with technological features, comfortable seats with many functions, including a rear massaging seat, and smooth driving dynamics.
The Equus is powered by either a 4.6-liter or 5.0-liter V8 depending on the year, which is very quiet in conjunction with its soft suspension. Low mileage examples can be found for well under $20,000. The lack of brand cachet depreciated this car heavily to make it a used car bargain.
7 Avoid: 2008 - 2015 BMW 7-Series
The 7-series is well-known for being highly innovative and including many new features upon its release. Comfort, technology, brand appeal, and driving dynamics are impressive. However, this leads to rapid depreciation and many electronics that break often.
The oil pump is known to fail, the transmission shifts abruptly, and the iDrive infotainment system is known for having a few issues as well. The 7-series is the epitome of being cheap to buy, and expensive to own.
6 Buy: 2017 - 2018 Lincoln Continental
In the modern age, there are very few cars that are just luxury cars without being sporty. The Lincoln Continental is an exception that offers many unique qualities. This entry is a newer option that is more expensive than other entries, but is worth the money.
It has several advanced safety features, a smooth suspension, and very roomy, comfortable seats. The interior is also well-appointed and includes excellent interior materials. 2017 models can be found for under $25,000.
5 Avoid: 2009 - 2017 Volkswagen CC
The Volkswagen CC is a large luxury car that is very similar to the Passat. It's quite stylish, handles well, and has excellent interior materials. Unfortunately, the turbocharged engines offered are a bit underpowered, the rear seats are quite cramped, and reliability isn't comparable to rivals.
Because of the high initial price and potential reliability concerns, the CC depreciated very rapidly. Even a 5-year-old CC can be found for well under $20,000, but beware of the running costs before purchasing.
4 Buy: 2009 - 2012 Acura RL
The Acura RL is one of the lesser-known options on this list. The TL generally overshadows the RL because the RL is known for being more of a comfortable cruiser.
However, the RL still offers a lot for the money and can be bought easily for under $15,000. The RL is tremendously safe, comes with all-wheel drive, is well-equipped if the technology package is included. Reliability is supposed to be quite good as well.
3 Avoid: 2008 - 2011 Audi A4
The Audi A4 is considered to be one of the prominent German contenders of mid-sized luxury vehicles, but these particular years are known for being very problematic. The sharp looks and impressive driving dynamics don't tell the whole story.
Heavy oil consumption and timing chain failure are rife in the third generation. Inadequate engine cooling and turbo failure are not unheard of as well. While A4 may seem like a well-built car upon first glance, it is vital to research the specific years of interest before purchasing.
2 Buy: 2014 - 2019 Infiniti Q50
The Infiniti Q50 had a few shortcomings when new, but makes a great used car bargain. Styling is aggressive and matches the car's exciting driving dynamics. The luxurious component of the Q50 is still retained with spacious seats and suitable interior materials.
The Q50 can be found for well under $20,000. There is also an available hybrid model that improves fuel economy quite a bit, achieving close to an average of 30 miles per gallon.
1 Avoid: 2014 - 2016 Cadillac ELR
The Cadillac ELR is a great-looking hybrid vehicle based on the Chevrolet Volt, but it is not practical for most people. The electric motor range is meager at less than 40 miles, the coupe design makes it impractical, and the car is cramped overall.
Generally speaking, most cars that have poor visibility and uncomfortable rear seats are usually a compromise to provide performance. It's evident that Cadillac decided to use the classy coupe design on the wrong car.