The luxury car market is heating up, with manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Rolls-Royce, and Lexus hard at work producing new luxury car models every year. There's a lot to love about luxury cars, but their astronomical prices ensure that only a few people get to experience them. Thankfully, the used car market for luxury cars is also growing rapidly and giving buyers with limited budgets a chance to own one.
However, buyers need to be extremely careful when buying used luxury cars. Some used cars can be a nightmare to own, which is why buyers must ensure that they get reliable ones. Let's check out five fantastic used luxury cars worth every penny versus five that are totally unreliable.
10 Worth Buying: 2019 BMW 3 Series
The 3-Series has been one of the most popular BMW models over the last decade. People love the 3-Series for its energetic engines, comfortable ride, dynamic handling, and good gas mileage. The 3 Series is available in three body styles and has two rows of roomy, comfortable seats.
The 2019 3-Series received a redesign that earned it a spot on this list. BMW equipped it with performance upgrades like a more powerful base engine and sharper steering, making it extremely fun to drive.
9 Will Give You Headaches: Maserati Ghibli
Introduced in 2013, the third-generation Maserati Ghibli is a compelling option for those interested in an Italian luxury sedan. It has an elegant design, a lavish interior, and several buttery smooth engine choices that sound great and provide more than enough power.
However, those considering buying a Ghibli are advised to stick with newer models. Ghiblis produced more than three years ago are known to have issues concerning faulty spark plugs and fuel pumps. Some Ghiblis were also recalled due to fuel leaks and faulty wiring, according to Consumer Reports.
8 Worth Buying: 2018 Tesla Model 3
In 2020, the Tesla Model 3 became the world's best-selling electric car in history, with more than 800,000 units sold since its introduction. Looking at the Model 3, it's easy to see why so many people love it - it's beautifully designed, affordable compared to other Teslas, and is one of the best-looking electric cars around.
The Model 3 has 220 miles of range in the Standard Range version and up to 360 miles of range in the Long Range version, making it suitable for short and long trips.
7 Will Give You Headaches: 2016 Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X was a game-changer when it came out in 2015. It had a great design featuring unique falcon-wing doors, a powerful battery pack, and a 0-60 mph time of under three seconds - faster than some European sports cars half its weight.
Unfortunately, the Model X's most interesting feature was also its worst — despite looking cool and futuristic, the falcon-wing doors are known to work erratically. They may also rub against the bodywork, damaging the paint job. Some 2016 models were also recalled for faulty brake calipers.
6 Worth Buying: 2017 Genesis G90
The Hyundai-owned Genesis brand builds some of the most luxurious cars, including the G90. The G90 is perfect for buyers looking for a luxury full-size sedan that delivers a smooth ride in a cushy cabin. Everything about the G90's interior screams luxury - heated front and rear seats, real wood, and Nappa leather make it feel special.
Standard features include a sunroof, tri-zone climate control, wireless charging, Bluetooth, and satellite navigation. The G90 is also one of the safest cars and comes with advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blindspot monitoring.
5 Will Give You Headaches: 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia
There's no denying it - the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia is one of the most beautiful sedans ever produced. Unfortunately, that's just about everything good about the car. Consumer Reports gave the Giulia one out of five stars for reliability and cited it as one of the cars people should avoid.
The 2017 Giulia had several problem areas plaguing it - the climate system, power equipment, body hardware, and in-car electronics. The NHTSA also recalled it for software issues on the brake system module, dangerous brake fluid leaks, and misfiring motors in the 2.0-liter models.
4 Worth Buying: 2016 Lincoln MKZ
The 2016 Lincoln MKZ is an excellent choice for buyers who need a luxury car with lots of premium features but don't have enough to spend on the BMWs and Audis of this world. Despite being much cheaper than its European rivals, the MKZ has luxury features like heated and ventilated front seats with Active Motion massage, a wide-opening sunroof, and soft-touch leather covering almost every interior surface.
There are two engine options for the MKZ - a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 240 horsepower on tap and a 3.7-liter V6 producing 300 horsepower. The MKZ is equipped with a six-speed automatic gearbox for a fantastic driving experience.
3 Will Give You Headaches: 2011 Audi A4
Audi is known for making zippy yet luxurious rides, and the A4 has been one of its flagship vehicles for more than 20 years. While most A4s are excellent sedans with good reliability ratings, the 2011 model is the opposite.
The 2011 A4's main problem was excessive oil consumption and fuel leaks. According to Car Complaints, the excessive oil usage problem would happen around 64,000 miles and could cost up to $6,000 to repair. Continuous oil leaks could also cause damage to other key parts, especially if the owner takes too long to notice.
2 Worth Buying: 2015 Porsche Panamera
Porsche is known for manufacturing some of the most reliable and durable cars, and the 2015 Panamera is no different. One of the most impressive features of the 2015 Panamera is its power, particularly the Turbo S version. It comes with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine pumping out 570 horsepower, giving it a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 192 mph. A plug-in hybrid version is also available for those interested in a more eco-friendly option.
Buyers can also expect soft-close doors, premium cabin materials, climate-controlled front and rear seats, a Burmester audio system, and a competitive selection of advanced safety technologies.
1 Will Give You Headaches: 2007 Cadillac CTS
Introduced in 2003, the first-generation Cadillac CTS was better in every way than the Opel-based Catera it replaced. It was built on GM's new RWD Sigma platform and had a new bold style in line with Cadillac's "Art and Science" design language.
However, the CTS had one major problem - a faulty transmission. Transmission problems caused things like shift delays, the car shaking at any speed, jumping or grinding when accelerating, whistling noises, or a burning smell.