These days, most cars offer plenty of performance and reasonable fuel economy. They're also safe and roomy—and even still stylish. There are more models for everyone, from urban drivers to rural residents. Some automakers also make a variety of models for different markets. If you're looking for an alternative to other mainstream brands, a European premium marque might be the right fit for you.
There is no shortage of used luxury cars on the market. That's especially true if you're looking at European sports cars under $20,000. Some older luxury cars go for under $10,000. However, there's a big difference between cheap and underpriced.
In this list, we'll be sharing the top 10 most underrated and underpriced European luxury cars on the used market right now—models that have either suffered from heavy depreciation or just haven't yet appreciated in value. The entries date all the way back to 1979 models, so there is something for every kind of taste out there.
10 1979 Porsche 928
The 1979 Porsche 928 is one of the most affordable models of the German manufacturer you can find on the used market. It is equipped with a V8 engine able to output 230 hp. Most used 928s will set you back more than $10,000, but great deals pop up every now and then for under ten grand.
For example, this specific luxurious model sells for just under $9,000 with only 85,000 miles clocked. This is a bargain for every Porsche enthusiast.
9 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500SL
Luxurious as always, the Mercedes-Benz line is used to producing high-class cars. One of them is the 1993 500SL which retailed for an MSRP of $84,000. The 315-hp V8 engine is still considered powerful by today's standards.
Even though a car like this could go hundreds of thousands of miles without breaking down, its price in the used market is low. This particular one sells for $13,000.
8 2000 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage
With the coupe version starting at $140,000 and the Volante going for $165,000, selling these models was somewhat difficult for the British manufacturer. Still, for their time, the cars were impeccable both mechanically and visually.
Currently, the coupe goes for around $25,000-$27,000 while the Volante trim sells at $30,000. Just take a look at these, and you will be astonished by how low their mileage is considering their price is also extremely reasonable.
7 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
With prices north of $50,000, the fact that you can find a 2016 Mercedes-Benz with just 23,000 miles for $30,000 is simply amazing. The car is still practically new and as luxurious as it can get at that MSRP.
As for the rest of the E-Class line, we still think the cars are underpriced, even though some of them were produced in 2018 and their price is almost half already.
6 1994 Jaguar XJS
Coming with multiple engine options, the 1994 Jaguar XJS was and still is one very sought-after European luxury car. The V12 trim was able to output 278 hp at 5,400 rpm.
With a starting MSRP of almost $52,000, it's still magnificent how well this car has held up over the years. We found it to be underpriced as you can find one for as little as $9,000-$10,000.
5 2004-2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
The first-generation Phaeton was and still is a very luxurious car. Even though it may not be as fuel-efficient as some of its competitors, the car still holds up well after 150,000+ miles.
A new Phaeton would cost more than $65,000 back in 2006. Now? The car's value has gone down to 1/6 of that as you can find multiple used ones, even for less than $10,000.
4 2007 Jaguar XK (Convertible)
For a car produced and sold back in 2007, the Jaguar XK's $81,500 MSRP was enough for the model to be considered a top-tier luxury sports car. With a 32-valve 300-hp engine, the XK did 0-60 in 6 seconds!
Now, 15 years after its official release, the price has gone down to less than 1/4 of the original MSRP. As you can see here, a 2007 XK convertible with low mileage goes for around $20,000!
3 2017 Audi A8
Even though the car came in more than a couple of editions, we will be referring to the most powerful one, which was equipped with a 4.0-liter 450-hp engine. The 2017 A8 Quattro sedan retailed for a bit over $90,000 when it was new.
Finding how much it goes for today came as a huge surprise. The top-tier Audi A8, just 5 years after its production, has lost almost two-thirds of its value as you can find a used one for $30,000 to $35,000.
2 2014 Land Rover Range Rover
Just like most entries in this list, this car came with a $100,000+ MSRP. Being a Land Rover, the car's main selling point is the luxury it offers to the driver and the passengers.
If you take a look here, you will quickly find out that just like the 2017 Audi A8 we mentioned before, the car has lost a substantial chunk of its original value. The supercharged LWB version can be found for around one-third of its initial MSRP.
1 2015-2016 Maserati Quattroporte
Both the 2015 and 2016 Quattroporte were stunning, luxurious, and overall great additions to the Maserati construction line. The 3.0L 6-cylinder 404-hp engine of the 2016 S Q4 AWD model was enough to put it on the $100,000+ price point.
In fact, when launched, the 2016 Quattroporte had an MSRP of $107,900. Now, it can be yours for less than one-third of that as it is found for as low as $30,000.