Most of us can empathize with a dream we've all (likely) had: to be incredibly rich, free of debt, or fiscal responsibility. Quite simply, it'd be nice to be like Warren Buffett; able to go anywhere, do anything, and afford any type of car!
With that basic dream in mind, we here at HotCars developed our own list of used cars to feel like (one of) the world's wealthiest individuals: a comprehensive selection of some of the most affordable luxury cars. The just sort of vehicles to get you feelin' like a million bucks!
So, without further ado, here are the best used luxury cars that just about anyone can afford...
10 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 - ~$15,000
What do you do when you want a high-end European car but don't have almost $100,000 to drop on a single vehicle? Well, you have two choices: (1) get an older model or (2) go for the entry-level option. If you go with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, you'll be choosing the latter.
At an M.S.R.P. of around $30,000 brand new, the CLA-Class Mercedes have steadily dropped in value over time. Now, they represent a great deal for potential buyers, but not so much for anyone who got 'em day one.
9 BMW 1-Series - $9,000
Next up is the BMW 1-Series, a sportier take on the luxury category. To clarify, we mean the older 1-Series (E81, E82, E87, and E88), not the face-lifted ones we currently have. Still, the same principle is present in both.
The 1-Series is the perfect starter for getting into BMWs. Since it's a two-door coupe (with convertible choices), it's smaller than your average sedan. Yet, that actually makes it better. Mainly because it reduces the price, but it also helps it to perform slightly better than it otherwise would. Less weight and all that...
8 2011 Audi A4/S4 - ~$13,000
Mercedes and BMW aren't the only German carmakers throwing their hat into the ring. Of course, we can't forget the legendary four rings of Audi. In our estimation, their best, most affordable luxury car is their 2011 A4/S4.
The A4 is Audi's BMW 3-Series alternative. Their competition, so to speak. It's a four-door sedan with updated Audi infotainment and the famous Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Now, the A4 is much less expensive than its S-line version. Though, with the extra cash, the S4 will be a lot faster and way more equipped.
Depending on what you're looking for, you can either go with the cheaper, normal model or go for the more costly, yet faster, one. The choice is yours...
7 2013 Lexus IS 350 - ~$20,000
Far too many people sleep on Lexus as a good alternative to other, more costly, luxury cars. Heck, some don't even consider Lexus to be in that category altogether. Nevertheless, we do, and we think models like the 2013 IS 350 prove our point.
Combining Toyota's reliability and Lexus' styling queues makes for a great car! Both in terms of maintenance and aesthetics. What you get is the state-of-the-art tech from Lexus, as well as their design, and the cheap costs of Toyota-brand parts. Therefore, repairs are hardly wallet breaking, if they ever even come up, that is.
6 Acura TL - $10,000
Though it's been many years since Acura and Honda brought the NSX back, it's great to have it once again. Thanks to Honda/Acura, the classics can come back and show-off how far they've progressed. Unfortunately, they didn't include the Acura TL amongst their list of cars to revive...
We'll still never be able to fully understand why Acura discontinued the TL. In hindsight, it's one of the best Acura's ever made outside the NSX's. Whether it was for its reliability or above-average accommodations, the TL was (and still is) beloved by thousands.
5 2011 Cadillac DTS - ~$7,500
Coming out from left field is a brand that we, quite frankly, had forgotten about until recently: Cadillac. Sure, they've got some cool sports cars, but (to us) it's been a long time since Cadillac made anything noteworthy.
Besides the CTS-V and ATS-V, the last great Cadillac was the DTS - a luxury cruiser with an uncharacteristically powerful 4.6-liter V8 (~280-hp to be specific). This is the sort of car that made Cadillac what they are! It's a good-looking, comfortable sedan with just enough power as to make it feel less like a boat.
4 Mercedes-Benz S600 (W140) - ~$6,000
If you want a Mercedes that's a bit more 'antique' than a newer CLA 250, perhaps we can recommend an older, 1990's example of something similar. "What do we have in mind?" The W140 S600.
Just like the modern-day S600's, the W140 also has a beefy V12 under the hood. Of course, that'll give you a good bit of horsepower, though, not overdoing it. Basically, it's still quiet inside, even if there's an angry V12 right in-front of you.
As an aside, if you go for the W140 S600, be wary of the infamous Mercedes V12 and all its problems...
3 BMW 740i/750iL (E38) - $5,000
As we've stated before, BMW is a clear leader in automobile manufacturing. Because they've had so many 'hits', you can lose track of each and every one of them. However, if luxury is your aim, make sure not to forget the BMW E38.
As an owner of an E38 7-Series ourselves, we know just how awesome these luxury sports cars are. Sure, we're a little biased, but for good reason! Just as with the A4 and S4, the BMW E38 has two sides: the V8 740i and the V12 750i.
The 740i is a shorter wheelbase, but still as affluent inside as the iL's. However, the V8 engine makes for a sportier, more "torquey" driving experience. In contrast, the V12 750iL is more reserved, yet, quick, too. Either way, the E38 is an executive car fit for a President.
2 Bentley Arnage ‘Red Label’ - ~$27,000
During the early-2000's, Bentley made a few vehicles to honor their recent business dealings with other manufacturers. The result was an executive car fitting of the Bentley title, the Bentley Arnage 'Green Label', and 'Red Label'. By itself, the normal Arnage was already exquisite, but the Label version only improved them.
Can you guess what kind of engine it's got? Yes, a V8, but not any ordinary V8. In fact, it's the same one found in the aforementioned entry: the BMW E38 740i's M62, 4.4-liter V8. And, just like in the 7-Series, the M62 is a perfect fit for the Arnage! Speed, comfort, and that sweet Bentley badge.
1 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible - ~$35,000
Coming in for the last spot is a car truly worthy of its 'executive car' status: the Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible. From 1971 to 1996, the Corniche was like the Ghost is to the current-day R.R. lineup. Basically, it was one of the popular ones.
In its prime, a Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible would sell for $350,000+; the most expensive car they had. Today, though, several decades later, you can pick one up for a tenth of the M.S.R.P. - averaging at $35,000 to $50,000.
Before you ask, don't worry if it's nice enough. Sure it may be older than most would expect, but it's still a Rolls-Royce. If it was good enough for millionaires back then, then it should be perfect for everymen (and everywomen) like us!