It’s getting to be quite a challenge to locate a genuine bargain in the used car market. The average price of a used car continues to rise annually, despite an upturn in new vehicle sales figures.
Nevertheless, when you consider the average price of a new luxury vehicle you will discover that you can find some relief in a good quality 4-year old luxury model with all the bells and whistles.
I found fifteen top-tier used luxury cars and crossovers (all of which originally sold for at least $40K) for less than $25K; according to NADA. Check out the list that follows. All of these luxurious crafts are 2012 models and they will all make you the envy of your co-workers and neighbors.
2012 Lincoln MKZ
This is the absolute cheapest way to own a luxury car. The MKZ isn’t up to the levels of sophistication or brand cachet set by the European luxury brands but it’s roomy, quiet, and comfortable.
- NADA used retail price – $18,300
- Original sticker price – $34,755
2012 Audi A3
The A3 is now sold only as a sedan but back in 2012 it was offered as a compact luxury/sports wagon. Not only is it a hoot to drive, it’s also more practical than a small sedan with added rear passenger space and cargo area.
- NADA used retail price – $19,075
- Original sticker price – $27,270
2012 BMW 128i Coupe
Modest resale values on this entry-level coupe can help even a buyer of meager financial standing to enjoy the prestige of owning a BMW. It shares its 230-horsepower six-cylinder engine with the larger and more expensive BMW 3-Series.
- NADA used retail price – $20,125
- Original sticker price – $31,200
2012 Cadillac CTS Wagon
Cadillac’s posh and sporty midsize station wagon never caught on, and though its numbers may be scarce in the resale market, it’s worth a look. Crippling resale values make this an amenable and bargain-priced alternative to most used luxury SUVs.
- NADA used retail price – $20,925
- Original sticker price – $39,015
2012 Lexus CT 200h
The CT200h four-door hatchback is the most affordable used luxury version of gas/electric-powered hybrid and alternative-fuel cars that have fallen out of favor due to this past year’s dip in fuel costs. It’s sportier in nature than most fuel-sipping cars, comes well equipped, and affords adequate performance and comfort. It’s also rated at 43/40-mpg city/highway.
- NADA used retail price – $20,925
- Original sticker price – $29,120
2012 Audi’s more stylish and luxurious alternative to a BMW 3-Series delivers tenacious handling but won’t beat up its occupants with a harsh ride. It’s handsome, comfortable and capable, and it comes aptly equipped with a peppy 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
- NADA used retail price – $21,400
- Original sticker price – $32,500
2012 Land Rover LR2
Brand conscious buyers on a budget should consider owning a slightly used Land Rover from the 2012 model year. It’s both luxurious and eminently off-road capable, the latter thanks to a four-wheel-drive system that can send nearly all the engine’s power to the front or rear wheels as necessary to maintain traction and it still rides smoothly around town.
- NADA used retail price – $21,650
- Original sticker price – $35,700
2012 Cadillac CTS Sedan
Cadillac’s angularly styled midsize rear-drive sporty sedan is a good bargain in the resale market. It’s lively and comfortable and the base model (listed here) comes nicely heeled with a 270 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine.
- NADA used retail price – $21,650
- Original sticker price – $35,915
2012 Lincoln MKS
Despite not being the best upscale sedan to graduate from the class of 2012, it’s certainly the largest luxury car for the money on a used-car lot. It has room for five adults and a capacious trunk for their many belongings.
- NADA used retail price – $22,475
- Original sticker price – $41,500
2012 Infiniti G37 Sedan
Infiniti’s rear-drive midsize luxury sedan packs a 3.7-liter V6 punch and handles nicely through the curves, with a relatively smooth ride and elegant trappngs. Coupe and convertible G37 versions are also available but they’re based on the Nissan Z sports coupe and as such are les comfortable on the highway and feature slightly cramped cabins.
- NADA used retail price – $22,325
- Original sticker price – $36,900
2012 Cadillac SRX
Sporty and luxurious at the same time; this upscale version of the Chevrolet Equinox features a roomy and comfortable five-passenger interior and packs a strong V6 engine.
- NADA used retail price – $22,750
- Original sticker price – $35,985
2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Sport Sedan
The C-class sedan is a great deal in a used luxury car. It’s handsomely styled and is appropriately plush inside. It also rewards enthusiastic drivers with quick handling, while maintaining a smooth ride.
- NADA used retail price – $23,600
- Original sticker price – $34,800
2012 Infiniti EX35
Infiniti’s sporty compact crossover SUV is both stylish and capable, with added luxury that makes for a comfortable cabin. A 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers impressive acceleration, and its taut suspension affords crisp handling.
- NADA used retail price – $23,725
- Original sticker price – $35,800
2012 BMW 328i Coupe
For the enthusiast who can do without that extra set of doors, the coupe versions of BMW’s iconic 3 Series compact sports/luxury line cost around $4,000 less than new. It’s fast and fun, with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 328i, though it tends to ride rougher than the typical luxury car.
- NADA used retail price – $23,800
- Original sticker price – $38,700
2012 Lexus HS 250h
Believe it or not, this midsize five-passenger hybrid-powered sedan is even more luxurious than its cousin at Toyota.
- NADA used retail price – $23,925
- Original sticker price – $37,030
