7 Affordable Used Luxury Cars That Are Actually Reliable

The phrase “cheap luxury vehicle” carries negative connotations. While some luxury cars may depreciate faster than mainstream models, their repairs and maintenance don’t offer the same benefit. Misleadingly low prices on some used luxury vehicles have deceived many secondhand car buyers into thinking they’re buying an affordable car, without considering that parts and service still carry the premium price tag.

This has led many used car buyers to believe that luxury cars are unreliable, which is true in some cases but certainly not all. Luxury cars are often more complex than basic models and require more maintenance, which is important to keep in mind when considering any vehicle mentioned here. The following list highlights used luxury cars you can find for $25,000 or less that have reputations for reliability and are known to achieve incredible mileage.

Lexus RX

Lexus is strongly associated with reliable luxury vehicles, largely because its parent company, Toyota, has expertise in engineering extremely reliable powertrains. Plenty of used Lexus options fit within the $25,000 budget, each compelling in its own way. The IS is an excellent compact sports sedan, the ES is a great midsize option, and a handful of sportier GS models are even available.

However, the best model to recommend is the midsize RX crossover. As one of the most popular luxury SUVs ever sold, it's widely available on the used market. Within the budget, buyers can expect mid-mileage models from around 2017 to 2018, or models with around 100,000 km that are just over 10 years old. Regardless of which RX models you choose, they come well equipped with leather seats, a host of driver-assistance systems, and an interior that’s aged rather well. RX models also came with all-wheel drive (AWD), making them an excellent choice for Canadian winters. While it may not be the flashiest luxury vehicle, it's certainly among the most reliable.

Acura TLX

The Acura TLX is one of the most level-headed secondhand luxury cars you can choose. Because Acura’s parent company is Honda, the TLX shares its platform with the Honda Accord, including powertrains known to reach well over 200,000 km with ease. Most TLX models feature a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre engine producing 206 hp. While that may not be the most impressive power figure, the TLX is an excellent choice for those who value fuel economy, with the TLX rated at 8.7 L/100 km in combined driving, not bad for a 10-year-old midsize sedan.

Most TLX models also came with AWD, making them a great choice for winter. The TLX’s greatest strength is its styling; Acura has always done a good job hiding its Honda origins to create sharp-looking designs, and the TLX still looks stellar nearly a decade later.

The TLX also benefits from being relatively modern, with mid-mileage models as new as 2020 available within budget. Its relative newness also means TLX models from 2017 onward support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making the TLX a solid used car with a bit of extra flair. The other benefit is that Acura service and parts cost pretty much the same as a Honda.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class has been around for more than three decades and has consistently proven itself to be one of the best midsize luxury models. Reliability has always been a strong suit of the E-Class. The previous generation, released in 2016, offers an excellent combination of reliability and modernity, particularly the E 400 models fitted with the twin-turbo V6. This powertrain is known to get well over 200,000 km and produces 328 hp.

The E-Class also comes in almost every body style imaginable. There’s the sedan, which is by far the most popular, but also the coupe and convertible, not to mention the station wagon, which was available with seating for seven. Regardless of which model you choose, you should expect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, plus adaptive cruise control. Naturally, the E-Class’ interior is well adorned with leather and subtle wood touches that you’d expect in a Mercedes.

Audi A6

Like the E-Class, Audi’s midsize model offers strong value for money, combining luxury with affordability. You can often find A6 models about 10 years old for under $25,000 with relatively low mileage. Most models are 3.0T, which deceptively use a 3.0L supercharged V6 engine producing 333 hp. This engine has proven very reliable, but like all luxury cars, it needs consistent maintenance. Audi also sold a 3.0L diesel model that could achieve some excellent fuel economy figures. Naturally, Audi models come with standard AWD, making them a very compelling choice for winter.

Being an Audi, the interior is naturally well appointed with leather seating and plenty of driver safety assistant technologies. The Audi A6’s design has also aged well, with its minimalist lines and sporty grille still looking as good now as they did 10 years ago.

Porsche Cayenne

Believe it or not, a Porsche Cayenne can be a surprisingly good used luxury SUV. For under $25,000, you’ll find plenty of examples of mid-millennium Porsche Cayenne models. Since the Cayenne was quite expensive when new, engine options are limited within this budget, so buyers will mostly find entry-level Cayenne models. These Cayennes feature a naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 producing 296 hp.

While that may not sound like much, the base Cayenne’s engine is key to its reliability, as it has been proven to reach very high mileage. Even a base-model Cayenne delivers an excellent driving experience, combining performance and refinement while still looking as handsome as ever. Needless to say, you also get plenty of badge for the value, with the Porsche Cayenne bearing the iconic logo at a relatively low entry cost. Just keep in mind that Porsche service and parts can still be costly.

Volkswagen Touareg

This choice may raise an eyebrow; Volkswagen isn't a luxury brand, after all. But the Touareg is an exception, stemming from Volkswagen’s upmarket push in the early 2000s. As a result, the Touareg shares its platform with the aforementioned Porsche Cayenne and even uses the same VR6 engine you’d find in the base Cayenne.

The interior of the Touareg is surprisingly well adorned with wood and leather, far nicer than you’d find in a modern Volkswagen product. Similarly, you can expect a relatively modern infotainment system; however, don’t expect CarPlay in earlier models, as you’ll have to contend with older Bluetooth connectivity. This may not be the flashiest used luxury SUV, but it's surprisingly nice for the price and very spacious inside.

Lincoln Navigator

If all you want from your luxury SUV is presence, the Lincoln Navigator has you covered. While it may not be the most refined ride on the list, especially as the only models you can find within the budget are about 10 years old and are based on an older second-gen Navigator that was introduced in 2007, the Navigator still has plenty to offer. Its interior still has plenty of gadgets and, naturally, plenty of leather. The Navigator also has three-row seating, making it an excellent contender as a family hauler.

The powertrain is key to the Navigator’s reliability, as it shares a platform with the Ford Expedition and F-150, two models known for being robust and dependable. As a result, plenty of parts are available when you need them. It may not be the most luxurious choice in terms of materials and ride quality, but the Navigator more than makes up for it in dependability.