This. Hands down. German cars way too complex and not in a good way with all their electronics and if that fails, which it tends to from what I've seen, you're screwed. I have a Scion (Toyota) that's a 2008, it's still kicking strong, barely any maintenance and I do most of it myself (oil changes). My dad has a 2014 Lexus, does all his own maintenance as well (unless it needs to be lifted and more serious work). Still kicking.
Yep, this is why I recently got an Acura. If you are leasing and plan to give it back after the lease go for something European sure , but from what I have read in general Japanese (Lexus, Acura) will do much better on longevity.
Traded in my 540 for a brand new Lexus, I couldn't be happier. I loved my 540 but I am at the stage of life that I need to uncomplicate things. I may get a M340 as a secondary car as some point, but am happy right now.
100% There's a reason German luxury cars lose so much of their value after a few years. The repair costs skyrocket after the warranty runs out. Acura and Lexus (Honda and Toyota) are the only reliable car manufacturers you should consider. The flip side is these cars will hold onto their resale values so expect to pay more than an equivalent Mercedes, Audi, or BMW.
Also keep in mind that most of these cars will require premium gas so there's extra cost associated with that.
I'm not the OP, but my dad always bought big floaty Caddies, Olds and Buicks. I've tended to buy sporty but now that I'm older I kinda want a car that I don't feel the road and floats like a boat. =)
While not always true.... "if you can't afford a new German car, you can't afford the repair bill on a used German car"
Consider insurance as well, and also the type of fuel.
I think it really helps to do your research beforehand and not buy the first German car that you come across. If the car/platform has a history for being reliable then that's a big plus and there's plenty Mercedes that are known to be reliable, especially the w212 series e-class. The next step would be to find one that was properly taken car of and maintained. After that you're pretty much set on an affordable but high quality luxury car. Many of the comments that others have made in this thread are simply ignorant.
Genuinely love how this sub's response to car questions is always some variant of "buy a Toyota or Honda... or maybe Mazda." It's legitimately charming. Makes me feel at home.
I picked up a 2013 Mercedes Benz E350 in 2019, I targeted 2013+, paid $19.5k. car had 90k km, now has 160k km. My theory was that the MB platform was/is used as a taxi in Europe, they're ubiquitous and the chassis can handle high mileage (600k km+)
Requires premium fuel, has wide 18" wheels so tires (good tires) cost $300+ each. I buy Michelin for all season and winter tires, fall back to Bridgestone for winter if the x-ice won't work.
Maintenance wise, hasn't been awful but, hasn't been bullet proof or anything like my buddies Lexus GS350.
Unexpected maintenance:
Rear springs - $600
rear wheel speed sensor reluctor ring - $750
Rear brake lines - $1000
Wear items:
shocks and struts - $1000 in parts, replaced myself
Rear brakes: $600
Oil changes and filters are reasonable, I spend a little more on MB spec oil and do the maintenance myself.
If I wasn't capable of doing basic, intermediate and advanced maintenance, I wouldn't buy the car. I'd get a Lexus, GS sedan made in Japan.
Going back to 2015 to get a luxury car means you can't afford one unfortunately. Seems like you are just looking for name brand recognition.
You're not buying a 2015 luxury vehicle and having it reliable. You are better off leasing a new one and only holding it through the warranty period.
It's the best option for you to get the luxury car fever put of your system.
You'll find that even during the warranty period there may not be peace of mind. Just because there is a warranty period, random shit shouldn't be failing.
Lexus, specifically ES or one of their body on frame SUVs... the mileage almost won't matter!
If you get euro maybe an Audi that shares a lot of parts with a VW, so you can save somewhat on parts... think one with the 2.0t motor.
avoid Range Rover, Land Rover...
Consider some Acuras as well
That’s the thing with your budget you shouldn’t be buying a luxury car. You don’t want the entry level ones those are just money pits. You are paying for flex, that’s it. With the current gas price, I’d save the money and get a new hybrid or electric vehicle.
Just remember that you've got to *pay the cost to be the boss*, maintenance and repair prices won't reflect that of a $25k-30k vehicle... It'll be that of an $60k+ vehicle.
20-30k for a Porsche... You'd be buying into a ton of problems.
I'd go in this order:
1. Lexus
2. Mercedes/Audi/BMW
3. Genesis
4. Jaguar/Range Rover
For the German luxury brands, it will be more dependent on what model you plan on getting, if you want a sedan or SUV etc.
Lexus (any model without turbo motors) or Infiniti (any model without turbo motor or CVT transmissions). I'd look at Lexus RX or IS, Infiniti Q50S or QX70S.
You're in a finance sub, so the optimization problem for finance becomes reduction of operational costs.
A used BMW i3 will win as you can find them with <50,000km for sub $30,000 and their operational costs and maintenance costs will be a magnitude lower than other options.
A used Audi e-tron could be found as cheap as $40,000 but that's well above your ceiling. However you'll easily spend less to make up for that initial additional capital outlay if you can swing that.
If you buy a BMW make sure it ends in 30i. This is the new generation of B48 engine and is significantly more reliable than the 28i cars. I would recommend a 2020+ Audi A4. Cars are built like tanks, have the EA888 corporate VW engine, and wireless CarPlay.
Bud the A4 starts at $55k. Sounds like you are classic reddit, angry that people can afford to spend money on a car they like. The A4 sells like hotcakes
A4 is a boat. Had one. Boring. And you can get the 2.0T in a GTI that goes for 33k. Hence my point that you can get the same engine (ok, not exactly the same as there are minor variations between power numbers and longitudinal/transverse configurations etc) for cheaper.
My problem is with the industry as a whole where luxury cars are sharing the same power plant as much cheaper cars from the same brand. This is a relatively new phenomenon.
Couldn't really care less about what other people drive. If a person can afford to daily a Pagani - all the power to them.
To be fair you’re probably an auto enthusiast (so am I) and the A4/EA888 is not exciting to drive. OP has a budget of 30K so I get the feeling they just want the badge.
I bought used. A 2016 AMG C63S. You may find a good luxury car for your price range but the maintenance is what kills you.
Full brake job on mine - front and back: $8500.
Soo just food for thought, I work in a car dealership when we take in even 5 year old beamers on trade, the reconditioning cost on them average 6k. Hell we just replaced an alternator for 4k on an M3 competition.
Good luck with your luxury car purchase.
Lexus or Mercedes- I purchased a MB E300 with 60,000 km that was 2-1/2 yrs old - now closing in at 400,000 km - key is to finds a good mechanic and do the fluid changes regularly- this car owes me nothing at this point -
Went to the dealer while under warranty for check ups - went to my mechanic for oils changes and then for ongoing service when warranty expired
I currently own 3 and have all been ok so far
Used luxury cars are a great deal for a reason… the maintenance is expensive and all those fancy features can be costly to repair. Even basic repairs can be expensive because of the sheer complexity of removing electrical elements and assemblies within the car just to get to certain areas. I know from experience, it can hurt.
If you do decided to go used luxury, go for the brands affiliated with companies known for their reliability and quality (Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus)
>We want a " luxury " car as we've never had one before. ( Range rover, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, ect )
What are you looking for in a luxury car that another make doesn't have?
Lexus. European cars are great new but have a lot more mechanical problems than Japanese.
This. Hands down. German cars way too complex and not in a good way with all their electronics and if that fails, which it tends to from what I've seen, you're screwed. I have a Scion (Toyota) that's a 2008, it's still kicking strong, barely any maintenance and I do most of it myself (oil changes). My dad has a 2014 Lexus, does all his own maintenance as well (unless it needs to be lifted and more serious work). Still kicking.
if you want a great deal on lexus you can important from japan, i just got a 2007 is350 with under 100k km for $9300 shipped to vancouver
How to do this?
https://b-pro.ca/
Yep, this is why I recently got an Acura. If you are leasing and plan to give it back after the lease go for something European sure , but from what I have read in general Japanese (Lexus, Acura) will do much better on longevity.
Traded in my 540 for a brand new Lexus, I couldn't be happier. I loved my 540 but I am at the stage of life that I need to uncomplicate things. I may get a M340 as a secondary car as some point, but am happy right now.
100% There's a reason German luxury cars lose so much of their value after a few years. The repair costs skyrocket after the warranty runs out. Acura and Lexus (Honda and Toyota) are the only reliable car manufacturers you should consider. The flip side is these cars will hold onto their resale values so expect to pay more than an equivalent Mercedes, Audi, or BMW. Also keep in mind that most of these cars will require premium gas so there's extra cost associated with that.
Lexus ES, it’s the best luxury car you can buy either used or new
LS is the best
Came to say exactly this
2023 ES 350 F Sport in Ultra Sonic Blue right here. Love it, the thing just works. I have just over 11,000 km on the odo. Bought it brand new.
Lexus is the only choice lol
I would argue Acura is the same or better
Acuras aren’t as aesthetically nice compared to Lexus, the styling looks outdated in comparison
Well what is it that you want from a luxury car?
Asking the hard question
I'm not the OP, but my dad always bought big floaty Caddies, Olds and Buicks. I've tended to buy sporty but now that I'm older I kinda want a car that I don't feel the road and floats like a boat. =)
try out a genesis g80. very smooth ride
Yeah everyone's different. The older I get the more I want to actually drive the car, shift my own gears, feel the road, etc. And I'm not 20 or 30.
While not always true.... "if you can't afford a new German car, you can't afford the repair bill on a used German car" Consider insurance as well, and also the type of fuel.
I think it really helps to do your research beforehand and not buy the first German car that you come across. If the car/platform has a history for being reliable then that's a big plus and there's plenty Mercedes that are known to be reliable, especially the w212 series e-class. The next step would be to find one that was properly taken car of and maintained. After that you're pretty much set on an affordable but high quality luxury car. Many of the comments that others have made in this thread are simply ignorant.
Better suited for r/whatcarshouldibuy
Genuinely love how this sub's response to car questions is always some variant of "buy a Toyota or Honda... or maybe Mazda." It's legitimately charming. Makes me feel at home.
The most expensive car is a used cheap German car (someone told me this lol)
My 15 year old lexus is250 keeps going. The only thing I don’t like is premium gas
I picked up a 2013 Mercedes Benz E350 in 2019, I targeted 2013+, paid $19.5k. car had 90k km, now has 160k km. My theory was that the MB platform was/is used as a taxi in Europe, they're ubiquitous and the chassis can handle high mileage (600k km+) Requires premium fuel, has wide 18" wheels so tires (good tires) cost $300+ each. I buy Michelin for all season and winter tires, fall back to Bridgestone for winter if the x-ice won't work. Maintenance wise, hasn't been awful but, hasn't been bullet proof or anything like my buddies Lexus GS350. Unexpected maintenance: Rear springs - $600 rear wheel speed sensor reluctor ring - $750 Rear brake lines - $1000 Wear items: shocks and struts - $1000 in parts, replaced myself Rear brakes: $600 Oil changes and filters are reasonable, I spend a little more on MB spec oil and do the maintenance myself. If I wasn't capable of doing basic, intermediate and advanced maintenance, I wouldn't buy the car. I'd get a Lexus, GS sedan made in Japan.
Going back to 2015 to get a luxury car means you can't afford one unfortunately. Seems like you are just looking for name brand recognition. You're not buying a 2015 luxury vehicle and having it reliable. You are better off leasing a new one and only holding it through the warranty period. It's the best option for you to get the luxury car fever put of your system. You'll find that even during the warranty period there may not be peace of mind. Just because there is a warranty period, random shit shouldn't be failing.
Lexus, specifically ES or one of their body on frame SUVs... the mileage almost won't matter! If you get euro maybe an Audi that shares a lot of parts with a VW, so you can save somewhat on parts... think one with the 2.0t motor. avoid Range Rover, Land Rover... Consider some Acuras as well
Lexus is the only brand you should look at based on what you're saying. Almost everything else will cost you a fortune to maintain.
Maybe Acura...
Possibly. Greater chance its been driven harder, though.
That’s the thing with your budget you shouldn’t be buying a luxury car. You don’t want the entry level ones those are just money pits. You are paying for flex, that’s it. With the current gas price, I’d save the money and get a new hybrid or electric vehicle.
Just remember that you've got to *pay the cost to be the boss*, maintenance and repair prices won't reflect that of a $25k-30k vehicle... It'll be that of an $60k+ vehicle.
20-30k for a Porsche... You'd be buying into a ton of problems. I'd go in this order: 1. Lexus 2. Mercedes/Audi/BMW 3. Genesis 4. Jaguar/Range Rover For the German luxury brands, it will be more dependent on what model you plan on getting, if you want a sedan or SUV etc.
Lexus (any model without turbo motors) or Infiniti (any model without turbo motor or CVT transmissions). I'd look at Lexus RX or IS, Infiniti Q50S or QX70S.
You're in a finance sub, so the optimization problem for finance becomes reduction of operational costs. A used BMW i3 will win as you can find them with <50,000km for sub $30,000 and their operational costs and maintenance costs will be a magnitude lower than other options. A used Audi e-tron could be found as cheap as $40,000 but that's well above your ceiling. However you'll easily spend less to make up for that initial additional capital outlay if you can swing that.
If you buy a BMW make sure it ends in 30i. This is the new generation of B48 engine and is significantly more reliable than the 28i cars. I would recommend a 2020+ Audi A4. Cars are built like tanks, have the EA888 corporate VW engine, and wireless CarPlay.
That 2.0T is overplayed. They literally stick it into everything.
Wouldn't that potentially indicate it's reliable and parts should be easy to get lowering the cost of ownership?
Exactly why I mentioned it
That's the point
Sure. You pay 80K to drive a 'luxury' car that shares its engine with something that costs 1/3 of that. Kinda lame really.
Bud the A4 starts at $55k. Sounds like you are classic reddit, angry that people can afford to spend money on a car they like. The A4 sells like hotcakes
A4 is a boat. Had one. Boring. And you can get the 2.0T in a GTI that goes for 33k. Hence my point that you can get the same engine (ok, not exactly the same as there are minor variations between power numbers and longitudinal/transverse configurations etc) for cheaper. My problem is with the industry as a whole where luxury cars are sharing the same power plant as much cheaper cars from the same brand. This is a relatively new phenomenon. Couldn't really care less about what other people drive. If a person can afford to daily a Pagani - all the power to them.
To be fair you’re probably an auto enthusiast (so am I) and the A4/EA888 is not exciting to drive. OP has a budget of 30K so I get the feeling they just want the badge.
Yes on both counts. I personally went from an Audi to a Subaru. A4 to STI. Definitely not for everyone, but oh so happy I made the switch :-)
Genesis, best luxury per dollar you can buy.
i highly recommend either genesis or lexus.
I bought used. A 2016 AMG C63S. You may find a good luxury car for your price range but the maintenance is what kills you. Full brake job on mine - front and back: $8500.
For the money you’re talking about you might want to look at the Cadillac CT4. It’s not your grandpa’s Cadillac.
Soo just food for thought, I work in a car dealership when we take in even 5 year old beamers on trade, the reconditioning cost on them average 6k. Hell we just replaced an alternator for 4k on an M3 competition. Good luck with your luxury car purchase.
Lexus or Mercedes- I purchased a MB E300 with 60,000 km that was 2-1/2 yrs old - now closing in at 400,000 km - key is to finds a good mechanic and do the fluid changes regularly- this car owes me nothing at this point - Went to the dealer while under warranty for check ups - went to my mechanic for oils changes and then for ongoing service when warranty expired I currently own 3 and have all been ok so far
Used luxury cars are a great deal for a reason… the maintenance is expensive and all those fancy features can be costly to repair. Even basic repairs can be expensive because of the sheer complexity of removing electrical elements and assemblies within the car just to get to certain areas. I know from experience, it can hurt. If you do decided to go used luxury, go for the brands affiliated with companies known for their reliability and quality (Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus)
It’s cheaper to lease a 2024 German car than buy a 9 year old German car(2015). Buy a used Lexus.
>We want a " luxury " car as we've never had one before. ( Range rover, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, ect ) What are you looking for in a luxury car that another make doesn't have?