Oct 12, 2026

5 Used Cars That Look Luxurious but Are Surprisingly Affordable To Own

A luxury car can be appealing until the repair bills, insurance premiums and maintenance costs start piling up. Fortunately, drivers who want a premium experience don’t necessarily need to spend luxury prices if they're willing to buy used.

“I've spent decades around the automotive industry and have watched countless vehicles move through fleets, dealerships, auctions and private ownership,” said Roger Bible, director of operations at ATC Driveaway. “One thing I've learned is that you don't always need a luxury badge to get a luxury experience. Some of the smartest car buyers are the ones who find vehicles that deliver premium comfort and features without premium repair bills.”

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Here are five used cars Bible recommended for drivers who want a luxury feel without luxury-level ownership costs.

1. Toyota Avalon

Estimated used price: $22,890

The discontinued Avalon can be a sweet spot for buyers who want a roomy, upscale sedan without moving into a traditional luxury brand. Bible recommended the limited trim, with the kind of comfort and technology features that help the Avalon compete with more expensive sedans.

The Avalon is one he’s seen surpass 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. It will also cost “substantially less to maintain” than comparable but more expensive brands like BMW or Audi, he said.

RepairPal gave the Avalon a 4.0 out of 5 reliability rating and estimated average annual repair costs at $463, calling its ownership costs “excellent.”

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) puts the fair purchase price of a 2019 Avalon Limited Sedan 4D at about $22,890, though pricing varies by location, mileage and condition.

2. Mazda CX-5

Estimated used price: between $18,000 and $32,000

For those who prefer an SUV, the Mazda CX-5 combines a relatively upscale cabin with mainstream-car ownership costs, Bible said. He particularly recommended years 2019 to 2023 and the Grand Touring or Signature models. Higher trims add features such as leather upholstery and premium audio while Bible pointed to its “ride quality, cabin quietness, seat comfort and interior design” as reasons it can feel more expensive than it is.

RepairPal gave the CX-5 a 4.5 out of 5 reliability rating and estimated average repair and maintenance costs at just $447 per year, versus $573 for midsize SUVs overall.

Bible estimated the used price at between $18,000 and $32,000 depending on model year, mileage and condition.

3. Lexus ES 350

Estimated used price: between $25,000 to $40,000

The ES 350 does carry an actual luxury badge, but its ownership costs can be surprisingly mainstream, Bible noted, particularly years 2018 to 2023 and the Luxury and Ultra Luxury models. “A carefully maintained Lexus ES or Toyota Avalon will often provide a more enjoyable ownership experience than a neglected European luxury vehicle that was far more expensive when new,” Bible said.

RepairPal estimated the ES 350 costs an average $468 per year for repairs and maintenance, versus $739 for luxury midsize cars. It earns a 4.0 out of 5 reliability rating.

Bible estimated the used price at between $25,000 to $40,000.

4. Genesis G80

Estimated used price: between $20,000 to $35,000

Bible said that buyers willing to shop an older model, particularly the 2015 or 2017 to 2020 years, may get a lot of luxury equipment for their money with the Genesis G80.

“A well-equipped Genesis G80, in particular, often includes features that buyers would have paid significantly more for in a traditional luxury vehicle,” he said.

RepairPal does not currently have enough data to calculate an accurate average annual maintenance cost for the G80, but it’s always good to check specific model and year reliability evidence rather than assuming a car is inexpensive to own.

Bible estimated the used price at between $20,000 to $35,000.

5. Buick LaCrosse

Estimated used price: between $15,000 and $25,000

The LaCrosse is probably the sleeper pick of the group, Bible suggested, particularly the 2017 to 2019 models. Its large, comfortable cabin and smooth ride can provide some of the experience of a luxury sedan while depreciation has made used examples relatively inexpensive. “[It's] another overlooked choice that offers excellent value on the used market,” he said.

RepairPal estimated average repair and maintenance costs of $569 per year and gave the LaCrosse a 4.0 out of 5 reliability rating.

Bible estimated the used price at between $15,000 and $25,000.

What To Check Before Buying a Luxury-Feeling Used Car

Purchase price alone doesn't determine whether a car is affordable to own. Don’t overlook insurance, tires, fuel, maintenance, registration costs and depreciation, Bible said. “A vehicle that costs a few thousand dollars less upfront can sometimes cost significantly more over several years, if it requires expensive repairs or loses value quickly,” he added.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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Written by

Jordan Rosenfeld

Edited by

Rebekah Evans