What do automotive brands like Jaguar, Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, and Alfa Romeo have in common? They embody a level of opulence or luxury that typically comes with a high price tag. While many believe that these luxury brands are unattainable for most budgets, that isn’t the case if you change your shopping habits. Instead of scouring the lot for a new model, you can shop smarter by shopping for used luxury vehicles for sale in your area.
When you shop from the used lot, you’ll find a treasure trove of affordable vehicles that offer great value and more bang for your buck. What’s even better is that by shopping for a used luxury vehicle, you can often afford a better equipped or more luxurious model than what your budget would allow if you were shopping for a new model. On top of this, you’re also avoiding those first few years of depreciation that befalls every new vehicle, which puts more money in your pocket in the long run.
With these benefits in mind, are you ready to shop for a used luxury vehicle? Of course you are, which is why we’ve put together a list of four budget-friendly used luxury vehicles that not only deliver the ultimate in luxury but also offer impressive power and outstanding driving experiences when you’re behind the wheel. From Jaguar and Tesla to Mercedes-Benz and Alfa Romeo, it doesn’t get any better than this!
2019 Jaguar I-PACE
Launching from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, the all-electric 2019 Jaguar I-PACE is a great option if you’re looking for a powerful EV that’s fun to drive. The I-PACE is Jaguar’s first all-electric vehicle, which explains why Jaguar pulled out all the stops to make it one of the most luxurious, sophisticated, and powerful EVs on the road. That power comes from two electric motors that deliver 394 horsepower and 512 lb-ft of torque, making the I-PACE incredibly responsive and agile with instantaneous acceleration.
Originally priced around $70,000, the I-PACE is also packed with innovative driver-assist and safety features like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking. The all-electric EV offers exceptional luxury and comfort as well, from its panoramic sunroof and state-of-the-art touchscreen infotainment system to its infrared windshield that keeps the sedan cool on those hot summer days. These features make the I-Pace a great value in the used market because the model is new enough to include some of the latest technology but, as a pre-owned option, will boast a lower price tag than its original MSRP.
2018 Tesla Model 3
If you’ve always wanted a Tesla but can’t quite bring yourself to pay full price for the newest model, then you’ll definitely want to keep your eye out for a used 2018 Tesla Model 3. Marketed as “the $35,000, 200-mile Tesla,” the Model 3 never reached that low price with the Long-Range option originally setting owners back around $50,000. This means even more savings when you shop for a used Model 3.
While the Jaguar I-PACE is already quite fast, the Model 3 can easily hold its own. The dual-motor setup in the Model 3 Performance delivers up to 450 ponies and brings a stunning 3.5-second acceleration from 0 to 60 mph. This power makes you feel like you’re flying down the road, and the cockpit certainly reflects that with a minimalist design where everything is controlled through a 15-inch touchscreen display rather than traditional buttons. Add in the fact that the Model 3 Long Range offers a 310-mile driving range, and it’s easy to see why a used Model 3 is a great option if you’re looking for a Tesla that’s efficient and futuristic without breaking the bank!
2018 Mercedes-AMG GT
One of the most luxurious (and expensive) sports cars you’ll find on the road is the gorgeous Mercedes-AMG GT. Likened to the Porsche 911, this AMG product is uniquely designed with a longer hood and an open front grille that gives it a sleek and sophisticated appearance. Offered as a coupe or convertible, the two-seat GT screams capability with its base twin-turbo V8 engine producing 469 horsepower. This car is quick to accelerate and exceptionally responsive whether you’re navigating a stretch of highway or hairpin turns on a twisty back road.
If you’re looking for more power, keep an eye out for the GT S, GT C, or GT R. The GT S brings the engine to life with a roaring 515 horsepower, while the GT C delivers 550 horsepower. However, even this pales in comparison to the jaw-dropping GT R that’ll leave most cars in the dust with its stunning 577 horsepower. The GT R is about more than raw power, though – it also comes with an electronic limited-slip differential, active aerodynamics, and even adjustable coil-over suspension.
Of course, the GT R’s performance comes at a premium, and the model was priced at $157,995 from the factory. While used models will be cheaper, this is still a six-figure car for the hard-core enthusiast. But if you are in that select group, can you put a price on your need for speed?
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia
When you’re shopping for used luxury vehicles, keep your eyes open for a 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia, which marks the debut of the Italian automaker on American soil. This luxury sedan is truly exhilarating to drive, thanks to its tight steering and nimble handling. Of course, what’s under the hood also helps whether you find the Giulia outfitted with the 280-horsepower base engine or the beefier 505-horsepower twin-turbo V6 in the Quadrifoglio performance model.
Although the base model is fun to drive (it’s an Italian sports car, after all), the interior is sparse for a luxury vehicle, with many critics arguing that it lacks the level of luxury you’d expect from an Italian sports car. Ironic, right? The base model is equipped with LED taillights, leather seats, a power driver’s seat, a rearview camera, and automatic climate control. However, some find the seats uncomfortably stiff, and the infotainment system is basic with a 6.5-inch screen, which is small by modern standards. But this bare-bones design is meant to put your focus on the road ahead because the Giulia was designed solely for performance driving.
If you’re looking for more luxury, you’ll want to spend the extra money on a used Giulia TI or Turismo Internazionale. The TI features a variety of upgrades, including larger 18-inch wheels. The interior is outfitted with heated front seats with more cushioning, wood accents across the dash, and a heated steering wheel. The automaker also upgrades the infotainment system to a much larger, 8.8-inch touchscreen display.
Make Your Dreams Come True
Which used luxury vehicle catches your eye? Are you a fan of an Italian sports car like the Alfa Romeo Giulia, or are you excited about driving into the future in an all-electric Tesla Model 3? Perhaps your dream vehicle didn’t make our list. Whatever the case, there’s one thing that’s certain -affordability and luxury meet on the used car lot. Knowing that you don’t have to spend a small fortune on the luxury car of your dreams is freeing and puts more money in your wallet to spend on your next adventure.
