If you’ve been wanting a luxury vehicle but don’t want to break the bank, consider opting for a used one. Avoiding a new vehicle is one of the smartest money moves for car owners looking to get the best deal possible, all while satisfying their wants and needs.
In fact, the used luxury car market is likely a lot more affordable than you might initially think. And the best part is that choosing a used option is one of the best ways to get a fantastic vehicle with great features, all for a reasonable price.
Here are 10 used luxury cars under $35,000 that are totally worth buying
Editor’s note: All used car prices come from Kelley Blue Book’s “fair purchase price” metric.
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1. 2021 Acura TLX
Fair purchase price: $23,101
The first year of a new redesign for this sporty sedan was 2021, and it made all the difference. With a powerful turbo engine and an agile chassis, the TLX is a perfect combination of speed and class.
If you want more power and speed, the S-type edition of this car features a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that packs a punch. It’s a fantastic value proposition that combines Honda reliability with genuine sport-sedan handling.
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2. 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia
Fair purchase price: $18,718
If you’re looking for a smooth driving experience with plenty of zest along the way, the Alfa Romeo is a good choice. With a 280-horsepower turbocharged engine, this compact sedan can hold its own against any of its German counterparts.
With a stately dark gray oak interior, this is the perfect “quiet luxury” car that lets its speed and handling do the talking. If you’ve always wanted a classic Italian luxury sedan, this is an affordable choice.
3. 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB
Fair purchase price: $20,167
A compact luxury SUV with a host of great features makes the GLB an excellent value for its price point. With its high hood and upright windshield, the car has a more truck-like shape. And with up to 31 MPG on the highway thanks to a small but mighty turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the GLB is deceptively quick.
While the back seats are a bit on the smaller side, this is still an affordable vehicle with lots to like.
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4. 2019 BMW 5 Series
Fair purchase price: $18,330
BMW considers its cars “the ultimate driving machines,” and the 2019 edition of the 5 Series hammers that point home pretty well.
With superb handling, a powerful drivetrain, and plenty of legroom, this sedan handles like a sports car. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivers the power of a V-6 or V-8, giving you all the power you need in any driving situation.
5. 2020 Acura RDX
Fair purchase price: $21,880
It’s hard to beat the RDX line when it comes to a luxury compact SUV. The 2020 model features plenty of safety features, smooth handling, and an impressive 4-cylinder 272-horsepower turbocharged engine and 10-speed automatic transmission.
That combination ensures that you’ll have low RPMs and a quiet engine even at freeway speeds. Plus, you get the durability and dependability of Honda, so it’s a winning combination.
6. 2021 Infiniti Q50
Fair purchase price: $20,932
If you’re looking for the most impressive performance-per-dollar ratio, then this is the car for you. While it does not have all the luxury bells and whistles, the standard Q50 comes with a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine producing 300 horsepower.
Few luxury sedans offer that kind of power along with a spacious interior. It does lack some of the nicer aspects of other cars on this list, and the body is on the heavier side, but it’s still an affordable option for those who crave speed.
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7. 2020 Lincoln Corsair
Fair purchase price: $18,534
In 2020, we saw the first edition of Lincoln’s new compact luxury SUV, and it still holds up quite well. The Corsair was designed to be a wide, low-to-the-ground vehicle, resulting in a very smooth and comfortable ride. With a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, this car has plenty of power.
8. 2020 Audi A4
Fair purchase price: $19,769
Audi is known for their impressive build quality and their artful interior construction, and the 2020 A4 is more of the same. With a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, this is a machine that performs at a remarkably high level.
With precision steering, comfortable seats, and just the right amount of leg room, the A4 is a great luxury option if you want a powerful sedan.
9. 2021 Cadillac CT5
Fair purchase price: $23,771
The CT5 is a classic American luxury car with plenty of space and a peppy 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers decent fuel economy. With a rear-wheel drive layout, the vehicle is designed to be pushed to its limits a bit more than most luxury vehicles.
Throw in a sleek interior and infotainment system, and the 2020 CT5 is a worthwhile start to Cadillac’s latest model.
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10. 2020 Volvo S60
Fair purchase price: $17,839
The Volvo S60 is the perfect antidote to the aggressive sportiness of its German rivals. It focuses on serene comfort, featuring some of the most supportive seats in the industry and a minimalist interior.
It’s worth purchasing for its top-tier safety features and its sophisticated, age-graceful design. Throw in a powerful 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with 250 horsepower, and you’ve got an excellent car that can contend with similar options from BMW or Mercedes.
Bottom line
Buying used is the smartest way to enter the luxury market, and this list shows just how far your money can go. From sporty sedans to comfortable compact SUVs, these models deliver premium features, strong performance, and brand prestige at prices often lower than those of a new mainstream vehicle.
One key advantage you may not realize: luxury cars tend to depreciate far faster than non-luxury models in their first three years, often losing 40–50% of their original value. That steep early drop means second owners get the most significant upside in value, without paying the original luxury premium.
That’s why you see so many of these 5-6-year-old vehicles going for such reasonable rates. That lower cost also translates into lower car insurance costs. So it really makes sense to give a used luxury car a chance; your wallet will thank you.
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