A $30,000 car budget can either get you a midrange version of a high-volume midsize sedan or a really nice used example of a modern luxury car. Luxury vehicles generally depreciate faster than normal cars, which is bad news for the folks who bought them new but excellent news for savvy used car shoppers.
Here are eight great used luxury cars you can find on Autotrader for less than $30,000 for 2020.
2015-2019 Acura TLX
The Acura TLX is a well-balanced midsize luxury sedan that presents a great value if you’re looking for a gently-used luxury car. It has a quiet, roomy interior, gets great safety scores and it’s a comfortable cruiser. Since this car is already pretty affordable when new, you can get a recent model from the 2018 model year or newer for under $30,000. The 2018 facelift brought in a new front end, standard AcuraWatch safety tech, standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and in addition, the sporty A-Spec trim became available. Find an Acura TLX for sale
2012-2018 Audi A6
The Audi A6 is a longtime favorite in midsize luxury sedans and the C7 generation that ran the 2012-2018 model years can easily be found for less than $30,000. The A6 delivers excellent handling, great fuel economy with the base engine and a powerful available supercharged V6 engine. As you’d expect from an Audi, it also has a gorgeous interior that stands out as one of the most well-crafted in its class, which is saying a lot. If you like the idea of a modern German luxury sedan for the price of a more down-market new car of a similar size, the A6 is a good value. Find an Audi A6 for sale
2014-2019 BMW i3
The unconventionally-styled BMW i3 looked futuristic when it came out for 2014 and it still looks like it’s from another planet today. This small hatchback is available as either a plug-in hybrid or an EV and its deep depreciation has made it an attractive choice in used electric cars. A larger 90 Ah battery became available starting in 2017, boosting its maximum electric range to 114 miles, making it a little more usable. If you have a long commute, this might not be a good fit for your only car, but the quirky i3 makes a great second car or urban commuter. Find a BMW i3 for sale
2015-2019 Lexus RC
The Lexus RC is a stylish luxury coupe that looks more expensive than it is, especially if we’re talking about used examples. This sporty Lexus is as fun to drive as it looks and it has a premium interior inside, which strengthens its luxury car cred. There’s an available V8 engine that you might have a hard time finding in this price range, but the base turbo–4 and the available V6 will never leave you bored. Being a Lexus, it has safety and reliability ratings toward the top of its class, making it a fun luxury sports car you can trust. Find a Lexus RC for sale
2017-2019 Lincoln Continental
The prestigious Lincoln Continental is already starting to get under the $30,000 mark on the used market, making it a tremendous value in full-size luxury sedans. It has a very handsome look that we think will continue to age well and a posh interior that makes it seriously competitive with more expensive rivals. Safety and reliability are strong and so are the three available V6 engines, topping out at 400 horsepower. The Continental is a compelling return to form in big, comfy, powerful American luxury sedans. Find a Lincoln Continental for sale
2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class to get with a $30,000 budget is the W205 generation that began for the 2015 model year. This is the current-generation of the C-Class, which means you can get one that’s a few years old and it will look like a brand-new Benz to the untrained eye. It has all of the virtues you’d expect from the venerable C-Class, including a classy look inside and out, lively driving character and a strong engine lineup. Quick depreciation makes the C-Class a great buy in used luxury cars. Find a Mercedes-Benz C-Class for sale
2006-2011 Porsche 911
If you’re looking for a Porsche 911 and you have $30,000 to spend, keep an eye out for the 997 generation, which is becoming a good value in used Porsche models. The 997 generation holds up the iconic status of the 911 with outstanding engines mated to superb handling, creating a pure sports car driving experience that few competitors can match. You get your choice of a coupe, a cabriolet or a targa body style, plus a driver-focused interior with supportive front seats. Its timeless design is the cherry on top of a spectacular sports car. Find a Porsche 911 for sale
2012-2015 Tesla Model S
Yes, that’s right, it’s possible to get a Tesla Model S for less than $30,000. We’re not saying it will be easy to find, but they’re out there on Autotrader right now. It’s been out for a while now, but to this day, the Model S is still the gold standard in all-electric luxury sedans. Regardless of the configuration you find in this price range, you’ll get a lively electric motor with respectable range plus balanced handling and a high-tech interior that still seems futuristic today. The Model S is also very practical (assuming an EV fits your lifestyle) with a ton of cargo space and roomy seating. Find a Tesla Model S for sale
