10 USED LUXURY CARS THAT HAVE A REPUTATION FOR RELIABILITY

While luxury cars are not historically the most trustworthy, there are some new examples of luxury cars that not only feature everything you could want when looking stylish on the way to the office but have also garnered themselves a reputation for being reliable and sturdy. Luxury and reliability are a winning combination in our books, but with one of the cheapest luxury cars in 2024 costing over $38,000 and only having a reliability rating of 85/100, it may be time to look at some cheaper used luxury cars.

With mainstream brands like Toyota, Honda, Kia, and Hyundai dominating the most reliable car brands lists for the mass market, we have decided to take a look at how you can own a car that is both luxurious and reliable. With news from J.D. Power's latest problems per 100 cars built list (PP100), as part of their yearly Initial Quality Study, suggesting that new cars are experiencing more problems than previous model years, it may be time to look back at something a little older to get the winning combination of plush and trustworthy.

It is up to a lot of the mainstream companies' luxury arms and European brands to make up our list, but the examples we have found all have a reliability score of 80 out of 100 or more, and are used luxury vehicles that are readily available to buy. We have used multiple sources to bring you information about these reliable used cars, which includes their running costs, how fuel-economical they are, their common problems, maintenance costs, and how much you can buy on today's used market .

2017 Audi A7

Reliability Rating: 85/100

With an average used price of just $21,993, and boasting the Audi-renowned athletic esthetics and set-up, the 2017 Audi A7 boasts an aerodynamic 'Sportback', an aggressively sleek exterior design that still turns heads today, and a plush yet sporty interior that, for the low average used price, feels more expensive than the average price. Standard features of the 2017 A7's interior include:

• Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
• 14-speaker Bose Sound System
• A subwoofer
• Keyless Ignition
• Leather Steering Wheel
• 4-Zone Climate Control
• Front Leather Bucket Seats
• Speed-Sensitive Volume Control

Besides what is inside, the A7 boasts the legendary Quattro All-Wheel Drive system as standard, so you can be safe in the knowledge that not only do you have maximum control over the A7, but it can really perform on a variety of road surfaces.

Performance Specifications

Available in 3 trims, the Premium Plus Quattro, the Prestige Quattro, and the Competition Prestige Quattro, the most powerful trim is the Competition Prestige Quattro, which will see you benefit from the maximum horsepower from the equipped thumping supercharged DOHC V-6.

Whatever trim you choose, you are in for a plush ride, and to top it off, the 2017 Audi is capable of achieving 24 combined MPG, which may not sound very high, especially when it costs over $4,000 more than modern cars over 5 years in gas, but compared to some of the cars in 2024 with the highest fuel costs that are more expensive to buy, the 2017 A7 could be seen as a savvy choice for a used luxury car.

Pros

• Great all-wheel drive system
• Previous owners have complimented how nice and easy the A7 is to drive
• Reasonable miles per gallon stats

Cons

• 0-60 MPH time could be faster considering the engine
• Rear legroom of 37.7-inches may be a bit cramped on long journeys
• Owners have complained that when optional 20-inch wheels are fitted, the ride is stiff

2013 Audi A5

Reliability Rating: 86/100

Available as a 2-door coupe or 2-door convertible, the 2013 Audi A5, combines sportiness, luxury, and, considering its more senior age than some of the other entries on the list, with some reasonable technology, such as blind spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, a Bang & Olufsen 12 speaker surround-sound audio system, navigation, a rearview camera, and keyless ignition.

Available from $9,328 for the A5 Premium Plus Coupe up to just over $10,700 for the top range Prestige Carbolet, the 2013 Audi A5 lineup is not only a reasonably cheap luxury car to buy but, according to owners, it is a trustworthy one.

Performance Specifications

Though the 2013 Audi A5 ranks low on Repair Pal for reliability, 26th out of 31 for luxury mid-sized cars, and boasts a very luxury maintenance bill of $923 a year, owners who rated it on J.D. Power had very high praise for it and scored it 86 out of 100. That puts it in second place out of mid-sized luxury cars for 2013, drawing with its overall score of 84 out of 100 alongside the Audi A4 and Infiniti G37, and only being beaten by the formidable 2013 Lexus ES.

There are unfortunately no 2013 A5s for sale at the moment online, but examples that have been sold in 2024 all had mileage of under 90,000 miles, except for one which had 155,000 miles on the clock.

Pros

• Reasonably cheap for a reliable and stylish car with lots of luxurious features
• Owners rave about their A5s
• Good choice of transmission options and styling

Cons

• Repair bills can be expensive
• Dashboard layout is basic and unintuitive
• Manual transmission is available, but no rear-wheel drive driveline

2013 Acura TL

Reliability Rating: 86/100

Being the luxury arm of Honda does come with some perks, namely, being a luxury car with bullet-proof reliability . Ranked 6th out of 31 for mid-sized luxury cars, the 2013 Acura TL has a low average yearly maintenance bill of $450, so over half of that of the previous Audi.

You can pick up a used Acura TL for as little as $9,439. In 2021, they actually rose in price on the used car market, in line with market trends during the pandemic, but they are still holding their value reasonably well, with the latest TL selling for $19,750 in May 2024.

Performance Specifications

Showcasing a unique but executive exterior styling and boasting standard features such as front leather sports seats, leather trimmings, 8-way passenger power-adjustable seats, and ample front legroom of 38.4 inches, the 2013 TL is set up to be both comfortable and plush.

Also equipped with four-wheel independent suspension, double-wishbone front suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, and multi-link rear suspension, the TL is designed for a comfortable ride, while standard safety features such as traction control, emergency braking, tire pressure monitoring, ventilated front brake disks and solid rear brake disks, and stability control ensure that you are also as safe as possible whilst enjoying the high-life for less.

Pros

• Two very powerful engine options available
• Reasonable combined MPG rating of 21 MPG to 23 MPG
• Lots of good tech options considering its age

Cons

• No rear-wheel drive option
• No manual transmission
• Central console could have been designed better

2014 Audi A4

Reliability Rating: 87/100

Not only does the 2014 Audi A4 showcase a sleek and authoritarian look on the road, but thanks to its spacious sedan body, the A4 also boasts a maximum cargo capacity of 34 cubic-feet while offering a roomy cabin, which owners who have left a review on Car Survey.org, have rated highly.

Out of the reviews of the 2014 Audi A4, owners also rated it under the following categories:

• Reliability: 8.7 out of 10
• Comfort: 8.7 out of 10
• Performance: 7.7 out of 10

While the reliability marks are good, owners have said that the average running cost of the 2014 A4 is high and rate it a low 5.3 out of 10. The 2014 Audi A4 will cost you a high-end $925 in maintenance bills, while the average gas bill is an equally luxury $2,500 a year.

Performance Specifications

Boasting sharp lines over the exterior, a distinctive single frame grille, and LED daytime lights, the 2014 A4 is a refined yet assertive presence on the road that wouldn't look out of place against the luxury cars of today.

A driver-centric cockpit allows you to feel comfortable while putting the Quattro all-wheel drive system to the test alongside luxurious design cues such as aluminum inlays, leather upholstery, and the cutting-edge for 2014, MMI infotainment system. A system which we are sure you will change with ease for something a bit more modern.

Pros

• Plenty of transmission options
• Solid and reliable TFSI engine
• Decent combined MPG from all-wheel drive paired with CVT

Cons

• Good engine but relatively slow to reach 60 MPH
• Opting for a higher trim doesn't improve the performance of the engine
• There have been 3 complaints about the 2014 Audi A4; rainwater may accumulate in the plenum tray, failure of high-pressure fuel pump, and carbon build up on the intake valves

2016 BMW 5 Series

Reliability Rating: 88/100

Nearly perfecting the package of sporty, reliable, and luxurious, the 2016 BMW 5 Series is an aggressive-looking sports sedan that exudes class both inside and out. Featuring sculpted body lines, aerodynamic contours, and the signature kidney grille, the 5 Series is instantly recognizable to those in the know and will still be noticed to this day by those who aren't.

Showcasing adaptive LED headlights, short overhangs, L-shaped LED taillights, and dual exhaust outlets, you can go about your business in style and comfort in the 5 Series or carve up some canyons thanks to the double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, available adaptive suspension options, which includes Dynamic Damper Control and Adaptive Drive, and the featured power steering with Servotronic, which provides feedback and assists in responses depending on your speed.

Performance Specifications

With 3 powerful engine options available, depending on what model you choose, the 2016 BMW 5 Series is designed to be more than just a comfortable ride to the office, but is designed to be able to perform with some of the best sports sedans out there.

The top-of-the-range trim for the 2016 5 Series is the 550i xDrive, which not only boasts the most powerful engine, but also features 17-inch alloys on run-flats, a Bang & Olufsen Sound System, hands-free trunk opener, rear-seat entertainment screens, and a rearview camera.

Pros

• Good range of engines, all of which are powerful
• Set up for performance
• Lots of good standard features

Cons

• Leather upholstery is an optional extra, even on the highest trim
• Rear legroom is cramped at 35.3-inches
• Small cargo capacity of only 14 cubic feet

2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class

Reliability Rating: 88/100

Available in 3 trims, but with lots of different configurations, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class encapsulates what Mercedes does best; providing luxury motoring, precision engineering, and attention to detail, and to this day, the E Class continues to deliver. The 2012 E Class is available as a 2-door coupe, a 2-door convertible, a 4-door wagon, or a 4-door sedan in the following trims:

• E350 2-Door Coupe
• E350 2-Door Convertible
• E350 4-Door Sedan
• E550 2-Door Coupe
• E550 2-Door Convertible
• E63 4-Door Sedan
• E63 4-Door Wagon

While every trim is extremely plush and showcases luxurious features, such as an 8-speaker audio system, DVD player, video monitor, cruise control, leather and alloy steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, alloy and leather trim on the shift knob, and wood trim on the dashboard and central console, the most prestigious model available is the E63 AMG sedan or wagon.

Performance Specifications

Boasting the most powerful engine option, paired with AMG independent multi-link suspension with coil springs, performance-tuned gas-pressured shock absorbers, and stabilizer bar, an AIRMATIC independent multi-link rear suspension, a 14:1 steering ratio, which is balanced for ease of control and responsive handling, and AMG Ride Control.

Though the 2012 E Class is a luxury car lineup with everything you will need to be comfortable, it is a real performance luxury car with some top athletic potential. With AMG Ride Control, you can benefit from adaptive driving thanks to selectable modes such as Comfort, Sport, and Sport+.

Pros

• Lots of engine options available
• Extremely powerful 5.5-Liter V-8 available
• Very fast to 60 MPH

Cons

• Interior design is dated to today's standards
• Fast but owners have said that it isn't the sportiest ride despite the AMG partnership
• Fairly high yearly maintenance cost of $728

2015 Infiniti Q40

Reliability Rating: 89/100

Though their parent company, Nissan, is not the most reliable Japanese brand , this Infiniti boasts a low yearly maintenance bill of $686, 0 registered complaints, an aerodynamic body, a plush interior, and an extremely highly rated reliability score by previous owners. The 2015 Infiniti Q40 is still a striking and head-turning luxury sedan that can be bought for as little as $11,340.

Despite its low cost, and only being available in two options, all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, the Q40 boasts some impressive standard features both inside and out that make you feel like you are in a luxurious sedan, which includes:

• Satellite Radio
• Aux-In Input
• Stability Control
• Traction Control
• Four-Wheel ABS
• Tire Pressure Monitoring
• Keyless Ignition
• Rearview Camera
• Cruise Control
• Leather Steering Wheel
• 17-Inch Alloys

Performance Specifications

Despite the high fuel tank range of up to 440 miles, the Q40 does have a high yearly fuel cost compared to others on the list, but that can be blamed on a very powerful engine lurking under the long hood and its heavy weight of 3,821 LBS.

Alongside high yearly gas costs, driving a 2015 Infiniti Q40 15,000 miles over 5 years will cost you on average $5,500 more than other modern cars.

Pros

• Lots of good standard features
• Low average used price
• Very powerful engine under the hood

Cons

• No alternative trim options
• No manual transmission available
• Small rear legroom of 34.7-inches

2012 Lincoln MKZ

Reliability Rating: 89/100

The 2012 Lincoln MKZ combines a classic car exterior design that features a bold front grille with distinctive vertical chrome bars, chrome accents around the handles and windows, a wide stance of 72.2 inches, and sculpted body lines, while incorporating more modern cues such as elongated headlights, wrap-around LED taillights, and dual exhaust tips.

The interior boasts comfortable and cushioned leather seats, wood or satin nickel accents, ambient lighting, and a roomy front legroom of 42.3 inches. Though the infotainment system may seem dated today, as standard, you do get an aux-in input, a 9-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and speed-sensitive volume control.

Performance Specifications

The MKZ does boast a fairly high annual maintenance bill of $742 but has been highly rated for reliability by owners, especially the hybrid version. One reviewer rated the 2012 MKZ 10 out of 10 for reliability and 9 out of 10 for comfort, saying that the MKZ has 'outstanding comfort and reliability'. At the time of the review, their MKZ had racked up a whopping 325,400 miles with the original engine.

Pros

• Hybrid engine option can achieve up to 39 combined MPG
• Owners like the responsive steering
• Very low average used price of $6,031

Cons

• Outdated interior technology and styling
• Sport suspension offers a hard ride
• Owners don't feel as if it has that premium feeling

2015 Lexus GS

Reliability Rating: 89/100

Boasting a road-domineering stance, unique front-end design, a high-reliability score, and a luxurious interior, the 2015 Lexus GS is currently available from $15,668, but though that may seem like a high price for a used car, the 4 options that are available deliver both in terms of luxury and performance.

• 2015 Lexus GS350 Sedan
• 2015 Lexus GS350 Sedan (AWD)
• 2015 Lexus GS350 Sedan Crafted Line
• 2015 Lexus GS350 Sedan Crafted Line (AWD)

Though all options share the same engine, the differences lie in what comes as standard.

Performance Specifications

The rear-wheel drive option comes equipped with an eight-speed transmission, while the all-wheel drive options come equipped with a six-speed box, designed to rev higher and aimed at performance over fuel economy. With a 0-60 MPH time that is nearly level with the 2016 BMW 5 Series, the GS350 is plush, but more of a performance sedan at heart, and the fuel economy figures show that. If you were to buy the rear-wheel drive option, you can expect to achieve 23 combined MPG, whereas the all-wheel drive version can only muster 21 combined MPG.

2015 also saw the release of the GS Sport F lineup. A range of Lexus GS that not only boasts powerful engines, but is kitted out with unique interior styling, sports-tuned adaptive variable suspension, variable gear ratio steering, and available dynamic rear steering. Available trims of the GS F Sport include the GS350 F Sport and the GS450h F Sport, which comes equipped with a 338 horsepower 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V-6 paired with the Lexus Hybrid Drive.

Pros

• A very performance-based luxury Japanese car
• The F Sport is very capable of competing with some of the more expensive luxury cars
• High-quality interior design

Cons

• Owners have complained about the infotainment system
• Low combined MPG for top-of-the-range trim
• Owners have complained about rattling from near the exhaust on start-up

2018 Lexus ES

Reliability Rating: 90/100

Taking the top spot for reliable and luxurious used cars is the ever-hardy and plush Lexus ES mid-sized sedan . Lexus holds the secrets to combining luxury and reliability and the 2018 ES is no exception, and though the reputation for Japanese cars being reliable may be debated , it is clear that Japanese automakers have been doing something exceptional over the last 10 years or so.

Boasting a high-reliability score from owners and experts, while being available to buy used at an average price of $24,604, the ES is both affordable and executive. The ES boasts standard features such as leatherette upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, a 7-inch infotainment screen, an 8-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, and enhanced safety features that include:

• Lexus Safety System+
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Warning
• Steering Assist
• Pedestrian Detection
• Pre-Collision Warning

Performance Specifications

While there has been no overall safety rating carried out by the NHTSA, there are no recalls for the ES and only 2 complaints, which include a complaint about lagging acceleration and the heat shield on the exhaust coming loose and rattling. There is currently no average yearly maintenance bill on Repair Pal for the Lexus ES, but they have said that it is the 4th most reliable luxury sedan, whilst Car Edge gives the ES an 'A-' for their financial assessment of it and whether it will be a good car to own in terms of expenditure.

Fuel Economy.gov shares the sentiment and has said that from the 2018 Lexus ES' combined MPG rating of 24 MPG, you can expect to spend $2,150 a year on gas. Though that may not be as cheap as the most fuel-efficient gas-powered car on sale today, for a car that oozes luxury, is relatively cheap to buy, and is extremely reliable, it could be seen as a cheap way into the luxury car segment.

Pros

• Lots of horses and torque under the hood
• Lots of standard tech and safety features
• Relatively cheap considering its age

Cons

• Slow to 60 MPH
• Owners have complained about sluggish handling
• It is luxurious, but maybe not as luxurious as its European counterparts

2024-08-31T12:06:08Z dg43tfdfdgfd