10 Dependable Luxury Cars That Cost Less Than The Average Price Of A New Car In 2024

According to KBB, the average new car sold costs $47,401 in 2024. This high price results in buyers becoming more value-conscious, and thinking twice about buying a new car, and certainly prohibits many from doing so regardless. It may even be one of the reasons why the used car market exploded in recent years. And although the second-hand market has an abundance of cars to choose from, it might seem daunting to find a car that won’t cost thousands to maintain, or hasn’t already lost half of its value due to depreciation.

If you know luxury cars, you know the terms ‘reliable’ and ‘affordable’ don’t mix well together. Although many luxury cars tend to fall victim to high depreciation rates, which result in them costing mere pennies on the dime for second-hand buyers, more often than not, this includes spending thousands of dollars in repairs and maintenance as well.

Fortunately, some of the most reliable cars ever made are luxury cars, and it all boils down to the fine details. Here are the most reliable luxury cars available today that don’t cost more than the average new car.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Edmunds, RepairPal, J.D. Power, Edmunds, EPA, and official manufacturer websites. The models below have been ranked based on their average used prices, as provided by Kelley Blue Book (KBB).

10 1997 Lexus LS 400

Average Used Price: $4,204

The successor to the very first Lexus car ever made. the second-generation Lexus LS 400, still holds a candle to modern-day luxury cars. Although its styling is much less shouty than new cars, the 1997 Lexus LS 400 has impeccable build quality, a surprisingly powerful V-8 engine, and an interior fit for a king.

Reliability Highlights

• 4.0/5.0 RepairPal Reliability Rating
• $435 RepairPal Annual Maintenance Cost

Under the hood of the 1997 Lexus LS 400 sits a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V-8, called the 1UZ-FE that produces 260 horsepower, and is capable of pushing the LS to 60 mph from a stop in a stout 7.1 seconds. The 1997 Lexus LS 400 drives a hard bargain by costing less than $5,000 on average in 2024.

Pros

• Quiet, well-insulated cabin
• Power-adjustable, leather front seats
• Independent double wishbone suspension

Cons

• EPA-estimated combined fuel consumption rating of 19 MPG
• High-mileage examples develop rattling from the front suspension
• Only available as a four-speed automatic

9 2010 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI

Average Used Price: $6,705

As mentioned previously, European luxury cars tend to depreciate at an alarming rate and cost an arm and a leg to maintain. Fortunately, the 2010 Audi A6, fitted with the supercharged 3.0-liter V-6, proves that reliable luxury cars exist. Its V-6 powerplant that generates 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque is just the cherry on top of the cake.

Reliability Highlights

• 3.5/5.0 RepairPal Reliability Rating
• $814 RepairPal Annual Maintenance Cost

Apart from having more than enough power, a used 2010 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI costs less than $10,000 on average. In turn, you won’t receive a ticking timebomb, but rather a well-built, reliable European luxury sedan, as confirmed by satisfied Edmunds consumer reviews.

Pros

• Quattro all-wheel-drive
• Power adjustable, heated front seats
• 5.9-second 0 to 60 mile-per-hour time

Cons

• Faulty torque converter resulting in check engine light is a common problem
• Jerky six-speed automatic transmission
• EPA-estimated combined fuel consumption rating of 21 MPG

8 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550

Average Used Price: $9,163

One car that you might have thought would never earn a spot on a list of reliable luxury cars is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Although unreliable S-Class models exist, the W221-generation S-Class is surprisingly dependable, especially the 2009 S550. Despite RepairPal giving the S550 a below-average reliability rating and claiming it costs nearly $1,500 per year to maintain, consumers tend to be satisfied with their ownership experience judging by Edmund’s consumer reports average rating of 4.8/5.0 stars for the 2009 S-Class.

Reliability Highlights

• 2.0/5.0 RepairPal Reliability Rating
• $1,451 RepairPal Annual Maintenance Cost

Although not as powerful as full-blown AMG models, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 still packs a mighty naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V-8 underneath its hood that’s good for 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. With an original MSRP of $91,225, the S550 is also one of the most depreciated luxury cars of all time.

Pros

• Heated and ventilated, electronically-adjustable front seats
• Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system
• Automatic air suspension

Cons

• HVAC blower motor may fail
• EPA-estimated combined fuel consumption rating of 19 MPG
• Models without fully documented service history may be money pits

7 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350

Average Used Price: $11,439

Albeit not as luxurious as the S-Class, by lacking standard air suspension and ventilated seats, the W212-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class still provides a well-quipped, opulent interior and dashing design language. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350, in particular, not only has 302 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V-6, but it’s also reliable.

Reliability Highlights

• 3.5/5.0 RepairPal Reliability Rating
• $833 RepairPal Annual Maintenance Cost

10 years ago, a new Mercedes-Bens E350 cost $55,327, but as of writing this article, it costs around 20% of its original value. Its modern appearance, loads of safety features, and plentiful creature comforts result in the 2014 E350 being a bargain luxury car.

Pros

• 6.1-second 0 to 60 mile-per-hour time
• Well-insulated cabin
• Power-adjustable, heated seats with memory function

Cons

• Nine recalls to tend to beforehand
• Outdated infotainment system
• Some interior panels may squeak, creak, or rattle

6 2016 Hyundai Genesis 5.0

Average Used Price: $18,514

Nowadays, Hyundai and Genesis are two completely separate entities. But back in the day, Hyundai placed its ‘more important vehicles’, in the Genesis range. Now known as the Genesis G80, the 2016 Hyundai Genesis sedan can be found with one of two engines; a 311-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6, and a 420-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8. Of the two, the V-8 model is much more reliable and comes with an exuberant amount of luxury features.

Reliability Highlights

• 3.5/5.0 RepairPal Reliability Rating
• $583 RepairPal Annual Maintenance Cost

The interior of the 2016 Hyundai Genesis is something extraordinary. With high-quality materials scattered all over, power-adjustable leather front seats that are heated and ventilated, and memory and lumbar support, the Genesis looks like a six-figure car. In reality, a used V-8-powered Genesis sells on average for less than $20,000.

Pros

• 5.3-second 0 to 60 mile-per-hour time
• 123 cubic feet of interior room
• Adaptive cruise control
• Long list of advanced safety features

Cons

• Rear seats can’t fold down
• Electrical gremlins may arise
• EPA-estimated combined fuel consumption rating of 18 MPG

5 2017 Lexus LS 460

Average Used Price: $26,066

Sharing the same engine as the luxurious, V-8-powered Lexus GS 460, Lexus’ flagship luxury car, the Lexus LS also packs a mighty punch. The 4.6-liter V-8 engine that hides underneath the LS 460 makes minimal noise, but still generates a mighty 386 horsepower, and 367 pound-feet of torque.

Reliability Highlights

• 3.5/5.0 RepairPal Reliability Rating
• $874 RepairPal Annual Maintenance Cost

The 2017 Lexus LS 460’s interior looks like a six-figure-plus luxury car with leather and wood trim all over the cockpit. Its driver and passenger seats are power-adjustable with memory function, and all LS 460 models feature a power moonroof and navigation system, among other amenities.

Pros

• 5.4-second 0 to 60 mph sprint
• Soft-close doors
• F Sport models have sport-tuned air suspension

Cons

• Knocking sound from the brake actuator may occur
• Complex infotainment system with touchpad
• EPA-estimated combined fuel consumption rating of 19 MPG

4 2017 Lexus GS 350

Average Used Price: $29,977

After listing two Lexus models already, there is yet another one, proving yet again that Lexus cars are nearly bulletproof. The Lexus GS is Lexus’ mid-size luxury sedan offering that’s smaller than the LS flagship, yet larger than the compact IS sports sedan. The 2017 Lexus GS 350 sports a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that puts out 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.

Reliability Highlights

• 4.0/5.0 RepairPal Reliability Rating
• $592 RepairPal Annual Maintenance Cost

With an interior you’d expect from a Lexus built in the late 2010s, the GS 350 has a 12.3-inch screen with an integrated navigation system and mobile phone compatibility. Furthermore, the GS 350 comes wrapped in leather but lacks the more opulent wood trimmings of more expensive models like the LS host.

Pros

• Standard adaptive cruise control
• F Sport models have sport-tuned adaptive suspension
• Well-insulated cabin

Cons

• Short rattling sound on initial start-up may occur
• Rear seats can’t fold down
• Complex infotainment system with touchpad

3 2020 BMW 440i xDrive Gran Coupe

Average Used Price: $33,380

As per Consumer Reports, BMW outperforms all other German luxury automakers when it comes down to reliability for 2024. Generally speaking, BMWs from the 2000s and early 2010s tend to cost excruciatingly in reliability and repairs, but recently, BMW proved otherwise.

Reliability Highlights

• 81/100 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Rating
• $968 RepairPal Annual Maintenance Cost for a BMW

The 2020 BMW 440i is one of the best used BMW models money can buy thanks to its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, more commonly known as the B58. Although you could buy a 440i coupe for a few grand less, if you want a luxurious BMW that’s reliable, and costs less than the average new car, look no further than the 2020 440i Gran Coupe xDrive.

Pros

• EPA-estimated combined fuel consumption rating of 25 MPG
• All-wheel-drive resulting in 4.7-second 0 to 60 mph time
• 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.
• 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque

Cons

• No manual transmission available
• Subscription needed for Apple CarPlay
• Sloping roofline reduces rear cargo space

2 2022 Genesis G70 3.3T

Average Used Price: $40,233

Just like the aforementioned Hyundai Genesis, the modern, smaller Genesis G70 offers phenomenal value. Albeit much more expensive than previous models, a used 2022 Genesis G70 fitted with the twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 costs just above $40,000 on average, and comes with much more substance than the previous entries.

Reliability Highlights

• 87/100 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Rating

With adaptive dampers, the G70 can shift between a stiff, sporty ride and a more relaxed, comfortable ride, but still has adequate performance thanks to having 365 horsepower on tap. As standard, the Genesis G70 3.3T also features a boatload of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go function, automated emergency braking, automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist among others.

Pros

• 4.5-second 0 to 60 mph sprint
• 10-year warranty from new
• 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto

Cons

• Still prone to depreciation
• No manual transmission available

1 2024 Lexus IS 350 F Sport

MSRP: $45,660

The 2024 Lexus IS 350 F Sport great, reliable luxury car you can buy for less than the average new car. Albeit the most expensive car on this list with its $45,000+ MSRP, the Lexus IS is also the only new car on this list. Therefore, even if things were to go wrong, its four-year warranty would still be intact, and you’ll receive one year of maintenance from Lexus for free, too.

Reliability Highlights

• 4.0/5.0 RepairPal Reliability Rating
• $543 RepairPal Annual Maintenance Cost

Thanks to modern engineering, Lexus appointed the new IS 350 F Sport with the best blend of luxury amenities and sporty upgrades without reaching Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance levels of outrageousness. Therefore, the Lexus IS 350 F Sport benefits from adaptive variable suspension and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential. Safety features on the 2024 Lexus IS 350 F Sport include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree surround camera.

Pros

• 3.5-liter V-6 with 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque
• Heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats with memory function
• Mark Levinson 17-speaker premium surround sound system

Cons

• Surprisingly sluggish compared to rivals with a 5.6-second 0 to 60 mile-per-hour time
• Prone to depreciation
• Outdated infotainment system with touchpad