Luxury can take many forms, from exotic holidays and fashion brands to swanky cars. However, it's not without a cost! The luxe life usually comes with a hefty price tag and a big dent in your wallet.  

Don’t give up your search. If you know where to look, luxury cars can be surprisingly affordable.  

We have some good news for luxury auto fans — we’ve researched for you. In this article, we’ll list the best cheap luxury cars so you don’t overspend on purchasing and maintenance. Let’s get started.  

The best affordable luxury cars

New cars are expensive, especially luxury models. Thankfully, the secondhand market is full of bargains! If you want to buy a cheap luxury car, look at pre-loved models.  

Here are five of the best-value luxury cars:

1. Range Rover 2001 - 2011 - £5,000

Made from 2001 to 2011, the L322 is one of the most iconic shaped Range Rovers. Known for being the first to use a monocoque design instead of the old Land Rover-esque body on chassis, it was sublimely comfortable and refined whilst still being more than capable off-road.  

These can be bought for as little as £5,000 with less than 100,000 miles on. Look out for a good service history, as these complex cars can be demanding if not looked after.

2. BMW 7 Series 2001 - 2008 - £6,500

BMW’s flagship executive saloon has been around for many years now, but as with many premium models, the older generations quickly lose value. The best generation to buy for great value is the E65, made from 2001 to 2008.

As it has not yet become a classic but sports a completely different styling from the newer and current generations, a model in good condition can be had for less than £6,500. We’d suggest the 3.0 diesel engine, which is legendary for its reliability and torque.

3. Mercedes S-Class 2006 - 2013 - £4,400

The S-Class has always been a staple in the high-end luxury/executive saloon market, competing with the BMW 7 series and Audi A8. Along with oodles of tech and ultra-luxurious cabin space, the S-class came equipped with great engines, from the 3.0-litre economical diesel to the 6.0-litre V12.

For practicality and running costs, we’d advise either the S320 or S350 versions with economical but powerful Diesel engines. For around £4,400, you can get a 130,000-mile Mercedes S-Class with plenty of kit and options from circa 2007.  

4. Jaguar XF - 2015 - £8,000

The Jaguar XF is the newest car of the bunch and the most expensive option. However, it’s a great combination of luxury and a more affordable price that some readers might find interesting. Second-hand models are available for as little as £8,000.

Highlights of the Jaguar XF include a deluxe cabin feel, sports driving characteristics, attractive interior design, and a smooth drive. 2020 models even have a touchscreen media system, which will cost you a little more.  

5. Audi A8 - 2010 - £7,000

Launched in 2010, the Audi A8 is an excellent option if you’re looking for a cheap luxury car that will stand the test of time. This model is known for being reliable and needing little maintenance — meaning it also has affordable maintenance costs (but more on cars that are cheap to run later!)

The Audi A8 has a classy interior, a sophisticated overall look, and plenty of technical features that’ll make any auto fan smile. Benefits of an Audi A8 include adaptive air suspension, a 3.0 TDI, and a super smooth engine feel.

Luxury cars that are cheap to maintain

The secondhand market is rarely kind to expensive and luxurious vehicles, mainly due to the high costs associated with keeping them on the road.

Almost everything costs more, from high tax bands to even the tyres being two or three times the price of those fitted to a basic hatchback.

These three luxury cars have been picked with their cost of running in mind:  

1. Lexus GS450H 2006 - 2010

As luxury cars go, Lexus is pretty high up in the rankings. It is famous for producing some of the best-made saloon cars in the world, but for some luxury that won't break the bank, the GS450H is perfect.  

It uses a 3.5-litre petrol hybrid engine, a system similar to that of the Toyota Prius, and is extremely reliable and effective at producing great economy figures. The GS450H, despite being a full-size luxury saloon with over 350 horsepower, can easily achieve in excess of 45 MPG.

Cars from around 2006/2007 offer the best combination of low miles (under 100,000) and great value.  

2. Honda Legend 2006 - 2011

Another Japanese brand, the Honda Legend, is a much less common sight on the roads than others on this list. With its 3.5-litre V6 engine and ample creature comforts, it definitely falls under the category of a luxury car.

Whilst you won't see as impressive MPG figures as the Lexus, as a hybrid system does not assist the NA 3.5L engine, you can rely on it being ultra-reliable and well-built, as with all Honda products. This means you shouldn't end up in the garage too often for repairs.

3. Volvo S90 2003 - 2011

Volvo is well known for its comfortable cruisers, and the S80 takes passenger comfort to a new level with plush seats and loads of creature comforts. Double-glazed windows are an option for unrivalled interior quietness, too!

We’d suggest the dependable D5 engine, with plenty of torque and reasonable fuel consumption. This 2.4 Diesel is used in all of the Volvo range. £3,000 would net you a tidy Volvo S90 from 2003-2011 with reasonable miles; around 120,000.

4. Mercedes A-Class - 1997 - 2023

If you’re looking for an upmarket hatchback but don’t want to splurge, consider the classic Mercedes A-Class. This car has a luxury look and a sleek interior design, making every journey feel like a treat. More recent models even have high-tech entertainment systems and voice recognition.  

Older A-Classes cost less, allowing you to drive around in style without a big bill. However, this might not be the best option if you live within a ULEZ area, as some old A-Class models aren’t compliant.

5. Volvo XC60 - 2013

The Volvo XC60 provides the space and sophistication of a mid-size SUV while also giving an all-around modern driving experience. Unlike sportier models, the XC60 has a simpler design, but this is Scandinavian minimalism at its best. Pair this with a touchscreen media system, and you’ll get a faultless vehicle.

What really makes the XC60 a cheap luxury car is its high-quality materials and build. Owners report needing fewer repairs, meaning you’ll spend less time paying off garage invoices and more time enjoying the car on the road.

What car brands make luxury cars?

Unlike fashion, car brands tend to spread their products across many market segments, with only a select handful making luxury cars. However, the most commonly seen luxury brands are Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Range Rover, and BMW.

Let’s get to know some of the top names.

Rolls-Royce

One of the oldest car makers in the world, Rolls Royce split their business ventures between building jet engines and arguably the most luxurious cars in the world. They are famed for their exquisite quality, attention to detail and paint finish.

Bentley

Another British classic, although it has been owned by Volkswagen since 1998, Bentley has focussed on the sports-luxury market in the last 20 years or so, with one of their most popular models being the Continental GT.  

Mercedes-Benz

One of the big three high-end German manufacturers, Mercedes was one of the first to make a car back in 1886. It produced a single-cylinder tricycle of sorts, using wooden wheels and a tiller to steer. Their modern vehicles are much more well-equipped. They are some of the most premium cars on the market.

BMW

Another German Giant, BMW targets the premium-luxury market worldwide, with a large market share in their home country as well as the rest of Europe and the US. Whilst still producing executive and luxury cars, BMW is also big in the sports car market, linking to its large motorsport history.

Audi

Whilst Audi has been a subsidiary of the Volkswagen group since the late 1960s, Audi cars are generally distinguished from their VW counterparts by higher quality and more stylised design.

Range Rover

Created as a vehicle for wealthy landowners and farmers to use instead of the utilitarian Land Rover, in 1969, the Range Rover offered off-road capability. Still, in comfort and luxury, it was an immediate success.  

Nowadays, it’s still super popular, one of the most well-known SUV and luxury brands in the world, and it is still equipped with great off-road ability.  

What's the cheapest luxury car?

Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer to the question of what the cheapest luxury car is.

The best way to find cheap classy cars is by looking through used car sites. Like second-hand clothing sites or antique store websites, the pricing can be unpredictable and depends on what the seller wants to earn.

Sometimes, you might get lucky and find an incredible deal. Other times, sellers want to charge high fees for cars that aren’t worth so much anymore.

Finding the cheapest luxury car - The bottom line

So, that was a quick rundown of the most affordable luxury cars. Hopefully, we’ve given you a starting point for your search. Make a note of these models and brand names, or bookmark this page.  

Always check out second-hand sites to find the best value-for-money luxury car. You’d be surprised at the hidden gems that get listed every day! Now go forth and discover.  

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Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.