Nothing crushes the luxury car ownership experience like basting in your own sweat as you make a desperate call to a local tow company while cars whiz past you on the freeway. Your land yacht, purchased for a steal as a used car, suddenly became nothing more than a comfy set of leather seats with a good view of the highway divider. You might as well have bought a new car by the time you're done paying penance to get it back on the road.
Fortunately we live in an era where there's a glut of used luxury cars on the market. They boast solid engineering to carry them well beyond the wear and tear their original owners put them through. To craft the perfect list of best used luxury cars, we poured through data from J.D. Power and Associates and Consumer Reports to find luxury cars with the fewest problems reported by owners over the past five years. We then researched the most problem-free years from each model and threw in some fun variables to unearth the best used luxury cars possible for you. The list works whether you're looking for a small, sporty, large or extra-large ride. If your heart is set on a particular model that doesn't make the list, don't drop it. There are plenty of used luxury cars on the market that come with a reputation for delivering an above-average repair-and-replace lifespan. However, these machines -- statistically speaking -- can't be beat.
Performance Luxury Cars
You want: A luxurious performer for two.
Our pick: 2004 BMW Z4 2.5i and 3.0i
Kelley Blue Book pricing starts around $25,765
See Current BMW Z4 || MSRP: $36,400 - $42,400 Light, fast and nimble, the Z4 is widely considered to be an improvement on everything that made the Z3 a great car -- except for maybe its looks. The 2.5i's 184-horsepower inline-six delivers adequate power to the multi-mode stability-control governed rear wheels for spirited roll-on and stop-and-go acceleration. The 3.0i's 225-hp engine adds more oomph, along with an extra gear for the 2.5i's five-speed transmission that results in better ratio spans for low-end power and keeps things a little more chilled out at speed in top gear. This is a driver's car that's short on storage, a little harsh on ride quality and long on ability. The accoutrements, including leather seats, a 10-speaker audio system and aluminum accents throughout, add a generous dollop of comfort to Spider-Man-grade road grip for a smooth and muscular finish, almost like the Z4's sheet metal.
You want: A rousing driving experience with luxury trimmings for four.
Our pick: 2003-2006 Infiniti G35 Sports Coupe
Kelley Blue Book pricing starts around $22,700
See Current Infiniti G35 || MSRP: $31,450 - $34,050In the future people will look at the G35 Sports Coupe and see more than just sexy lines, cleanly-executed entry-level luxury car accommodations, great fit and finish and rousing performance. They'll see one of the most significant vehicles in the brand's history, a defining point where the product connected with the public in a way that revitalized the brand; much like the minivan did for Ma Mopar. Until those heady days are realized, we can all enjoy the present -- used G35 Sports Coupes are a great value. Stab the gas pedal and enjoy the 3.5-liter V-6's music as the 280 horses go to work with 270 lb.-ft. of gusto. Challenge the suspension's unwavering composure on twisty roads with rough pavement. With time, future owners might polish this car, trailer it back and forth to shows and drive it around the block a few times before returning it to their heated garages. Leave that for the future to decide. We say pick it up, take it to a closed course and drive it like you stole it.
You want: The great value proposition of a reliable older luxury car with appointments and performance that aren't out-of-touch with modern offerings.
Our Pick: 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320
Kelley Blue Book pricing starts around $7,975
See Current Mercedes-Benz E-Class || MSRP: $50,900 - $85,8001995 wasn't the best of times for the German master. Lexus and Infiniti had appeared on the scene just a few years earlier and were pushing product that was challenging their authority in the luxury car market. Right around the corner was a less-than-perfect marriage to Chrysler. It is, however, a vintage year for the automaker's midsize sedan, with many examples of the handsome machine still commanding respectable prices on the used car market. Why? The secret's in the drive train. Fellow automotive journalist Terry Shea put it best: "100,000 miles on that car is like its break-in period." The E320's 3.2-liter, 217-horsepower inline-six just won't quit and neither will the simple four-speed automatic transmission mated to it. A sunroof comes on all models except for the handsome cabriolet (obviously), along with leather seats, four-wheel ABS, dual airbags and an AM/FM stereo with cassette player ... for your old mix tapes. Some versions of the machine floating around used car lots may also be equipped with traction control, an option in that year. The E-Class wasn't the fastest or the most fuel-efficient on the road in its day, but many hold respect for its handling and road-going manners. With longevity like an elephant, a style that still satisfies and a price that never peaks over $17,000 (the upper reaches of the Cabriolet), the 1995 E320 is a machine that still serves with aplomb.
Full Size Luxury SedansYou want: An easy rider with luxurious appointments and tons of space for relaxed cruising.
Our pick: 2002-2006 Lincoln Town Car
Kelley Blue Book pricing starts around $12,450
See Current Lincoln Town Car || MSRP: $42,175 - $50,645 In the automotive world there are luxury cars and then there are classic American luxury cars. Take a look at the Lincoln Town Car's proportions and you'll get a feel for the difference. With 112.3 cubic feet of interior volume, the Town Car begins as the most spacious luxury sedan under $20,000, besting the extended wheelbase BMW 760il by over a cubic foot. In extended wheelbase form, the Town Car expands to yield 120.1 cubic feet of sheer space. Those figures compare favorably to many studio apartments in New York City. Wrap all the seats in leather, add in four-wheel antilock brakes with traction control and toss in typical luxury car goodies (automatic climate control, 18-oz. carpeting in the passenger compartment and eight-way power adjustable front seats) and you've got a package that should keep even the most discriminating consumer satisfied.
Lincoln's flagship sedan is also a monument to longevity. The combination of a reliable pushrod V-8 engine, bulletproof four-speed automatic transmission and easier-to-fix rear-wheel drivetrain make the Town Car a classic. Tragically for driving enthusiasts, the Town Car is a little sluggish and lumbering. Safety ratings, however, from the NHTSA and IIHS are excellent, especially for models manufactured after May of 2003. Executive car companies are already clued-in; it's time you know, too. There's no greater value proposition than a used Lincoln Town Car if you're looking for a relaxed, luxurious and comfortable driving experience with six-passenger capability.
You want: Excellent craftsmanship and well-executed appointments in a rear-wheel drive package.
Our pick: 2002-2006 Lexus LS 430
Kelley Blue Book pricing starts around $29,200
See Current Lexus LS 430 || MSRP: $56,525 - $56,525Lexus' entry into the luxury car market since the first LS 400 in 1989 has been exemplified by getting almost everything right the first time, from initial quality to customer satisfaction and long-term reliability. The LS 430 manages to 'get it right' even more than its predecessor, delivering butter-smooth ride quality. It could be tempered for more aggressive handling with a sport suspension and a 4.3-liter V8 that delivers more hustle in the form of 290 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. Even if you find a no-option model on the used car market, they include cushy touches like dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats and a CD-changer-equipped premium audio system. Additional standard mechanicals like four-wheel ABS, traction control and stability control deliver a satisfying package with legendary build quality.
You want: Front-wheel drive performance, a punchy power plant and unusual high-tech goodies.
Our pick: 2003-2006 Cadillac DeVille
Kelley Blue Book pricing starts around $15,565
See Current Cadillac ModelsThe DeVille's got guts. Packed with a 4.3-liter Northstar V-8 under the hood, the DeVille flaunts its muscle with a stab of the gas pedal, even in its base model configuration. Our favorite trim, the DTS, ups the horsepower from 275 to 300 and adds stability control with a more performance-tuned suspension. Chances are you might stumble upon a few examples of techno-wizardry in the used DeVille market. The DeVille stands as Cadillac's traditional platform to first introduce new driving technologies to the brand and sometimes, the General itself. An ultrasonic parking assistance system, a night-vision system from Raytheon and an adaptive seating system (10 air cells in the front seats adjust automatically to accommodate various body types) are just a few items you might come across in Cadillac's flagship sedan. If luxury cars for you mean a softer ride and plusher seating, go for the DeVille or DHS. If you like your luxury cars served with more of an aggressive streak, check out the DTS. Either way, the DeVille is your best bet for a reliable, front-wheel drive full-size sedan in the used luxury car market.
Midsize Luxury SedansYou want: A midsize luxury sedan with excellent trappings and a performance streak.
Our pick: 2002-2004 Lexus GS 300/430
Kelley Blue Book pricing starts around $21,300
See Current Lexus GS 350 || MSRP: $44,150 - $46,100The third generation of Lexus' performance midsize sedan has been silently sweeping down lanes for two years now. That is great news if you've been waiting to get into a GS for a good price. Looking for a balance that's roughly a walk straight down the middle between luxury and sport? Check out the second generation GS, particularly the '02 to '04 models. The GS 300 delivers ample power for a sport-luxury car experience from its 220 horsepower 3.0-liter I6 engine, mixed with a suspension that balances cushy damping with responsiveness. The GS 430 takes things up a notch with a 300 horsepower 4.3-liter V-8 and touches like standard leather seating and HID headlights. Both trims come with satisfying mechanicals for the task, including stability control, traction control and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. The safety side is ample as well, with front airbags, front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags coming along for the ride.
You want: A well-balanced midsize luxury sedan with lots of standard features for the price.
Our pick: 2003-2004 Acura RL
Kelley Blue Book pricing starts around $20,765
See Current Acura RL || MSRP: $46,280 - $53,700What the second-generation RL lacks in the engine compartment, proudly touting a 3.5-liter V-6 in a field dominated by V-8s, it compensates for in balance. Take the suspension, for example. The second-generation RL feels nimble but also keeps a relatively soft composure to mute the road's imperfections. Steering effort is light, but the sedan gives a good on-center feel and has relatively quick turn-in. All the car's driving attributes come together to form a very complimentary, cohesive package. A safety leader in its introduction back in 1999 (thanks to vehicle stability and traction control, along with front-seat-mounted side impact airbags), the true evergreen strength of the RL is its value. Like all modern Acuras, second-generation RL models come stocked with almost every available luxury car feature in its standard trim. The RL's V-6 contributed to its a price point that was an average of $8,000 lower than its competitors. Toward the end of its seven-year life cycle strong incentives helped push the last of the second generations out dealership doors. You'll get a lot of luxury car for your money.
Entry-Level Luxury SedansYou want: An entry-level luxury sedan that's heavy on creature comforts and features.
Our pick: 2003-2006 Lexus ES 300
Kelley Blue Book pricing starts around $20,865
See Current Lexus ES 330 || MSRP: $32,300 - $32,300The fourth generation ES 300 looks more to the posh indulgence of the LS 430 than to the performance-edged GS series for inspiration. Upon the birth of its kid brother, the IS 300, the ES 300 grew larger proportions and plusher accommodations and adopted a smoother personality. The engine still kicks out the same 210 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. of torque as the previous-generation ES, but a drive-by-wire throttle system and a new five-speed transmission manage to make a more fluid, faster and more fuel efficient driving experience. The accommodations echo the luxury focus with touches like California Walnut trim, a seven-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system and 10-way driver/eight-way front passenger adjustable seats. Safety is emphasized, as well, with the introduction of electronic brake distribution (EBD) complemented by front and front-seat-mounted airbags, a four-wheel disc brake system with ABS and traction control. While not the hottest driver in its segment, the balance of luxury, price and performance earned it the title of best-selling luxury car in the U.S. in May of 2002, according to Lexus.
You want: An entry-level luxury sedan that dishes out an invigorating performance experience.
Our pick: 2004-2006 Acura TL
Kelley Blue Book pricing starts around $24,600
See Current Acura TL || MSRP: $33,725 - $38,225In stark contrast to the ES 300's luxury car leanings is the third-generation Acura TL, introduced in 2004. The TL was crafted with eyes fixed on the BMW 3-series, the dominant force of excellent performance and packaging in the entry-level luxury car market. The latest TL comes ready for the competition with 45 more horsepower than the previous generation's 225 ponies and 238 lb.-ft. of torque, 22 lb.-ft. more than what the 2003 model packed.
An improved vehicle stability system and better suspension tuning bring the TL to a surprising standard of performance that bests the previous generation's beloved Type-S version. Even though the TL is a front-wheel drive car, torque steer is kept at unnoticeable levels and only begins to rear its head in much more extreme driving circumstances. The luxury and safety side are both well taken care of, too. An eight-speaker DTS-certified stereo with DVD-audio capabilities and a six-CD changer plus a power moon roof and dual-zone automatic climate control are a few of the highlights of the TL's luxury trappings. The cabin is treated to the full available spectrum of airbags (dual front, front seat-mounted and side curtain). Those hankering for more aggressive handling should hunt for sedans fitted with the A-Spec sport suspension package, if anyone is even willing to give one up on the used car market.
Kelley Blue Book pricing stated based on ZIP code 20147, retail price with default options and mileage used. Base trim levels, oldest model year of vehicles chosen. Prices may vary depending on your region, options and mileage of cars. 
