Is it time to upgrade your current set of wheels to something a little more professional and comfortable? Are you trying to figure out how to drive something that looks like it should be on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, but with a nickel-and-dime budget? So where can you find a car that will impress without breaking the bank? Check out this list of cars that are all high on luxury and under $30,000 on the lot.
1. Acura TSX
MSRP: $29,890
Welcome to high-end quality on a low-end budget. The TSX isnt usually the first car to come to mind when you think of luxury cars, but its time to give some credit to this deserving car.
The 2006 TSX offers every available option you can think of, including a voice-controlled navigation system. Acura has long been known for quality and the list of options available on the TSX wont break your budget. In addition, the TSX boasts a powerful 2.4-liter, inline four-cylinder engine that produces 205 horsepower. All this power isnt guzzling gas either -- the TSX gets 31 mpg on the highway. All-around comfort is the name of the game for the TSX, offering easy to read gauges for the driver and plenty of leg room in the back.
Premium perk: This car offers something no else does in this price bracket -- a navigation system that doesnt break the bank. The TSXs navigation system is voice-controlled, which makes you a safer driver because youll be able to keep your eyes on the road.
2. Audi A4
MSRP: $29,440
The A4 was designed by German engineers to be driven on the autobahn and to make your daily commute more pleasurable. But before you get lost in the performance delivered by the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and the handling of the 2007 A4, take a look at the interior comfort features of this car, such as the leather seats and the sound system. There are enough features on this car to make you forget that you are even going to work. The A4 competes with other heavy weight German manufacturers BMW and Mercedes-Benz by offering the same luxury for less.
Premium perk: The A4 offers its driver a CVT transmission, which functions as an automatic transmission but has no fixed gear ratios.
3. Cadillac CTS (
see video of the CTS-V model here)
MSRP: $29,660
Cadillac has always been linked with luxury and usually to drivers who are older than 60. The 2007 CTS is breaking the mold by appealing to a younger generation. The CTS offers a peppy 2.8-liter, V6 engine that pumps out 210 horsepower and combines that power with a sport-tuned suspension. The CTS lives up to the Cadillac tradition and offers plenty of driver and passenger room. After you add up all the options and the fact that its a Cadillac, you cant go wrong with the CTS. Come on -- its a Caddy for less than 30 large, do I need to say more?
Premium perk: There are actually two perks on this Caddy: the standard XM(R) Satellite Radio and OnStar features.
4. Chrysler 300
MSRP: $27,825
Chrysler has taken a new approach to the world of luxury cars with the relatively new Chrysler 300, which offers both comfort and strength. The 3.5-liter, V6 engine provided 250 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque in 2006. Chrysler didnt just go for power with no comfort; the 300 offers a five-link, independent rear suspension that gives the car more stability and control.
Youd be right if the appearance of this car reminds you of a German luxury car -- Chrysler teamed up with Mercedes-Benz to develop and design the 300. Drivers are given a combination of two worlds: American power and comfort with German engineering. The cherry on top is the fact that you can get a very well-equipped one for under $30,000.
Premium perk: The best feature of the Chrysler 300 is the fact that you are driving an American car designed by Mercedes-Benz.
5. Lexus IS 250 (
see video of the IS350 model here)
MSRP: $29,990
The 2006 design includes a 2.5-liter, V6 engine and a host of electronic safety features, such as traction control and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Lexus also went all-out with their list of standard features that includes keyless entry and ignition, Bluetooth connectivity and premium audio.
Even with all the features, the new IS 250 is all about comfort -- the interior is wrapped in supple leather and has soft-touch dash and door panels. Lexus hit a home run with the exterior design, which is just beautiful to look at. The new IS 250 allows you to enjoy both a luxurious ride and the ability to turn heads on the road without costing a year's salary.
Premium perk: The Lexus IS 250 boasts the best-in-class interior quality, which includes lots of handy, high-tech features, like Bluetooth technology and an input jack for your iPod.
6. Mercedes-Benz C230
MSRP: $29,650
When you think of luxury cars, Mercedes-Benz is usually on the short-list. The second thing that you think of is the price tag. The C230 is Mercedes-Benzs only vehicle that comes in under $30,000. The C230 offers the latest advances in safety technology, because nowadays being safe is as luxurious as having custom-leather seats. Also, the C230 has a newly designed exterior that resembles its more expensive brothers. The C230 comes with a very capable 2.5-liter, V6 engine that can push you to the back of your leather seats. With the C230 you are getting the Mercedes-Benz name and reputation without spending a ton of cash.
Premium perk: The C-class offers state-of-art safety equipment that includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control and standard head, side and passenger airbags.
