A mid-size luxury sedan with timeless styling, all-wheel drive security, and stout performance, somehow the Audi A6 still manages to fly under the radar of many luxury buyers. It’s never been as popular as the BMW 5 Series or the Mercedes E-Class, but the A6 drives just as sweetly and offers just as much performance and luxury as its rivals. And its exterior styling usually ages better than the others. Think of it as the smart contrarian’s choice in its class.

Audi offered the 2018 A6 with three engines: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is quite fuel-efficient; a more powerful 3.0-liter V6; and a 240-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. Many were sold with Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system, but there are front-wheel drive A6s out there. Prices start about $20,000, but cars with Quattro usually cost about $5,000 to $10,000 more.

Audi

2018 Audi A6

The Audi A7 is mechanically similar to the A6; the two share a chassis and powertrains. But the A7 is four-door hatchback with a sexy swoopy silhouette and a generous increase in cargo space. When the first A7 debuted in 2010, it became an instant classic and helped usher in the four-door large luxury hatchback trend, whose later followers include the Kia Stinger and Tesla Model S. 

Unlike the A6, Audi has offered the A7 with just two engines: a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 306 hp and a 240-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. With the gas engine, 0-60 mph takes about 5 seconds. All A7s are equipped with Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system. For 2016 models, prices start about $25,000.

2017 Audi A7

Audi’s largest luxury sedan is also its most expensive. And like the A6, it tends to fly under the radar compared to its main rivals, the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes S-Class. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t one of the greatest German sedans around. The A8 is as elegant, luxurious, and fun to drive as its competitors, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive.

An all-new A8 arrived in 2019, and that makes earlier models great used car buys. The sedan’s third generation was sold from 2011 to 2018, and it features a weight-saving aluminum chassis and a choice of V6, V8, and diesel engines. Audi also offered two wheelbases, and the A8 L model is considerably longer and offers expansive rear legroom. Prices start around $30,000.

Audi A8

When most people think German sports sedan they think of the BMW 3 Series. And rightly so. It practically invented the genre and has dominated the small luxury sedan class since the days of Gordon Gecko and The Breakfast Club. The 3 Series offers buyers a choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and its list of available engines includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is impressively fuel-efficient, and a turbocharged six-cylinder that will thrill your soul.

An all-new 3 Series was introduced in 2019, but the previous generation is one of the best and was sold since 2013. That same year, BMW renamed the 3 Series coupe and convertible the 4 Series, leaving every 3 Series with four doors. The cars are mechanically the same and we recommend the 4 Series just as enthusiastically. Prices for a 2016 3 Series start just under $20,000.

3 Series 

2017 BMW 3 Series

There’s an old saying in the car world, “Every enthusiast should own a BMW M3 at least once.” The high-performance version of the 3 Series is legendary. Iconic even. It's a rear-wheel drive turbocharged hot rod that’s as luxurious as it is fast. As sexy as it is understated. An M3 is as at home on the racetrack as it is on the Interstate. It’s always appropriate and it never goes out of style.

BMW sold the most recent version of the M3 from 2015 to 2018. As with the 3 Series vs. 4 Series, the M4 is the same car with two fewer doors. Both were powered by an exceptionally smooth twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder with well over 400 hp. And it was backed by a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Prices start at about $40,000.

2017 BMW M3

The seventh generation of the legendary BMW 5 Series debuted in 2017, and it’s still on sale today. It arrived to mixed reviews, however. Despite awesome performance and handling, some said it wasn’t as fun to drive as 5 Series that came before. The car had become too comfortable, too luxurious, some critics said. Others appreciated the BMW’s new larger and quieter interior and praised its newfound style, which it shared with the larger 7 Series. On the road, it’s hard to tell the two apart.

Power certainly isn’t a problem. Under the hood is a choice of turbocharged engines, including a four-cylinder, a six, and a monster V8 with over 500 hp. In the high-performance M5, that engine makes over 600 hp. BMW also offered rear or all-wheel drive. Prices start around $28,000.

5 Series 

2017 BMW 5 Series

A longtime rival to the BMW 5 Series, the Mercedes E-Class is one of the most popular luxury mid-size sedans. Also offered as a coupe, a convertible and as a wagon, which is sold in very small numbers, the E-Class has been a long time favorite for its elegance, technology, performance, and features. It’s fun to drive and feels youthful from behind the wheel, but also has prestige and opulence dripping from its bumpers.

The latest E-Class arrived in 2017, and it’s still on sale today. It’s the curviest E-Class ever, as well as the most fuel-efficient. Turbocharged engines with four, six, or even eight cylinders are available along with a choice of rear or all-wheel drive. Our research turned up many four-cylinder E300 models for less than $30,000.

Mercedes-Benz

E-Class

2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Let's get this party started. Not every German luxury car is a sedan. Lets put the top down and talk two-seaters. The legendary Mercedes SL-Class has been one of the world’s most prestigious and desirable luxury convertibles for about 70 years. Few cars have stood for wealth and sophistication for so long. Now in its sixth generation, the Mercedes SL is as much a global symbol of success as it ever was.

The two-seat convertible, which features a retractable hardtop, hasn’t changed much since 2012, though Mercedes did give the rear-wheel drive sports car a mild facelift in 2017. Engines range from a twin-turbo V6 to a twin-turbo V8. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard, and AMG models pack well over 550 hp. Prices start just under $50,000.

SL-Class

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Mercedes' flagship sedan, the S-Class has always been the archetypal Benz, where attention to detail becomes obsessive-compulsive and power, technical prowess, space, pace, and grace all come together to create one of the most beautiful, comfortable, and over-the-top sedans the world has ever known. It's a sedan literally fit for a king, and enjoyed by royalty all over the world.

The current S-Class has been around since 2014, available as a sedan, coupe, or convertible. It received a substantial refresh in 2018, which included new styling, a new turbocharged six-cylinder engine, and a new nine-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged V8 and V12 were still on the books and they make big power. Prices start right around $50,000, which is about half the price of a new one.

S-Class

2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

You want a Porsche 911. Everyone wants a Porsche 911. But where will you put the kids? Enter the Panamera, Porsche’s only four-door sedan, ever. The purists called it blasphemous when it was first introduced back in 2010, but it was smart business as it quickly becomes one of Porsche's best-selling models. A second, much better-looking, generation arrived in 2017, offering all-wheel drive and a choice of V6 or V8 power, both boosted with turbos. The Turbo models accelerate like supercars and there’s a plug-in hybrid version with over 600 hp.

This is the most fun to drive full-size sedan on the planet, but it’s also comfortable and spacious; since it’s a hatchback, it has a huge trunk. Porsche also offers long- and short-wheelbase models and a wagon version called the Sport Turismo, which is either hideous or the coolest thing you’ve ever seen. (We love it.) Prices on a 2017 Panamera start around $70,000.

Porsche

Panamera

2017 Porsche Panamera

10 Best Used German Luxury Cars

 Luxury cars tote sleek designs, ultimate comfort, and top-quality manufacturing, so it’s no wonder they also come with a very steep price tag. However, you might be surprised to learn that luxury cars aren’t necessarily out of your price range. It’s a buyer’s market right now, and if you play it smartly, you can get a luxury car for less than you might think. We have gathered the best options for you.

Best Used Luxury Cars

Acura

Alfa Romeo

AM General

Aston Martin

Bentley

Buick

Cadillac

Chevrolet

Chrysler

Dodge

Ferrari

FIAT

Fisker

Ford

Genesis

Honda

HUMMER

Hyundai

INFINITI

Isuzu

Jaguar

Jeep

Karma

Lamborghini

Land Rover

Lexus

Lincoln

Lordstown

Lotus

Lucid

Maserati

Maybach

Mazda

McLaren

Mercury

MINI

Mitsubishi

Nissan

Oldsmobile

Panoz

Plymouth

Polestar

Pontiac

Rivian

Rolls-Royce

Saab

Saturn

Scion

smart

Subaru

Suzuki

Tesla

Toyota

Volkswagen

Volvo

10 Most Reliable Used SUVs

A two-row SUV adds the additional cargo capacity and roomier interior of an SUV while still keeping dimensions manageable for those who live in more urban areas. They also get better fuel economy so they're easier on your budget. Here are the 10 best used two-row SUVs.

10 Best Used Two-Row SUVs

10 Best Used Electric SUVs

There is a wide range of eight-passenger SUVs on the market, but it can be a challenge finding one you can afford. Large SUVs that easily accommodate the kids and their friends are often more expensive than smaller ones, which makes them tough to fit into the family budget. A used eight-passenger SUV is a more affordable option.

Buying used will not only save you money and keep you on budget, but it may also let you get into a higher trim level or more luxurious vehicle than you could afford if you were buying new. Here are the 10 best used eight-passenger SUVs perfect for families.

10 Best Used 8-Passenger SUVs

There is no getting around the fact that the American public loves SUVs. For this model year, many predict that U.S. car buyers will purchase twice as many SUVs and trucks as passenger cars. The reason? Consumers appreciate the elevated driving position and the people- and cargo-carrying versatility that SUVs bring to the party.

10 Used SUVs That Are Great Values

Americans love SUVs. This is as true as the sky is blue. Americans love their looks, their versatility, and the aura they project. You don’t hear people who have inactive, sedentary lifestyles talking about their SUVs. The people who drive SUVs are pictured as adventurers who might just head off into the wilderness on an overlanding expedition on a moment's notice.

If there is a problem attached to SUVs and their popularity, it is their expense. For cheap transport, a small sedan, hatchback, or coupe will typically be much less expensive than an SUV. Sure, you can buy a used SUV, but with no warranty, you are out in the cold if something goes wrong. The solution is a certified pre-owned SUV backed by the manufacturer. If you shop and bargain, it will be much less expensive than the same model purchased new, but it will be covered by a comprehensive manufacturer warranty. Problem solved. Here are the 10 best CPO SUVs under $25,000.

10 Best CPO SUVs Under $25,000

We’re not surprised that you are interested in buying an SUV. You are certainly not alone. They used to say that the 1990s was the decade of the sport-utility vehicle, but the argument could be successfully made that this is the SUV decade. We don’t have to tell you why, either. Pretty much everybody is aware of how useful and versatile most SUVs are. For those who have people to transport or stuff to carry, an SUV will get the job done for them. If the SUV has an Achilles’ heel, it is cost. SUVs are typically expensive vehicles. Some of the vehicles on this list had suggested retail prices well over $60,000 when they were new. No matter how you slice it, that’s a lot of money for a vehicle. The answer to that is buying a certified pre-owned SUV, because that can drop the price by thousands of dollars while still offering you new-car-like warranty protection. Here are the 10 best CPO SUVs under $40,000.

10 Best CPO SUVs Under $40,000

Most Americans equate a vehicle’s size and weight to its ability to protect them in a collision. And there is some truth to that. It’s one of the reasons crossovers and SUVs have become so popular. They make you feel safer when you’re behind the wheel. But some SUVs are safer than others. Although modern-day crossovers are the safest the auto industry has ever produced, some models perform better in crash tests than others, or offer more sophisticated accident avoidance systems and driver aids that can help you avoid an accident in the first place.

For millions of Americans shopping for a good used SUV, safety is also a high priority, and you don’t have to compromise on safety to find an affordable SUV. There are many used models out there with the same desirable safety technology and excellent crash performance as the new 2020 models. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve created this list of 10 used SUVs under $40,000 with available accident avoidance systems and excellent crash test scores. Since most are just two to three years old, they can be found with low mileage and they can be purchased through manufacturers certified pre-owned programs.

Used SUVs Under $40,000 With Accident Avoidance Systems

While sedans are waning in popularity, SUVs and crossovers are more popular than ever. That means there are lots of choices for those who want a new SUV for the family. The challenge with buying an SUV is that it can be expensive. Used SUVs are a great way to stay on budget while still getting the car you need.

Since SUVs are often full of people, including lots of kids, safety is a priority. Here are the 10 safest used SUVs you can buy based on Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash test ratings. All received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating for the year listed.

10 Safest Used SUVs

Graduate, find a mate, procreate, and buy a crossover with three rows of seats. For millions, it’s the American dream: space for the entire family and then some. SUVs with the ability to carry up to seven passengers are more popular than ever. They’ve become the must-have for dads and moms from Newport, Rhode Island, to Newport Beach, California.

And why not? Little Billy Jr. shouldn’t be forced to share a row with his sister. She’s icky. And sister Jane deserves her own row of seats as well. There you go, girl. Stretch out and dream of someday owning your own three-row family truckster. Yes, we can stop for ice cream. But with dozens of used 3-row SUVs out there, which is best for your family? Well, we’ve done the research for you and narrowed it down to the 10 we think are the best. We’ve also limited the selection to crossovers. We’ll cover big-daddy SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition separately. Here are our favorites.

Best Used 3-Row SUVs

SUVs are everywhere these days, and it seems like most American drivers want one. In 2020, sales of SUVs topped the 50% level in the light-vehicle market for the first time, and the trend shows no sign of abating. SUVs are versatile, are easy to get in and out of, and can be a lot of fun to drive. It’s also nice to have a driving position that looks down on traffic, not up at it. The only trouble with SUVs is they are, on average, more expensive than their conventional sedan and hatchback counterparts.

The answer to that potential issue is to purchase a used SUV. Studies have shown quite clearly that vehicles that have been manufactured during the past few years have very long useful lives, perhaps the longest in history. That’s why this list of the five SUVs that cost the least to insure can be so valuable.

5 Used SUVs That Cost Less to Insure

When it comes to transportation, most people want comfort. Because of that, SUVs are everywhere. And if you have to ride in the second row of an SUV, there is no more comfortable place than in a captain’s chair. That is why SUVs with captain’s chairs are so popular. People like the elevated driving position and the people-carrying versatility that SUVs are so well-known for. And they love the people-hauling ability of vehicles that offer captain’s chairs in the second row. Not only are the captain’s chairs typically more comfortable than a spot on a bench seat, but the gap between the two captain’s chairs makes it easy to get into and out of the third row. That's a win-win. Of course, when purchased new, three-row SUVs with captain’s chairs are typically expensive. A great way around that is to buy a recent-vintage used version. Here is our list of the 10 best used SUVs with captain’s chairs.


10 Best Used SUVs With Captain’s Chairs

When you’re heading off to college, an SUV makes a lot of sense. It has the spaciousness you’ll need to move your furniture from dorm rooms to apartments, and to carry you and your friends on unforgettable road trips. And it often has all-wheel drive for that time snow fails to postpone that crucial exam or job interview. 

But a new SUV is often tough on a college budget. That’s why we’ve rounded up the 10 best used SUVs for college. Most of these models are small, easy to drive, and relatively affordable, yet also roomy enough to be useful. For variety, we also included a couple of higher-end models — two vehicles with third-row seating and one from a luxury brand. We focused on the 2016 model year to keep things relatively affordable, yet avoiding SUVs that may be too old to reliably get you through college. 

10 Best Used SUVs for College 

Prestige. Panache. Performance. The three pillars of a great German luxury car. The best combine a depth of engineering with exceptional design detail and an extraordinary exploitation of form as well as function. They look good and they drive even better.

You can argue that Germany’s top luxury brands — BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi — build the best cars in the world. And that they have for decades. Many enthusiasts agree. Germany’s best also offer incredible used-car value. That’s right, buying used German luxury can save you big bucks compared to buying the brand new version of the very same car. For a fraction of the price, you get the same prestige, panache, and performance. To maximize your value, we limited our list of the 10 best used German luxury cars to models just four years old or newer. That means they’re still available through factory-certified pre-owned (CPO) programs with extended warranties. Our choices are listed alphabetically. 

If you’re in the market for a hatchback but prices are keeping them out of reach, then consider a used model instead. There are a lot of used hatchbacks out there, from sporty to fuel efficient, with much more affordable pricing than new models.

Hatchbacks are a great choice if you’re looking for fuel efficiency and are excellent for those who want more versatility for cargo than what’s offered by a sedan. Here are the 10 best used hatchbacks under $15,000.

10 Best Used Hatchbacks Under $15,000

Used sedans are a great option when you need a comfortable, family-friendly car that lets you stay within your budget. There are lots of options out there, too, so it’s easy to find one that’s a perfect fit for your needs.

Sedans tend to focus on passenger comfort, but many also deliver exceptional fuel economy. There are also models that take more of a performance approach. You can even find used luxury sedans at a surprisingly affordable price. Here are the best used sedans under $15,000.

10 Best Used Sedans Under $15,000

Fifteen thousand dollars might seem like a lot of money to spend on a used car, and if you don’t know where to begin to shop, you may just end up throwing your money away. So to help you with your search, UsedCars.com has done a little research for you. We present to you our top four choices.

10 Best Used German Luxury Cars

More Best Cars Lists