Which European/Japanese Luxury Used Car Is Best Value under $50k

Lasehgal on 17/01/2018 - 08:46
Last edited 17/01/2018 - 11:22 by 1 other user

I am after a used ‘luxury’ car model but can't afford new in this range. All i want to know is which one should i go for between MB, BMW, Lexus - what model and what should be a realistic budget?

I am not a handy person, the car will be for city driving with 2 teenage kids in back seat. Key deciding factors are that it retains second hand value and has low repair bills as i'm only after a used. What kilometers should i be looking at? I have never owned any of these brands so seeking advice. What budget should I be prepared with. If I can’t that is fine too as I do realise that these cars can be a nightmare if things go wrong. Just thought to test waters from fellow Ozbargainers.

Automotive

Comments

  • SharedSugar on 17/01/2018 - 08:53

    It might be worth looking at Nissan and Toyota vehicles ordered with luxury options. They are very well equipped, the fit is nice and sometimes a little cheaper.

  • asehgal on 17/01/2018 - 08:57

    Thanks - good tip

  • Halo375 on 17/01/2018 - 09:00

    What sort of price range is your budget? Do you want a sedan or SUV? Do you want performance or just comfort? Some extra details may help - note that these cars aren’t really known for being cheap to run!

  • asehgal on 17/01/2018 - 09:06

    After a sedan and comfort rather than performance was the way I was looking at.

  • thetrain on 17/01/2018 - 09:54
    +4

    Low repair bills? Lexus

  • cuteseal on 17/01/2018 - 10:00
    +4

    If you are after low servicing and repair bills, European cars will be off the list. Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Volvo - all have high servicing costs. Minor services (usually just oil and filter change) for my Mercedes and Audi are roughly $400+ (independent shop) to $600+ (dealer) and major services you can easily double that. The only consolation is that their service intervals tend to be longer - so instead of every 10000k/6 months, they are something like 25000k/12 months. I have also found Subaru servicing costs are quite expensive as well, as they see themselves as a "premium" Japanese brand.

    In comparison I had a Ford Focus (made in Belgium) and the dealer service was like $200 bucks…

    A lot of people recommend Lexus as they are essentially luxury Toyotas, although I have no experience owning them.

    You can often find 1 year old demonstrators priced quite attractively, especially during mid year/end of year. Tell us your budget and we can recommend some options.

    • asehgal on 17/01/2018 - 10:01

      Thanks heaps. Budget was around 45k to 50k.

      • cuteseal on 17/01/2018 - 10:59
        +2

        That's quite a good budget to work with, and a lot of luxury cars would be well within that price range.

        I would suggest getting a 1 year old car or demo when it has taken the initial drop in price, then getting rid of it 2-3 years later just before the warranty runs out. After warranty runs out the value drops even more, so try to move it on before you lose too much value.

        As an example I bought a 1 year old Mercedes B200 demo from a MB dealer, with 7000km on the clock, for $39k (with vision pack & sunroof). Was still the current model at the time and RRP would have been close to $51k I think. 3 years later it was written off and I was surprised that the payout was still $33k. So if you look at it from a financial perspective, I only lost $6k of value in 3 years.

        • asehgal on 17/01/2018 - 11:56

          Very good advice,

    • Oz8argain on 17/01/2018 - 10:41

      +1
      Camry $120/9 months (3yrs capped service)
      XV $300/9mon (standard service)

      Please consider Hyundai Genesis. Also the new Camry coming out (espcially with Hybrid because of city driving) maxed out with options would still be under 50K

      • spackbace on 17/01/2018 - 11:23

        Outgoing Camry is $140 now just FYI

        New 2018 Camry looks to have 12 monthly servicing, not 9 :)

        • Oz8argain on 17/01/2018 - 11:41

          oh thank god

  • Ryanek on 17/01/2018 - 10:30
    +1

    50k budget? Surely the Kia Stinger brand new has all you could ever need. The 7 year warranty alone would be enough to sway me from a second hand euro car.

    • Euphemistic on 17/01/2018 - 10:40

      except that it sounds like the OP wants a fancy badge on his 50k ride.

    • Lando on 17/01/2018 - 11:10

      eww Kia

      Plastic monster

      • Ryanek on 17/01/2018 - 11:45
        +3

        Perhaps its time to educate yourself and actually read what people have been saying about the Kia instead of just blindly following preconceived conceptions.

        • spackbace on 17/01/2018 - 12:25
          -3

          You mean the entry level models getting a 3 star safety rating?

          Yep, engineered well…

        • Ryanek on 17/01/2018 - 15:01
          +1

          @Spackbace: Yeah that's because it was tested against Euro NCAP and not the local ANCAP protocols, otherwise it would have been a full 5 star rating.

          You see because starting from this year, cars without autonomous emergency braking or lane-departure warning can't get 5 stars. So the car you are most likely driving now wouldn't get a full rating if tested today.

        • spackbace on 17/01/2018 - 15:08

          @Ryanek:

          So the car you are most likely driving now wouldn't get a full rating if tested today.

          I sell Toyotas (and I've declared that in the past).

          Toyota actually develop cars to pass the most stringent tests worldwide. So whoever has the 'hardest' test, Toyota will develop for. Every new model coming out has 'Toyota Safety Sense' as a standard feature - lane departure, forward collision, automatic high beam, radar cruise control etc.

          By not putting the necessary equipment on the car, it was doomed to fail. Kia's forward thinking aint that forward.

        • Ryanek on 17/01/2018 - 15:37
          +2

          @Spackbace: Yeah i'm talking to a Toyota salesman so I guess that would explain your incentive to knock other makers. The keyword you use is "new" (as in 2018 models) since most Toyotas in the 2017 lineup only have those features as options.

          The Kia tested was the 2017 model and Kia have committed to updating the base stinger base models for 2018 to add those as standard too.

          All this doesn't explain why you think Kia engineering is bad though.

        • spackbace on 17/01/2018 - 16:03

          @Ryanek:

          Kia have committed to updating the base stinger base models

          They have no choice, it's either that or they're selling a 3-star safety rated vehicle… not a wise business practice.

          Shouldn't have happened in the first place.

          I guess that would explain your incentive to knock other makers.

          I have no need, I call a spade a spade. In among all my comments under this forum, many people have seen that. Toyota isn't the only brand I've worked for, I've also worked for Holden, Suzuki and Mitsubishi, as well as seeing majority of brands as used cars.

          The keyword you use is "new" (as in 2018 models) since most Toyotas in the 2017 lineup only have those features as options.

          First car in the 2017 stable to get TSS as standard was the RAV4, followed by the Prado. Both cars were released in 2017.

          All this doesn't explain why you think Kia engineering is bad though.

          If you can't design and release a car to meet modern day safety tests, you're not exactly forward thinking.

        • whooah1979 on 17/01/2018 - 18:23

          50k budget? Surely the Kia Stinger

          $50000 for kia is a lot of money. dropping this amount on a korean made vehicle doesn't make it luxury vehicle. a feature packed vehicle, but not luxury one.

        • Ryanek on 18/01/2018 - 09:35
          +2

          @Spackbace: Ok i'll play your game.

          They have no choice, it's either that or they're selling a 3-star safety rated vehicle… not a wise business practice.

          Like I said, most of your Toyota 2017 vehicles would get 3 stars too if tested with the same Euro NCAP rating so this argument is moot.

          Toyota actually develop cars to pass the most stringent tests worldwide.

          Like I said, most would get 3 stars if re-tested today.

          First car in the 2017 stable to get TSS as standard was the RAV4, followed by the Prado. Both cars were released in 2017.

          These are standard on other 2017 KIA cars too so I don't understand your contention.

          If you can't design and release a car to meet modern day safety tests, you're not exactly forward thinking.

          Now you're just being stubborn. See my first point. Kia have obviously committed the same standard features as Toyota because it'll be a requirement in Australia for 2018.

          As always mate, it's fun. Cheers.

    • dasher86 on 17/01/2018 - 14:31
      +1

      Kia is neither japanese or european as requested by OP.

  • Lando on 17/01/2018 - 10:57
    +1

    Lexus all the way!

    New Camry V6 is very nice too.

    • Roney on 18/01/2018 - 20:02

      Lexus is Toyota in disguise yet charges like Euro cars in services and parts.

      • whooah1979 on 18/01/2018 - 22:18

        Lexus is Toyota in disguise

        that's what makes lexus so reliable. the best engineers and workers from toyota get to design and build lexus vehicles.

        • Euphemistic on 19/01/2018 - 14:59

          And Lexus was set up to be Toyota with 'even better' manufacturing tolerances.

        • Lando on 22/01/2018 - 14:29

          @Euphemistic:

          Have you seen the kind of interior trims and tech they have in Lexus cars?

          If that's not luxury, then what is?

        • Euphemistic on 22/01/2018 - 15:24

          @noey: I never said anything about the interiors. My comment was made referencing Toyota build quality and reliability and that Lexus was set up to have even better build quality and reliability than Toyota. Of course, along with that they needed perceived luxury so the buyer could tell the difference between the Lexus and the Toyota and warrant paying the difference in price..

      • Lando on 22/01/2018 - 14:28
        +1

        Is that suppose to be a bad thing? BMW couldn't manufacture a reliable car if their company depended on it.

        BMW and Mercs are just overpriced and unreliable.

  • -.- on 17/01/2018 - 12:31
    +2

    Based on your sedan comment, I presume you're not looking for small-size 'luxury' cars, like Audi A1/A3 (though the A3 does come in a small sedan version), BMW 1 series/2 series, Mercedes Benz A class/B class/CLA class. That being said there are some real pocket rockets in those categories. For example you can get a Merc A45 for around 40-45k (0-100km/h in 4.6s or so).

    If you're looking at compact luxury sedans a few spring to mind … with a 50k you can afford not to get the base models, so most of these that I'm quoting are mid-spec models. If you go slightly further down in the model years, say towards a five-year old car, you can expect these prices to fall dramatically:

    2015 onwards Mercedes Benz C250 (either Diesel or Petrol depending on your preference) from ~45k (Diesel: 150kw/500Nm, 0-100 6.6 sec, Petrol: 155kW/350Nm, 0-100km/h 6.6s)
    2016 onwards Audi A4 sport quattro from ~50k (185kw/370Nm, 0-100km/h 5.8s)
    2015 onwards BMW 330i from ~50k (185kw/350Nm, 0-100km/h 5.8s) [328i can be bought quite cheaply, 2014 onwards from 30k upwards)
    2015 onwards Jaguar XE 25t from ~45k (177kW/340Nm, 0-100km/h 6.8s)
    2017 onwards Alfa Romeo Giulia from ~45k (147kW/330Nm, 0-100km/h 6.6s)
    2014 onwards Lexus IS350 Sports/Luxury trum from ~40k (233kW/378Nm, 0-100km/h 5.9s)
    2014 onwards Infiniti Q50 GT or S from ~30-35k (both specs around 155kW/350Nm, 0-100km/h 7.2s), premium spec for slightly more, Q50 S Hybrids start from around 45k, 225kW/350Nm, 0-100km/h 5.1s).

    Like others have said, none of these cars will be cheap to service or maintain, but that's the price you pay for euro luxury :/

    I'm a fan of the Merc's interior, I still think it is the best interior in the price bracket, but for driving dynamics, I'd choose something else. The C250 is still a little too underpowered for my liking, and the C300 is not affordable.

    Let me know what your priorities are in terms of features/comfort/performance as well and I can tailor that list down.

    Also let me know if you're after a larger sedan like a Merc E, BMW 5, Audi A6, Jag XF etc. (or even a Hyundai Genesis! You can get one of those for a little more than 30k, 2015 model year) and I can give a few suggestions. IF you wanted a full size like a Merc S, BMW 7, Audi A8, Jag XJ then you'd be hard pressed to find a recent model with a 50k budget. But I can give a few suggestions for slightly older model years.

    • asehgal on 17/01/2018 - 16:38

      Thanks ‘not amused’ for such an elaborate response and offer to help. My main aim is to have one of these brands (if I can afford) but something that has longevity and not shock me with repairs cost. Of course repairs will be expensive but should not cost arm and length. Per my research - Lexus Is rated reliable but IS model does not have room for back seaters. Therefore to me GS sounded more like the one to go - correct me if my thinking is flawed.

      • -.- on 17/01/2018 - 19:03

        If you're after someone with more room, then yes you'll need to jump one step up to the mid-size 'executive' cars. Some people will adamantly refuse to drive larger cars as generally the driving dynamics/handling is compromised a bit. But that's not really the point with luxury cars is it? Other people don't like the large size when parking/manoeuvring around the city.

        As many have said, lexuses are great cars - can't go wrong with japanese engineering. However, I'm not a fan of the very conservative looks of the pre-2014 Lexuses, the new Lexus design language (clearly seen in NX/RX/LC) while controversial, I think is better - personal preference only. You can't fault them on value proposition/features though. However, a lot of people will plain refuse to drive a Japanese luxury … Germans only.

        I'm actual partial to some quirkier luxury models, including some coupes. I particularly like the 'four door coupes' Audi A7 / Mercedes Benz CLS (Coupe/Shooting Brake - read station wagon)/BMW 6 series (pre-GT). I actually think the CLS Shooting Brake doesn't look bad (but lots of people find the design controversial - which is what I like about it!), and it's surprisingly practical with a hatch back design. They're quite affordable now, as in under 50k for sure, off a brand new price of ~140k. The A7s are a bit more expensive than the CLSs but have generally more powerful engines.

        But anyway, I digress, in the mid-size cars, the following should at least be on your list … go out and test drive some if you have the time:

        • Mercedes Benz: E, CLS
        • BMW: 5, 6
        • Audi: A6, A7
        • Jaguar: XF
        • Lexus: ES, GS
        • Infinit: Q70
        • Volvo: S90
        • Chrysler: 300
        • Hyundai Genesis
  • whooah1979 on 17/01/2018 - 13:46

    lexus gs or is.

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/results?q=%28And.Service.Carsales..State.ACT..Price.range%28..45450%29..%28C.Make.Lexus..MarketingGroup.IS.%29%29&sortby=Price&limit=12

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/results?sortby=Price&offset=0&setype=sort&q=%28And.Service.Carsales..State.ACT..Price.range%28..45450%29..%28C.Make.Lexus..MarketingGroup.GS.%29%29&limit=12

    • andyman1908 on 17/01/2018 - 21:41

      I bought a 2011 is350 fsport for $25k. You'd get a couple year old, newer shape is350 in your price range. Coming from an Audi a6 previously, I'm happy with my choice.
      Edit. Although not much leg room in the backseat for teenage kids. Maybe gs series might be more suitable.

  • asehgal on 18/01/2018 - 08:05

    Thanks ‘not amused’ for such an informative response. Is there a threshold of kms on the clock that I should be comfortable with before major repairs/servicing kick in?

  • pegaxs on 18/01/2018 - 09:01
    +1

    Meh… you’re all wrong… I’m just going to say this and leave it at that. OP wants a Euro car with “all the bells and whistles…” and has the potential to be a sound financial investment…

    A200 AMG.

    /thread

    On a serious note, as someone who has worked for BMW, don’t. If you are concerned about the cost associated with luxury cars, then they are not the right car for you. I would steer clear of Euro cars. Unless you get some form of warranty with it, they can be hit and miss and when they miss, they will take a lot of coin to get them going again…

    that it retains second hand value and has low repair bills

    Euro and luxury cars in general do not retain value. They tend to lose a lot of value in the short term, and as for repair bills, read above.

    And I know Im going to get some hate over this, cause this is OzBargain and ‘Straya, but if you can forgive the fact it is a Korean car, I would look at the Hyundai Genesis range. They can be had for a very reasonable price second hand (as someone else has bourne the brunt of the depreciation), they are well made and have a lot of “bells and whistles” My parents have one and I have driven it on many occasions on both long and short trips, and it rides and feels like any large Euro luxury car I have ever driven…

  • BNR34 on 18/01/2018 - 09:35
    -1

    In my opinion, you either buy new or 3 years old. Also make sure you buy a brand new model which means resale will be mich better. I.e. buy new and keep for 5 years and when you sell it will still be current. Otherwise, buy 3 year old used and keep for a bit less time.

    In my experience, with negotaiation you can buy new for less than you pay dor a demo or one year old. Particulaly considering you get brand new tures, full rego etc.

    I bought a mercedes one year ago and used examples seem to be selling for about what I paid for mine once you factor in stamp duty.

    Also, as much as I
    prefer sedans, suvs always depreciate less.

  • nephilim on 18/01/2018 - 09:42

    Cheapest luxury car you can get is to import a "Nissan president" from Japan, 2005 model for about 8k imported.
    Not many full leather V8 luxury class cars for that price.

  • Candour on 18/01/2018 - 10:03
    +1

    read john cadogan on luxury cars and their reliability and service. he is bitingly honest and the ACCC also has confirmed some of his unpleasant truths.

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 18/01/2018 - 11:04

    Lexus RC350 might be in your ball park

    • whooah1979 on 18/01/2018 - 13:26

      not suitable for children.

  • jaffa22 on 18/01/2018 - 19:12

    I have considerable experience in dealing with wholesalers and they all sing the same tune. Buy Mazda, Honda or Toyota . Do not buy used Audi BMW jaguar Volvo as when they are out of warranty they can be very expensive to maintain and their resale value iOS effected by that. My suggestion anything Honda make is first class an accord xv6 luxury which has Eco mode heated seats and many other quality extras. Good luck

  • PinzVidz on 22/01/2018 - 15:17
    +1

    No love for a Skoda Superb 206TSI?

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