What do you consider to be the best 'luxury' car or SUV under 30K?
No BS. You get the most bang for your buck. Unless you're looking for a "Look at me! I'm RICH!!" badge for your car, the Hyundai Genesis is the total package.
Don't believe me? Google it. Read the reviews.
20 Answers
I depends on what exactly you are looking for. I myself have a 97 BMW M3 full of modifications that I got for $11,000. I also looked at a fully loaded Audi A6 with every single option available and the 4.2 V8. It was about 4-6 years old and it was $15,000. If you look you can find whatever you need in the used market and then you also don't have to lose money on the depreciation.
Cars are my passion. Post some more info up and I will try to give you more direction.
Mercedes Benz E series one or two years old. You did say luxury. Or a Jag of the same year.
For sport luxury, go w BMW 3 series one or two years old.
For myself, I have two Saabs both about five yeas old. Nice cars, all the options, and they cost me less than 20k combined (they were only 3 years old when I bought them) You get a lot for your money w Saab (used).
2004-2006 BMW 330xi AWD. It should run you a little over 23,000 if you buy it
I have a 2002 Saab 9-3 SE that I'm more than happy with but that will be my next car. Leather comes standard, it's not too heavy and maintains its sporty 3-Series roots without the urge to get a 5-series. Keep it a grown up car and get 4 doors and 5-speed.
I wish Saab got its due but the BMW is definitely a step up.
Good call on the E-class, drtom. I tend to forget about Benz because, to quote my wife, "we'll never be old enough for a Mercedes." I know that way of thinking isn't really accurate; my 32-year-old friend has a C300, and it's hot s--t.
As for Saab, I've owned a couple, and if you want an actual luxury car, avoid it. Once you sit in a Saab, then go sit in a Benz or Audi, you'll wonder why you considered the Saab at all. The interior materials are just not up to par, and the inevitable creaks and rattles will drive you nuts after a year or two.
The E-Class, Volvo S80, and the base A6 are all great luxury cars, but they're not sporty. You didn't specify, but if you want that kind of luxury with some real handling ability, think BMW 535i or 335i, or Audi S4.
Mercedes, used, will always do it. You can get the SL500 for about $30k with 50k miles on it. I got the ML430, originally 70K as equipped, for under $20k. Mercedes does not hold its resale value at all, and I see forums online of folks whining about this fact. 2nd owners get better car per dollar.
USED… BMW 5, Mercedes E, Cadillac CTS or DTS, Infiniti G or M. SUV = Lexus RX, BMW X5, or Cadillac SRX.
Carefully consider based on what local repair places there are.
Personally: My previous two cars were Volvos and, while they were very nice, they had enough weird problems to put me off Volvo. I have heard way too many pricey repair stories to get a Mercedes. My next car/SUV will be an Infiniti or a Cadillac just because those are the only good repair places near my new home.
I currently have two BMW 5 series, a 1995 525i and a 2003 540i, and I love them both (after years of owning them). They run, ride, and last (with proper maintenance). You can get a used 2004+ BMW 5 (the newer generation than 1997-2003) for under 30.
With luxury cars, make extra sure you know what you are getting; one bad issue can really cost you. Consider a CPO vehicle.
New or used? Nameplate or features?
If you're talking new, you're probably not going to get into the big-name cars, unless you want a stripped model, and those are rare. Most of those cars--the Audi A4, for example--"start" under $30k, but good luck finding one of those on a lot.
So, if you want a new car, check out the Volkswagen CC. It's pretty hot, and has great features, just not the cache of the four rings/roundel/tri-star.
For used, I love my 2006 Audi A4. They're relatively inexpensive when they're only a year or two old, and you get most of the toys you want in that kind of car standard (power seats, leather, decent stereo, sunroof, heated seats, dual-zone climate control). You could probably get a 2008 now for under $30k easily.