Luxury sedans once represented the pinnacle of automotive success. These cars were bought new by executives, celebrities, and dignitaries, often carrying six-figure price tags when equipped with options. They came loaded with cutting-edge technology, plush interiors, and powerful engines. Yet as time has passed, depreciation has hit these machines harder than almost any other type of vehicle. Today, many of these once elite sedans can be purchased for the price of a used compact. While maintenance costs can be steep, the allure of owning a car that once commanded six figures for only a few thousand dollars is undeniable. Here are fifteen sedans that were once symbols of wealth and are now within reach of budget-minded enthusiasts.
BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series has always been BMW’s technological flagship, boasting features years ahead of the mainstream market. Models like the 745i and 750Li from the early 2000s often cost well over $70,000 new. Today, high-mileage examples can be found for less than $7,000. Owners enjoy leather-lined interiors, V8 or V12 engines, and executive-level comfort. The trade-off is complexity: these cars are packed with electronics and expensive suspension systems that can easily overwhelm a budget if they fail.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The S-Class has long been considered the world’s benchmark luxury sedan. In the mid-2000s, a new S500 or S550 could easily top $90,000 with options. Now, those same models are often listed for under $6,000. Buyers still get incredible comfort, prestige, and advanced technology like adaptive cruise control and air suspension. However, the air suspension is costly to repair, and electronics can be troublesome. For those willing to take the risk, few sedans deliver such presence for so little money.
Audi A8
Audi’s answer to the 7 Series and S-Class was the A8, a full-size sedan with sleek styling, quattro all-wheel drive, and an interior filled with high-quality finishes. A well-equipped A8 once pushed past $80,000, but older models from the early 2000s can be picked up for $5,000 or less today. The aluminum body construction made it advanced for its time, but it also complicates repairs. Still, for drivers who want understated German luxury, the A8 is a bargain.
Jaguar XJ
Few sedans embody British elegance like the Jaguar XJ. Models from the early 2000s easily cost $75,000 or more when new, yet today they can be found for $4,000. Owners still enjoy wood veneers, soft leather, and smooth V8 power. Jaguars of this era are infamous for electrical gremlins and rust issues, but few cars look as timeless and sophisticated cruising down the boulevard. For buyers with patience, an XJ offers classic luxury for pennies on the dollar.
Cadillac STS and DTS
Cadillac’s STS and DTS sedans were once aimed directly at European competition, offering V8 engines, leather interiors, and a long list of luxury features. Both cost between $50,000 and $60,000 when new. Today, they are often available for $3,000 to $5,000. They may lack the polish of German rivals, but they deliver smooth highway performance and unmistakable American comfort. For buyers who want affordable entry into the world of luxury sedans, Cadillac remains an accessible option.
Lexus LS 430 and LS 460
The Lexus LS was Japan’s answer to the Mercedes S-Class, and it delivered with near-flawless build quality and unmatched refinement. The LS 430 and LS 460 sold for $65,000 to $75,000 when new, yet today high-mileage versions can be found for $5,000 to $7,000. Unlike their European competitors, these cars are generally more reliable and cheaper to maintain long term. For drivers who want luxury without constant mechanical drama, the Lexus LS is perhaps the smartest buy of the bunch.
Infiniti Q45
Infiniti launched the Q45 in the 1990s as a bold challenger to the German big sedans. With a powerful V8, advanced technology, and futuristic styling, it was priced around $50,000 when new. Today, it is largely forgotten and can be bought for just a few thousand dollars. While parts can be harder to find, the Q45 offers a unique slice of Japanese luxury history that still feels special behind the wheel.
Lincoln Town Car
For years, the Lincoln Town Car was the go-to choice for limousines, executives, and private drivers. It was never as expensive as its German competitors, but late-model Town Cars still sold for more than $50,000 in their prime. Today, they can be found for under $4,000, often with plenty of miles on the clock but still running strong. The Panther platform is durable, the V8 is simple to maintain, and the ride is supremely comfortable. For anyone seeking classic American luxury, the Town Car is an unbeatable bargain.
Acura RL
Acura’s RL sedan was packed with features, including the brand’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, making it one of the most advanced Japanese sedans of its time. In the mid-2000s, it cost around $50,000. Today, the RL is often overlooked in the used market and sells for less than $5,000. While it never matched the prestige of a BMW or Mercedes, the RL delivers understated reliability, comfort, and all-weather capability.
Maserati Quattroporte (Early 2000s)
Maserati’s Quattroporte is perhaps the most dramatic example of luxury car depreciation. In the early 2000s, the Quattroporte cost well over $100,000 and was praised for its Ferrari-derived V8 engine and unmistakable Italian design. Today, early models can sometimes be found under $10,000. The catch is maintenance—clutch replacements and electronic issues can quickly cost more than the purchase price. Still, for those seeking exotic flair, the idea of owning a Maserati sedan for the price of a used minivan is irresistible.
Volvo S80
The Volvo S80 was Sweden’s flagship luxury sedan, aimed at buyers who wanted comfort, safety, and understated style. Well-equipped versions from the mid-2000s often topped $50,000 when new. Today, they can be found for just a few thousand dollars. With comfortable interiors and Volvo’s reputation for safety, the S80 remains a smart choice for those who want affordable luxury without the flashy image.
Chrysler 300C
When the Chrysler 300C arrived in the mid-2000s, it shook up the American luxury sedan market. With bold styling, HEMI V8 power, and plenty of comfort, fully loaded versions easily hit $40,000 to $45,000 new. Today, early examples often sell for $3,000 to $5,000. While not as refined as European sedans, the 300C offers muscle car personality with sedan practicality, making it an appealing budget luxury choice.
Genesis G90
Hyundai’s luxury division, Genesis, launched the G90 to compete directly with the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series. Priced around $70,000 new, the G90 offered refined styling, powerful V6 and V8 options, and technology comparable to the Germans. As newer Genesis models have arrived, early G90s have depreciated rapidly and can now be found for less than $15,000. It is a bargain for anyone who wants near-new luxury at used-car prices.
Volkswagen Phaeton
The Volkswagen Phaeton remains one of the strangest luxury sedans ever sold. It was VW’s attempt to create a car that could compete with Mercedes and BMW, featuring a V8 or even W12 engine and a starting price near $70,000. Buyers never warmed to the idea of a luxury Volkswagen, and depreciation hit hard. Today, surviving Phaetons can be found for well under $10,000, offering Bentley-like engineering at a fraction of the price.
Saab 9-5 Aero
Before Saab’s collapse, the 9-5 Aero represented the brand’s flagship sedan, with turbocharged power, quirky design, and Scandinavian luxury. New, it often cost more than $40,000. Now, these sedans can be picked up for under $5,000, offering a unique alternative for buyers who want something different. While parts availability can be challenging, the 9-5 remains a reminder of Saab’s innovative spirit.
The Great Depreciation
Depreciation is the great equalizer in the luxury sedan world. Cars that once represented six-figure investments now sit in used car lots for just a few thousand dollars. From the German benchmarks like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class to Japanese reliability icons like the Lexus LS and Acura RL, and even exotic choices like the Maserati Quattroporte, buyers willing to take on maintenance risks can experience true luxury for a fraction of the cost. These sedans may demand more care and attention, but the thrill of owning something that once belonged to the upper echelon of society is worth the gamble for many enthusiasts.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
