best used luxury cars

NADA used 2012 retail $20,925; original sticker price $29,120. High mileage gas/electric powered hybrid and alternative fuel cars have fallen out of favor with this past years dip in fuel costs, with the CT200h four door hatchback being the most affordable used luxury version. Its sportier in nature than most fuel sipping cars, comes well equipped and affords adequate performance and comfort. Its rated at 43/40 mpg city/highway.

NADA used 2012 retail price: $20,925; original sticker price $39,015. Cadillacs posh and sporty midsize station wagon never caught on, and though its numbers may be scarce in the resale market its worth a look. Crippling resale values make this an amenable and bargain priced alternative to most used luxury SUVs.

NADA used 2012 retail price: $18,300; original sticker price $34,755. This is the absolute cheapest way, short of buying an older high mileagebeater, to own a luxury car. While the MKZ isnt up to the levels of sophistication or brand cachet set by the European luxury brands, its roomy, quiet and comfortable, comes well equipped (with heated/cooled front seats standard) and comes nicely powered by a 263 horsepower V6 engine. Like all of the vehicles were featuring here, this is for a 2012 model in excellent condition with around 45,000 on the odometer and a retail price under $25,000 as estimated by NADA Guides; negotiated prices will likely be lower, and will vary by region and according to mileage, features and vehicle condition.

NADA used 2012 retail price: $20,125; original sticker price $31,200. Modest resale values on the automakers entry level coupe can help even a buyer of meager means own a BMW. It shares its 230 horsepower six cylinder engine, along with its playful handling, with the larger and costlier 3 Series line (BMWs coupes have since been renamed the 2 Series and 4 Series, respectively).

NADA used 2012 retail price: $19,075; original sticker price $27,270. Now sold only as a sedan, back in 2012 the Audi A3 was offered in the U.S. as a compact luxury/sports wagon, and not only is it a hoot to drive, its more practical than a small sedan, with added rear passenger room and cargo space.

NADA used 2012 retail price: $21,400; original sticker price $32,500. Audis more stylish and luxurious alternative to a BMW 3 Series delivers tenacious handling but wont beat up its occupants with a too harsh ride. Its handsome, comfortable and capable, coming powered by a peppy 2.0 literturbocharged four cylinder engine.

NADA used 2012 retail price: $21,650; original sticker price $35,700. Brand conscious buyers on a budget should consider what is the cheapest way to own a Land Rover, or at least one from the 2012 model year. Its both luxurious and eminently off road capable, the latter thanks to a four wheel drive system that can send nearly all the engines power to the front or rear wheels as necessary to maintain traction. Still, it rides smoothly around town.

NADA used 2012 retail price: $21,650; original sticker price $35,915. Caddys angularly styled midsize rear drive sporty sedan is a good bargain in the resale market. Its lively and comfortable, with the base model quoted here coming nicely powered by a 270 horsepower 3.0 liter V6 engine.

NADA used 2012 retail price: $22,475; original sticker price $41,500. Not particularly the best upscale sedan to graduate from the class of 2012, its certainly the largest luxury car for the money on a used car lot, with room for five adults and a voluminous trunk for their belongings. A 273 horsepower V6 engine delivers sufficient thrust. Not particularly hip, its nonetheless a comfortable highway cruiser.

NADA used 2012 retail price: $22,325; original sticker price $36,900. Infinitis rear drive midsize luxury sedan packs a 3.7 liter V6 punch and handles nicely through the curves, with a relatively smooth ride and ample accommodations. Coupe and convertible G37 versions are also available, but theyrebased on the Nissan Z sports coupe and as such are rougher riding and feature cramped cabins.