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Buying a luxury used car is often synonymous with “money pit” status. However, that doesn’t always have to be the case; instead, fans of discerning taste can choose one of these contenders the most reliable used luxury cars on the market. Check out familiar names in elegance and poshness, like the Lexus IS 350 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.  

Which is the best luxury second-hand car to buy?

A 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class parks under an overhead light.
2007 Mercedes-Benz S 500 | Mercedes-Benz

The market is full of second-hand luxury cars for potential owners to consider. However, these cars top the list of the most reliable posh options: 

  • Lexus IS 350
  • Lexus ES 350
  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  • Volvo S60
  • Mercedes-Benz E-Class

According to iSeeCars, these five used cars have high reliability scores. Moreover, the Lexus and Volvo models have competitive average new and used prices. However, the S-Class and E-Class have much higher average asking prices for both new and used examples. As a result, the two Lexus models snag the No. 1 and No. 2 spots and typically have starting new car prices of under $50,000. In some cases, the new Lexus models demand closer to $40,000. 

Which luxury brand is most reliable?

Lexus snagged the top two spots in iSeeCars’ study of the most reliable luxury cars. Specifically, the Lexus IS 350 has a list-topping reliability score of 8.9 out of 10.0. Second place belongs to the Lexus ES 350, which also earned a reliability rating of 8.9. 

Moreover, both models have similar average three-year-old used prices. The IS 350 and ES 350 start at around $42,806 and $42,058, respectively. Further, Mercedes-Benz took the No. 3 and No. 5 spots with the S-Class and E-Class. Unsurprisingly, the S-Class led the marque’s models with a reliability rating of 8.7 out of 10.0. Considering the S-Class is one of the most pioneering names in automotive luxury, its position on the list of the most reliable luxury cars is understandable. 

In addition to the Lexus and Mercedes-Benz models, Volvo’s S60 sedan took the No. 4 spot, with an iSeeCars reliability score of 8.7. Although the Mercedes-Benz and Volvo models all received identical scores, iSeeCars saw fit to assign them specific ranks. 

What is the cheapest luxury used car?

A Lexus IS 350 shows off its luxury styling and dark gray paint.
Lexus IS 350 | Toyota

Depending on your definition of a luxury vehicle, a second-hand Toyota Avalon or Lexus model is one of the cheapest options in the segment. However, iSeeCars’ list of the most dependable luxury used cars suggests that the Volvo S60 is one of the most affordable options.

Specifically, the S60 has an average three-year-old used price of around $35,654. Considering the Volvo model’s average new car starting point of between $41,300 and $50,995, the S60 depreciates enough to be an affordable, reliable option for luxury car fans.  

Are used luxury cars worth it?

Luxury cars tend to add high-quality interior materials like carbon fiber and wood to technologically advanced vehicles. As a result, used luxury car options are worth consideration for fans of posh vehicles. Moreover, some options like the Lexus IS 350 have Toyota reliability to boast, so they aren’t financial burdens.

What do you think of these opulent options? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).