If owning a luxury car is your goal, then buying a used one could make that more attainable. Buying the right luxury car is still important, even if it is a used one. For buyers looking for a luxury sport sedan, Consumer Reports suggests considering the 2017 Lincoln MKZ. This hasn’t been a top-selling car, but here’s a look at why this used car is worth a look.

Consumer Reports’ methods

When the model year was new, Consumer Reports tested the 2017 Lincoln MKZ as well as the other used cars it now recommends. Its Annual Auto Surveys of Consumer Reports members provide additional information from owners about problems that develop.

In addition to suggesting several used luxury models to avoid, Consumer Reports also names better options to buy as well as what it calls “under the radar” options to consider. The cars that have been recommended did well in road tests, are reliable, offer advanced safety features, and are highly rated in crash tests.

An “under the radar” car

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ is named an “under the radar” luxury car option. These are used luxury cars that have not had top sales but have been found to have good reliability and owner satisfaction. Consumer Reports recently recommended the 2017 MKZ instead of the 2016 Cadillac ATS. It calls the 2017 MKZ “the most appealing and well-executed Lincoln in memory.” The car provides a great ride along with great handling.

The average price for the 2017 Lincoln MKZ

A new 2020 Lincoln MKZ has a starting price of $36,750, so a used one from 2017 offers big savings. Consumer Reports found that the average price for the 2017 MKZ is between $17,100 and $27,100.

For comparison, the 2016 Cadillac ATS, which Consumer Reports suggests avoiding, has a current price from $14,125 to $33,950. The current price for the 2016 BMW 3 Series is $14,500 to $22,825. This is the “better choice” option that Consumer Reports recommends along with the “under the radar” 2017 Lincoln MKZ.

Great features of the 2017 Lincoln MKZ

The MKZ’s design was refreshed for the 2017 model year with new front-end styling. It also included the Sync 3 infotainment system, which Consumer Reports calls “excellent.” The car offers a choice between a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine (new for 2017) as well as front-wheel or all-wheel drive. There is also a front-wheel-drive hybrid option.

Reliability is above average, receiving a four out of five, and owner satisfaction is average with a three out of five. The cabin interior is high quality, and Consumer Reports calls it “luxurious.” In addition to a great driving experience, its cabin is quiet with excellent finishes and comfortable seats.

All trim levels of the 2017 Lincoln MKZ include an 8-inch infotainment screen, an 11-speaker audio system, satellite radio, proximity key entry, push-button and remote start, a rearview camera, plus a built-in garage door opener.

There are additional optional features, including navigation, a glass panoramic roof, and a 20-speaker audio system. Advanced safety features, like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist, are available options, but only on higher trim levels.

Despite the positive reviews, the MKZ may not have been a top seller because competitors were even more luxurious and had even better handling. The 2017 MKZ doesn’t have fabulous visibility, and the rear seat is snug. The turbo four-cylinder engine does not have great fuel efficiency, rated at 23 MPG overall, but the hybrid option is able to get 34 MPG overall.

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ offers buyers a top-quality luxury car at used prices. And, as an “under the radar” pick, owners won’t have the feeling that everyone else is driving the same car.