Buying a used luxury car is just smart, regardless of how financially secure you are. Avoiding the new car depreciation can save you thousands. And most luxury vehicles have pretty solid technology and features, even with a few years on them. In fact, a recent U.S. News list suggests the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class should be your first used luxury car.

What the Mercedes-Benz E-Class typically goes for on the used market

There is probably nothing budget-friendly about buying a Mercedes-Benz E-Class unless, of course, you opt instead to buy a used model. And according to this U.S. News list of 15 Best Choices for a Used First Car in 2021, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is worth a look.

On average, consumers can buy this 2010 model for around $10,317 and $12,963. There are always going to be varied anomalies and differences in price, depending on the region of the country, average miles on the vehicle, and overall car condition. But this is a pretty affordable range, considering these cars retailed for $48,000 plus when they were new.

Used and loaded with extras

You might be thinking a 10-year-old car is going to be behind the times in terms of technology. But in the case of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, features and extras are not scarce. The interior will be leatherette or authentic leather. There will be a 7-inch display, a sunroof, and the COMAND infotainment platform as a standard. And for its time, the E-Class was advanced, offering driver drowsiness monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, and forward-collision warning systems.

A solid engine and overall performance

These cars represent a great value even with age because of the reliable engines these E-Class cars possess. There was an available 3.5-liter V6 harnessing 268 hp or the 5.5-liter V8 offering 382 hp. You had a quiet and smooth driving experience with the seven-speed automatic, which also offered a manually shifting capability. These engines were designed well and to this day have very few maintenance issues, even with higher mileage on the odometer.

The staying power of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, according to many, is a timeless classic, regardless of the year. And for the freshly redesigned 2010 model, you would have your pick of the E350 four-door sedan, the E350 two-door coupe, or the E350 4MATIC four-door sedan with all-wheel drive. Fuel economy benchmarks back then weren’t as efficient as they are today. But everything else about this luxury car will probably satisfy your upscale cravings.

In the U.S. News list of best first used cars, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class earned an impressive nine out of a possible 10 score. This evaluation was primarily driven by affordability since most used car buyers are doing it to save money. However, finding Mercedes-Benz quality and a healthy list of extras for less than $15,000 is a huge win for used luxury buyers.

You don’t have to wait to enjoy the plush, upscale perks of driving a luxury car. Instead, buy a used luxury model. On this list, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class may offer the most value without compromising technology. And while used car prices will vary, you might be pleasantly surprised with how much luxury you get for the used E-Class price tag.