Luxury cars don’t have to break the bank. The UK’s second-hand market is full of posh vehicles at bargain prices. But buyers beware: poorly maintained models can cost as much in repairs as the sticker price.
There are plenty of reasons why luxury cars end up cheap. The owner may have traded up to a newer model. Steep charges in low-emission zones may have priced the car out of service. Or there may be something catastrophically wrong with its mechanicals.
Range Rover L405
It still has the same fancy off-road equipment, wafty air suspension, and plush cabin. If you plan to keep it long-term, aftermarket companies can modernize it with items like an Apple CarPlay-compatible head unit.
It is a gamble, but the driving experience is enjoyable — especially if you can find a car equipped with Ford’s 4.4-litre V8 diesel.
Maserati Quattroporte
The Quattroporte was designed to compete against luxury sedans. However, Maserati equipped the vehicle with a loud Ferrari V8 engine and tuned its suspension for going sideways around corners instead of cruising down the motorway in comfort.
Nevertheless, it is hard to find a vehicle that looks as cool, sounds as amazing, and goes as fast for less money. In a few years, once all the beat-up examples have been stripped for parts, this generation of Quattroporte may start increasing in value like RAM.
The Jaguar XJR is an incredibly intimidating car — especially if you replace the factory exhaust and let the V8 breathe through a louder set of pipes.
This generation of XJ was the last to follow Jaguar’s classic design language, which makes it a bit more charming than the model that replaced it.
Instead, focus on the XJR’s 400bhp supercharged 4.2-litre V8 and surprisingly nimble handling. It weighs about 1700kg which, for a car that’s the same size and shape as an aircraft carrier, is nothing. You can get a rough one for £6000 and a mint one for £10,000.
The Bentley Continental GT might still smell a bit of premiership footballer, but few other cars sit quite so perfectly in the centre of the Venn diagram of speed, comfort, and affordability.
Mk1 Continental GTs have tanked in value over the last few years, most likely because all the footballers that originally bought them have traded up in unison to the newer model. That’s good news if you’re a mere mortal, because it means you can now get a 552bhp 6.0-litre W12 for as little as £7000.
The cars at the very bottom of the market will be quite tired and, because it’s a Bentley, consumables like tyres and brakes won’t exactly be cheap. But the engines and gearboxes are dependable. Just make sure it has a good service history before you part with any of your cash. If it doesn’t, walk away. Quickly.
BMW 7 Series
The fifth-generation BMW 7 Series corrected the shortcomings of its predecessor, offering improved comfort and space-age technology like night vision and a head-up display.
A well-maintained diesel model can provide another decade of service. Prices start at under £5000, with a low-mileage, mid-production-run 3.0-litre car available for around £10,000.
Mercedes S-Class
The Mercedes S-Class prioritizes comfort over handling, making it a top choice for those seeking a smooth ride. However, potential buyers should inspect the suspension for airbag leaks.
Prices are even more affordable than the 7 Series, with well-equipped V8 models available for £10,000. A tidy example can be found for around £8000, while high-mileage versions start at £2500.
For those seeking luxury on a budget, depreciation offers a golden opportunity to own high-end vehicles without the premium price tag. Older luxury models, once symbols of wealth, can now be purchased for a fraction of their original cost. However, buyers must exercise caution, as poorly maintained examples can lead to costly repairs that offset initial savings.