10 Luxury Cars Under $20K That Offer Reliability And Class (2024)

Luxury cars have long been synonymous with opulence, elegance, and cutting-edge engineering while captivating the imaginations of automotive enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. The earliest example of a luxury car was the exclusive and ultra-expensive Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, introduced in 1906 showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and advanced engineering for its time.

RELATED: 18 Most Reliable Luxury SUVs To Buy In 2023

While modern Roll-Royce cars remain at the echelon of opulence and exclusivity, the luxury car market has evolved over time and now includes mass-produced models that have made luxury cars more accessible to a broader audience. These offer an enticing blend of premium features, advanced technology and sophisticated designs. The used car market provides many options for those seeking a luxury car on a tight budget, and, some are surprisingly highly reliable cars.

10 2012 Lexus ES 350

Starting Used Price: $11,011

A sumptuous interior and a comfortable ride make the Lexus ES 350 a worthy option when shopping for luxury. It caters for the majority looking for a well-built car that offers premium convenience features and isolation from the harsh outside world. KBB’s data indicates used 2012 examples are some of the most affordable luxury sedans with starting prices of $11,000.

Reliability

Many owners of the 2012 ES 350 swear by its reliability, and J.D. Power gives the car a high reliability rating of 90/100, effectively ranking it among the most reliable affordable luxury cars.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost:$415 (RepairPal)
• Estimated maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,473 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 3
• Worst Year To Buy Used: 2007 Lexus ES 350 for melting plastic dashboard that can interfere with airbags and cabin electronics. (carComplaints)

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9 2016 Cadillac SRX

Starting Used Price: $13,958

2016 was the last production year of the Cadillac SRX, and is one of the best years to buy used. This car offers an abundance of luxury and safety features without sacrificing affordability. SRX models are usually more affordable than other luxury midsize SUVs, as KBB shows used prices range from $15,085 to $18,456.

Reliability

The 2010 Cadillac SRX received a good 82/100 J.D. Power reliability rating, and RepairPal estimates a yearly maintenance cost of about $703.

• Recalls: 1
• Worst Year To Buy Used: 2010 Cadillac SRX due to infiltrating the lights, Navigation System Problems, and poor low beam illumination. (CarComplaints)

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8 2016 Hyundai Genesis

Starting Used Price: $15,661

The 2016 Hyundai Genesis is a strong contender in the midsize luxury segment, featuring smooth handling, a quiet and spacious cabin, and impressive tech and safety features. This car delivers everything competitors offer, including the power of an Audi A7 or Lexus GS, but at a significantly discounted price. 2016 Hyundai Genesis cars are some of the best used luxury cars under 20k with prices starting at $15,661 according to KBB.

Reliability

In terms of reliability, the 2016 Genesis is the best bet, with only a few minor consumer complaints and a 3.5/5.0 RepairPal reliability score.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $583 (RepairPal)
• Recalls: 4
• Worst Year To Buy Used: 2012 Hyundai Genesis for complaints concerning engine problems, failing steering, and excessive oil consumption (Car Complaints)

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7 2015 Lexus GS 350

Starting Used Price: $18,006

The 2015 Lexus GS 350 is an impressive and desirable option, with its strong performance and plenty of creature comfort in the interior. This performance-focused sport sedan doesn’t sacrifice on luxury, making it suitable as a daily or touring car. The GS 350 challenges European luxury manufacturers by offering attractive prices, with KBB estimating prices to begin at $18,006.

Reliability

J.D. Power records a great reliability rating of 89/100 for the GS 350. Its ten-year maintenance beats industry average for luxury sedan models by $624.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $633 (RepairPal)
• Estimated maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,721
• Recalls: 1
• Worst Year To Buy Used: 2013 GS 350 for the most complaints on Car Complaints, mostly concerning a dying battery.

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6 2012 Cadillac CTS

Starting Used Price: $7,359

The Cadillac CTS is a premium American car that stands out in the crowd, offering a roomier cabin than competitors with an elegant interior, cool gadgets, and excellent safety features. According to KBB, prices of theCTS sedan can be as low as $7,359 making it one of the best luxury cars under 20k.

Reliability

The 2012 Cadillac CTS has proven reliable, and it received a great J.D. power rating of 86/100. Consumer reports gave the 2012 CTS a thumbs up for reliability.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $635 (RepairPal)
• Recalls: 2
• Worst Year To Buy Used: 2009 Cadillac CTS for dead transfer case problems and transmission failure. (carComplaints)

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5 2017 BMW 2 Series

Starting Used Price: $18,925

This compact BMW is quick, nimble, and solid, while its interior offers a long list of features. The standard 2-series might not be as luxurious as other options on this list due to its sporty intentions, but features such as a heated seat and steering wheel are available configurations. KBB data shows that used 2017 BMW 2 Series examples are cheap luxury cars under 20k with prices beginning from $18,925.

Reliability

The 2-series gets an above-average reliability score of 88/100 from J.D. power.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $992 (RepairPal)
• Estimated maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $13,780 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 0
• Worst Year To Buy Used: 2014 BMW 2 Series for issues with interior accessories. (carComplaints)

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4 2016 Lexus IS

Starting Used Price: $17,214

The Lexus IS delivers the speed, handling, comfort and luxury you'd expect from a premium European car, but with the reliability and resale value of a Lexus. KBB estimates the average pricing of a used 2016 Lexus IS to fall between $17,214 and $26,733 depending on trim and condition.

Reliability

The luxury brand of Toyota offers durable cars with a ridiculous value for money. The 2016 Lexus IS received an above average RepairPal rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $536
• Estimated maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: (RepairPal)
• Recalls: 5
• Worst Lexus IS Year To Buy Used: 2007 and 2008 Lexus IS for minor complaints involving melting dashboard and door panels, and failing infotainment system. (CarComplaints)

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3 2016 Acura TLX

Starting Used Price: $14,695

This car excels in providing a load of features for what it’s worth, with a quiet and handsome cabin and plenty of space for all passengers. This midsize sedan is considerably lower-priced compared to European rivals, with KBB average used prices ranging from $14,720 to $17,222.

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Reliability

With a RepairPal reliability score of 4.5/5.0 and a low average maintenance cost of $440, the 2016 Acura TLX among the highest reliable luxury sedans in its class.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $440 (RepairPal)
• Estimated maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,364 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 1
• Worst Year To Buy Used: 2015 Acura TLX recorded many engine rod bearing failures.

(CarComplaints)

RELATED: The 14 Most Reliable Audis To Buy Used Today

2 2018 Audi A4

Starting Used Price: $19,764

Quick acceleration, modern connectivity and technology, adequate space, and an impeccably constructed cabin make the Audi A4 the car to get in its segment. The best year to buy used now would be the 2018 version, with a starting used price of $19,764.

Reliability

The fifth generation of the Audi A4 debuted in 2017, and is the most dependable generation of A4s yet. Consumer reports gave the Audi A4 a perfect 5 out of 5 for reliability, a streak that continued into the 2019 model.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $739 (RepairPal)
• Estimated maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,054 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 4
• Worst Audi A4 Year To Buy Used: 2011 Audi A4 for a variety of mechanical difficulties and failures coming from the engine, oil consumption and poor engine performance (CarComplaints)

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1 2015 Lexus RX 350

Starting Used Price: $17,531

Reliability

The famed reliability of Lexus cars carries on to the RX 350. It gets a 90/100 rating from J.D. Power, which ranked it second among midsize premium SUVs.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $633 (RepairPal)
• Estimated maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,398 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 1
• Worst Year To Buy Used: 2007 Lexus RX for parts failures like dashboard cracking (CarComplaints)

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