What do you plan on doing with your 2025 tax refund? Early returns predict an average of around $3,200, and that could translate into an all-inclusive vacation, a high-end electronics upgrade, or the down payment on a luxury used car (perhaps the smartest buy). In some cases, that type of down payment will bring down the financing of a new car to manageable monthly payments, but savvy used car buyers will see the potential to get that luxury model they’ve been eyeing for five or ten years.
Depreciation on used luxury cars is steep and predictable, so once you file your return, you can start planning how to fit loan payments into your monthly budget. After only a few years, the price of a mid-level luxury car drops to new compact car levels, so there’s a deep pool of prestigious badges to dive into. But, don’t forget that reliability can quickly erode those savings on the purchase price, so don’t totally overlook dependability, with the following being the best-of-the-best in price and reliability.
The models in this list have been extensively researched to ensure the most accurate information possible as of the time of publishing. Models are listed in ascending order from most to least expensive.
2013 Acura ILX
Starting Price: $9,200
According to Kelley Blue Book, you can expect to find a 2013 Acura ILX in the $9,500 range, depending on equipment level and condition, which represents two-thirds depreciation from its original MSRP in the $30,000 range. The Honda Civic-based sedan launched with multiple trim options powered by a choice of four-cylinder engines, including a hybrid. Regardless of how you choose, you can expect a solid, economical little sedan stocked with the advanced tech and materials expected in a luxury offering.
Reliability Score: 85/100
Acura ILX reliability resonates with industry watchers and owners alike, and the 2013 model carries a “Great” Quality & Reliability score in that year’s J.D. Power owners’ survey. RepairPal backs up that assertion with a 4.5-star rating (out of five) that places it second out of 17 luxury compacts. Its repair history indicates low outlays and a 26 percent chance of major repairs over 10 years of ownership, but 2013 was the first year for the ILX and came with the expected growing pains before Acura sorted it all out.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $440 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $8,414 (CarEdge)
- 2013 Recalls: 6
- Worst Years To Buy Used: 2013–2015
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2014 Mercedes-Benz C 250
Starting Price: $8,800
Despite its entry-luxury status, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the more desirable luxury cars around, for its mix of performance and refinement. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C 250 started out at $37,635, and now commands purchase prices below $9,000, depending on bodystyle (sedan or coupe), condition, and equipment levels. Its 1.8-liter turbo “four,” seven-speed shiftable automatic, and RWD combination make it one of the better performance luxury cars on the block, and its sporty luxury interior makes it a classy everyday drive.
Reliability Score: 86/100
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class returns solid Quality & Reliability ratings, according to J.D. Power, indicating few incidents of defects and malfunctions compared with its contemporaries, though real-world reliability feedback is mixed. Many owners report satisfaction with long-term performance, but precise German engineering and premium parts don’t come cheap. Still, the 2014 C-Class commands an average cost of ownership, compared to its rivals, with RepairPal granting it a 3.5-star rating.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $759 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $12,942 (CarEdge)
- 2014 Recalls: 6
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2015
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2011 BMW 750i ActiveHybrid
Starting Price: $8,800
The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 only lasted one generation, but it was a good one. The car debuted in 2011 with an MSRP of $103,175, with a long wheelbase version starting at $107,075. Today, their fair prices are nearly identical, with the 750Li commanding a $75 premium. Under the hood, a turbocharged inline-six used an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic to power the 4,700-pound sedan to 60 mph in an impressive 5.5 seconds down a straight line, and dancing-elephant status on a twisty track (thanks to an adaptive suspension).
Reliability Score: 84/100
The BMW 7 Series has been a reliable sedan for most of its life, and the 2014 BMW 750i ActiveHybrid echoed that in “Great” Quality & Reliability scores from J.D. Power. The caveat is that the hybrid componentry requires more attention and premium parts, translating into higher cash outlays (despite BMW having most of the wrinkles ironed out, as it neared the end of its generation). It’s also a large car, which means more, and usually more robust, moving parts.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,061 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $15,195 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Years To Buy Used: 2011–2012
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2016 Volvo S60 T5
Starting Price: $8,500
The 2016 Volvo S60 T5 uses two distinct turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains, depending on whether it is front-wheel driven or AWD. It’s currently fair-priced by KBB starting at $8,500, with even the R Design version coming in under $10,000 (all depending on condition and equipment levels, of course). The Volvo S60 has had some impressive performance variants, including the Polestar edition in 2016, before Polestar got spun off.
Reliability Score: 85/100
The second-generation S60 (2011–2019) scored well on J.D. Power’s Consumer Ratings, with the 2016 Volvo S60 T5 garnering a “Great” Quality & Reliability score for its tight build and few quality stumbles. Despite awarding it an above-average 3.5 stars, RepairPal rates the 2016 S60 in the top half of the 31-midsize-car segment, noting its moderate costs (for a luxury car). CarEdge corroborates that data, pegging its 10-maintenance costs and 27.7 percent chance of major repairs almost bang on with luxury-car averages.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $779 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,737 (CarEdge)
- 2016 Recalls: 4
- Worst Years To Buy Used: 2001–2002
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2011 Mercedes-Benz E 350 Coupe
Starting Price: $8,150
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most desirable luxury cars around, with its blend of luxurious appointments and drivability. Plus, it’s probably just sized right on the Goldilocks scale—not too large and not too small. You have to go back over a decade to find an E-Class model that is now priced under $10,000. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan is valued lowest of the model range (which also comes in convertible, coupe, and wagon), but it also received the most powerful V-8 of its time.
Reliability Score: 88/100
When it comes to reliability, the E-Class tends to skew better than its competitors, consistently in the mid- to upper-80s and often nearing the 90/100 threshold. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 350 is one of the latter, rating high in Quality & Reliability, and low in owner-reported problems. RepairPal rates it slightly above the norm, awarding it 3.5 stars and ranking it 12th among its 29 competitors, and CarEdge estimates its 10-year maintenance and repair bills are slightly higher than its segment, with a 32.6 percent chance of a major repair.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $810 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $11,611 (CarEdge)
- 2011 Recalls: 9
- Worst Years To Buy Used: 2003–2006
2010 Lexus ES 350
Starting Price: $8,100
The Lexus ES is one of those vehicles you can’t go wrong buying (luxury sedan or otherwise), consistently topping reliability lists across the global industry. Because it’s that good and has the backing of one of the most reliable companies in the business, it also doesn’t depreciate in line with the luxury curve. As such, you have to go back a decade or more to take full advantage of its depreciation. However, in the 2010 Lexus ES, you’ll get solid V-6 performance and efficiency, a near-silent cabin, and a lengthy list of premium features.
Reliability Score: 93/100
As mentioned above, the Lexus ES is renowned for its high quality and reliability, consistently scoring around the 90/100 mark on J.D. Power’s annual ownership surveys, and often above it (a couple pushing over 95). It has a very low incidence of faults and failures, and its costs for repairs and parts are relatively low (primarily because of its closeness to and compatibility with the Toyota Camry). RepairPal gives it four stars and ranks it fourth among 31 luxury midsize cars, and CarEdge gives it a 15.6 percent chance of incurring a major repair.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $410 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,926 (CarEdge)
- 2010 Recalls: 5
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2007
2013 Audi A4
Starting Price: $7,875
The Audi A4 is often dismissed as the runt of the German compact luxury litter, but that means much better affordability year-for-year against the more desirable BMW 3 and Mercedes C, and its solidity is on par with both (which actually isn’t as impressive in the overall scheme as buyers might think). The KBB fair price for the three-trim 2013 Audi A4 ranges from below $8,000 to nearly $10,000, with the middle-tier Premium Plus representing the lowest buy-in and probably the best value, due to its higher level of content and technology.
Reliability Score: 87/100
Like its rivals, the Audi A4 returns above-average reliability, inspiring confidence and loyalty from its owners. It scores “Great” in J.D. Power’s 2013 Quality & Reliability ratings, and rates above average in real-world costs for maintenance and repairs. RepairPal pegs its annual costs between $828 and $949, depending on its drivetrain (Quattro has more moving parts), and awards it three stars out of five. CarEdge also ranks it “average” for 10-year maintenance costs, and pegs its chances of a major repair in that span at 27.7 percent.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $828 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,646 (CarEdge)
- 2013 Recalls: 4
- Worst Years To Buy Used: 2009–2011
2011 Jaguar XF
Starting Price: $6,850
Jaguar is one of those names many people wouldn’t put in the “most affordable” or “most dependable” categories, but it has made decent strides in the latter, and depreciation makes it a contender in the former. The 2011 Jaguar XF is priced in the $7,000–$8,000 range, with the performance-boosted XFR topping the $12,000 threshold. The sedan was powered by a bevy of V-8 beauties (naturally aspirated and supercharged), delivering performance that was competitive against more established sports-sedan types.
Reliability Score: 84/100
On reliability, J.D. Power owner surveys place the 2011 Jaguar XF on a level with similarly-sized German heavyweights, earning a “Great” Quality & Reliability score. Owners praise its driving experience and refinement, though its elevated ownership costs rank it below XF competitors. RepairPal gives it three stars, and though that’s the same as the Audi A4, it places it at the bottom end of the 31-car field. CarEdge ranks it higher than the luxury sedan average in both costs over 10 years and the chance of major repairs in that timeframe.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,058 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $12,715 (CarEdge)
- 2011 Recalls: 4
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2013
2010 Audi A6
Starting Price: $4,175
Like the A4 against the BMW 3 and Mercedes C, the Audi A6 has had a tough go against the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, despite its longevity, solidity, AWD proficiency, and overall level of comfort and performance. You can get into a 2010 Audi A6 for just over $4,000 with a 300-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V-6, or just over $6,000 for one with a 350-horsepower 4.2-liter V-8, and you won’t be disappointed with either of them. There’s also a 265-horsepower 3.2-liter V-6 available, and it can be placed in a wagon (Avant) for those who want more cargo versatility.
Reliability Score: 89/100
Audis are built rock solid, and the A6 is one of the brand’s longest-serving models (dating back to the Audi 100 of 1968), so it has a long history of dependability. For 2010, the Audi A6 flirted with the 90/100 level in Quality & Reliability, indicating strong owner confidence in the car’s everyday performance. Most A6 problems seem to come from high-mileage models, rather than poor craftsmanship, and RepairPal estimates the annual upkeep at $814–$954 (FWD–AWD), and places the car right in the middle of the luxury midsize segment with 2.5 stars out of five.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $814 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $10,005 (CarEdge)
- 2010 Recalls: 3
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2005–2006
2010 Volvo S80 T6
Starting Price: $3,925
If you get an income-tax refund higher than the estimated $3,200, you might be able to outright purchase a Volvo S80, and that ain’t bad! The full-sized Volvo sedan has been around since the turn of the century and really came into its own in its second generation (2006–2016) before riding off into the sunset. Maybe that plays into its rapid depreciation, but that isn’t bad considering the car’s solid workmanship and drivability. The 2010 Volvo S80 is a bargain for its low price and impressive quality, delivered in an uncluttered presentation inside and out.
Reliability Score: 87/100
Volvos are built to last, and owners appreciate them. The 2010 Volvo S80 was praised for its low incidence of problems (with most tied to high-mileage use), and its tendency to faithfully serve day in and day out. To that end, owners tend to pay less over the car’s lifetime, despite the higher costs of parts and servicing. RepairPal estimates the S80’s annual repair bill in the $650 range, awarding the car four out of five stars, and ranking it fourth in the 30-car full-size luxury field. CarEdge pegs Volvo maintenance costs slightly lower than its contemporaries.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $658 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $10,082 (CarEdge)
- 2010 Recalls: x
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 1999–2002
Sources: J.D. Power, CarEdge, RepairPal