Buy a Used Luxury Car Instead of A Mid-class Vehicle
There are compelling reasons to consider a used luxury car, ranging from cost-effectiveness to enhanced driving experiences.
Purchasing a vehicle is a significant investment, so the debate between choosing a mid-class vehicle and a used luxury should take place.
This article argues why buying a used luxury car is better choice than a used mid-class car and asks the question – why not?
Luxury Cars are Cost-Effectiveness – Hands Down
You can find low priced luxury vehicles at any dealership
One of the best parts of buying a used luxury car is the potential for a lower purchase price and they can be found at almost any dealership.
Like all cars, luxury cars depreciate too, so you can find a high-quality vehicle at a fraction of the original cost and most people will have no idea what you paid.
For example, a 2015 Porsche Cayenne that looks like a 2022 model can be acquired for around $20,000 to $25,000. This price is often lower than what you’d pay for a new mid-class vehicle. So the question is “Why not by a luxury model?”
They retain value better
It’s a simple fact that luxury vehicles tend to retain their value (perceived value too) much better over time compared to mid-class vehicles.
Once your mid-class vehicle goes through enough wear-and-tear, what you have left is a rusty dusty vehicle, but with a luxury car, what you have left is a luxury car and you still look good. You look responsible to boot!
This is because of their generally superior quality and brand reputation.
If you take care of the car and decide to sell or trade it in, you’re likely to get a better return on your investment and a more serious buyer who will be less likely to low-ball you. And that’s to say, if you’d ever want to re-sell it. You just may decide to drive it to the ground and get another one again.
Depending on where you shop, going for a used luxury car does have the potential to save you money upfront, provide better value retention, and make you look like you’re stepping up in the world.
Much Better Driving Experience
There is absolutely no doubt that there’s a much better driving experience that comes with luxury cars. Once you test drive a couple, and go back to your Honda or Toyota, you’ll definitely feel the difference, and maybe a bit embarrassed. (Don’t be, you didn’t know)
The comfort of luxury vehicles is beyond reproach
Luxury cars are renowned for their comfort and impressively advanced features. High-quality materials, superior sound systems, and state-of-the-art technology make every drive a real pleasure. These features are often only available in mid-class vehicles as optional extras, if at all. Most luxury vehicles have at least 3 to 5 more seat options just to name a few.
You are usually safer in a luxury vehicle
Safety is always a top priority for luxury car manufacturers – it comes with the territory. Used luxury cars are often equipped with advanced safety features that are not typically standard in many popular mid-class vehicles. This includes things intelligent cruise control, lane departure warnings, and advanced braking systems.
The enhanced comfort, features, and safety standards of luxury cars alone, contribute to a superior driving experience and make them an extremely worthwhile investment. For instance, just look at this 2014 Mercedes and then look at the price!
The Psychological and Social Benefits of a Use Luxury Vehicle
You’ll boost your self-esteem
Driving a luxury car definitely has a positive impact on your self-esteem and how your friends and neighbours perceive you.
The feeling of accomplishment and pride that comes with owning (and driving) a luxury vehicle easily boosts your confidence and it has nothing to do with bragging – you just made a financial choice (that benefits you) to drive a better car for cheaper!
When people ponder buying a used luxury car, these benefits are often overlooked but once you take the dive, you’ll easily feel the difference quality makes, and so will other people you know and even don’t know.
You’ll get better social perception
Luxury cars carry a certain prestige and almost immediately project positivity with how others perceive you. This is underscored in professional and social settings because driving a luxury truly does make a strong impression and signals success.
Here are three examples where driving a luxury car would impress people:
- Arriving at a high-profile business meeting in a luxury car will immediately set a tone of professionalism and success, which are considered highly important traits to project when dealing with potential clients and partners.
- Pulling up to a social event in a sleek luxury vehicle often draws admiring glances and positive comments, boosting your social standing among peers.
- Driving a luxury car to a family gathering can leave a lasting impression on relatives too, and showcase your achievements and success in a tangible way.
Practical Considerations
Maintenance and Repairs
One common but exaggerated concern with buying used luxury cars is the cost of maintenance and repairs. While it’s true that luxury cars can be more expensive to maintain, the key is to choose a well-maintained vehicle and stay on top of regular servicing like what is done for all cars if you’re a responsible vehicle owner.
If you stay on top of maintenance schedules, and combine that with the quality parts of the vehicle, you can find that your costs of repairs could be higher but much less frequent.
And who hasn’t seen a friend or family member that owns a Mazda have to pay $6000+ in repairs because of three failing systems? We all have, so what’s the difference? Calculate the potential costs yourself and remember to include the prices of the luxury vehicle too.
For instance, look at all the components that go into brakes – the end result of repairs is the same – car repairs are needed, but the parts of a luxury vehicle are usually better quality and therefore need to be repaired less often.
With regular maintenance, the long-term benefits of driving a high-quality – safe luxury vehicle – can definitely outweigh the potential costs.
Take the Drive
You’re implored to consider the numerous benefits of owning a used luxury car, and going out there and test driving one. Let yourself just be open and explore your options, and make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and/or future lifestyle aspirations.
