Looking to buy luxury used car as YOLO.
Used Lexus is more expensive than BMW, is it worth the difference?
Lexus NX: People keep saying Lexus is reliable.
BMW X1: One of the most reliable BMW as well
Volvo XC40: ??
Any suggestions?
Best Used Car Recommendation (Luxury)
hentabara on 23/12/2025 - 15:11
Last edited 23/12/2025 - 15:18 by 1 other user
Last edited 23/12/2025 - 15:18 by 1 other user
Poll Options
- 15BMW X1 ~ 30k
- 118Lexus NX ~$40k
- 9Older Lexus NX ~$30k
- 7Volvo XC40 ~30k
Comments
Why it is not luxury?
- 1
BMW aren't particularly luxurious to begin with and at the cheapest basic lowest end is the X1 which is definitely not classified as luxurious. So you are basically paying money for a badge rather than quality or luxury with higher maintenance costs.
- 4
Hey some people like buying plain white tees that say Gucci on them because they think it's a flex.
Honestly, just let them do it and laugh at them silently.
- 0
What makes a car luxury for you is the more important question?
- 3
It’s probably the badge.
- 3
It's about as luxury as Gucci and LV.
A lot of people see the badge and think ohhhh European luxury. But in reality it's not.
- 0
the price???
- 0
The X1 is pretty crappy for the price. You can get a much better vehicle for the money.
Had an ix1 for a while too, it was ok, but I wouldn't buy one.
- 0
BMW X1 is not luxury bro
It’s the povo BMW suv- 8
Lexus GS or the Toyota equivalent.
- 7
IS too if size is not a problem.
- 0
IS not!
- 0
Cant imagine a smallish SUV being that exciting, buf you do you.
Better off getting a sedan as luxury IMO.
- 7
"Small Luxury SUV" …
Car's terminology is getting more and more bendable and just means noooothing at all.
Luxury Sport?
Luxury Utility?Reminds me of those four (4) doors coupés.
I wonder what will be next.
- 0
Hardly luxury choices but ok, up to you.
- 5
When you’re on
a Camry forumOzbargain Lexus is pretty luxurious.- 19
Buy a real Lexus - RX, IS, GS, LS.
Or full yolo and get an Audi Q5. You will truly understand what it means to only live once.
- 5
"Audi Q5"
Not sure about that.
- 9
For $40k you'd get a 6 year old SQ5. They go pretty good.
- 2
And how much on the side for the plastic waterpump?
Drives fine when it is, well, fine.
- 1
@SetTheFaqUp: I thought my post made it fairly clear I was aware of the risk that comes with the recommendation.
But it is a nice car and super cheap upfront.
- 2
Yeah that's been absolutely thrashed and will cost $20k in the first year alone of maintenance
- 0
I knew it would be a Toyota or Lexus before opening the post 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
- 5
Toyota Crown?
- 5
A Crown would be wasted on them as they just want a fancy badge, not a car that takes on the best from Europe whilst wearing a humble Toyota badge.
- 4
Luxury 2nd hand euro….yeah, nah.
- 4
Anyone have experience with a Genesis?
I believe it's a luxury Hyundai (like Lexus is a luxury Toyota) and comes with a 5‑year, unlimited‑km warranty and if you buy a certified preowned one, you get an extra 1‑year, unlimited‑km warranty after the original 5‑year term expires.
- 4
Genesis g80 v6 is the best car I've ever owned (still own it). Never skipped a beat and it's got over 100k on the odo. Quieter than my mates model y at freeway speeds (as noted by him). It's over 300hp and has enough power for my needs.
I think it's got over 300hp and will do 0 to 100 in 5.9s. While it's not earth shattering, it's plenty quick for me. All kinds of luxury features and the ride is just sublime. You should get in one to realise how well insulated it is.
- 0
Good to know thanks :). Do you have to take it to Genesis-specific dealer for servicing or can you take it to any Hyundai dealer?
- 0
I did the warranty services with Genesis but then my trusted local mechanic has been looking after it ever since. Do note that there was a recall to replace some part and Genesis actually asked me to go to a Hyundai dealer, so there's that!
- 0
This is the pick for people in the know. Significantly nicer interior and tech than many Euro rivals that are far more expensive - but also significantly more reliable and affordable to maintain. Basically what Lexus did years ago, but even better.
Checkout Redriven's reviews of used Genesis cars - they're best in class if you're going second hand, and unfortunately if you're in the market, they tend to hold their value far better than Euro rivals too.
- 0
Genesis make great cars, but you'll get pounded on resale.
- 0
I loved the top BMW 7 models - until I read the resale value dropped off a cliff and all those fancy luxury features became liabilities when it came to repairs.
- 0
you'll get pounded on resale.
This is true of any luxury car. Perhaps Lexus is the one brand that holds value well.
- 0
Technology changes quickly so you may not get all the perks with an old 2nd hand luxury car compared to a new "non luxury" car. Ask yourself what you value in a car. My new car wouldn't be classified as luxury but it has heated / cooled seats and steering, 12 speaker system, 360 camera, adaptive cruise control, voice control features, sunroof, nappa leather, android auto / apple car play, electronic seat adjustment. chilled centre console. I also get 7 year unlimited km warranty plus road side assist and caped price servicing. Make sure you're not just paying for the name.
- 3
Features ≠ luxury, and a bottom-of-the-range BMW ≠ luxury either.
300+ horsepower and a smooth, comfortable, whisper quiet ride at 110km/h is where it's at.
- 5
What are the models that do this? Sounds like too good to be true.
- 3
Landrover Defender
- -2
@jedimaster: they need the sound insulation given how often they break down on the side of the road
- 1
@Harrash: that was a thing with the older models. The new L663 is more reliable than the new Toyota LC300
- 0
@jedimaster: citation needed. big call vs LC300. how do you gauge long term reliability with a new model? their track record is the only thing you can go off. which leaves a lot to be desired
- 0
The new L663 is more reliable than the new Toyota LC300
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAahahahahahahhaa…… *lung poping sound.wav*
No.
There is a reason why Toyota and Lexus reliably finish at the top of reliability and owner satisfaction reports and Land Rover are always fighting it out for the wooden spoon.
It also stands to reason that the LC300 sells on average around the 2,000 units a month, while the L663 sells about 200~300 units.
- 3
300+ horsepower and a smooth, comfortable, whisper quiet ride at 110km/h is where it's at.
Tesla ? Thats not luxury either 😅
- 1
OP is looking for a car.
- -4
Does it have insulated glass panes? Lexus has it across their range with the exception of the base UX to compete with the German.
Would other sound deadening count go give a quote cabin?
- 0
What car do you have?
- 0
I prefer Toyota Crown Japan import ones 2020-2023. 3.5 v6 hybrid. Around 40-45k.
- 3
yes - can even go older, some of them are timeless !
- 1
aston martiin db11
- 2
None of the listed models I would consider as luxury, they are all entry level models, of each brand, very small and cramped and barely enough power to have a good luxury feel.
Go at least 1 size bigger, stick to Japanese if you want reliability, so Lexus RX or Infiniti QX70. You can consider Genesis for a "better" value but I don't have much experience with them.
Also, highly urge you to test drive some sedan options, much better ride quality (less bumpy and floaty), and a better value for money since everyone for some reason is moving to SUVs… Try ES300h, you'll be amazed for the ride quality for the amount of money ($40k gets you a decent 2019/2020 model in Sports Luxury).
- 2
agree with ES300 - I nearly bought a bargain 2006 Lexus ES330 for $6K maybe 5 years ago - driving it was so quiet inside I thought I had died and gone to heaven ! But the suspension was a bit clunky, and I heard that replacing the air suspension was like $6K per wheel or something - so I balked and walked. And it had a CD GPS system and apparently, I'd have to pay something like $200 to get an updated CD. I wasn't aware of swap-in replacement GPS/camera/Apple/Google panels at the time.
More recently, I've been driven in a few new 'luxury' fancy Mercedes and just found the seats hard and the ride bumpy - I don't wanna pay for a bumpy ride - so in my retirement, I prefer to take the train, tram or bus - max $2.50 a day works for me.
- 0
I don't think the ES330 was ever offered in Australia, nevertheless, ES has always had spring suspensions. The LS came with air suspension, which even then you could always swap with spring when it gives up, for a cheaper fix and the cost wouldn't be too terrible.
Most newer luxury brands focus on "racing/performance" which is just so stupid for 90% of the road users, the F spor, M Sport, AMG marques, are just silly in a SUV driving around kids to school.. but oh well
- 1
Get a Lexus.
I had a Merc , and it was a great drive, but very expensive beast to maintain. Swapped it for a Toyota.
Got a brand new 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid Ascent Sport in June 2020 (manufacturing date was May 2020), and couldn't be happier.
Performance, mileage, easy servicing etc.Today, I drove through the Sydney City (granted, there was much less traffic than usual), but still 3.6 L/100 KM is good.
2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid Ascent Sport uses essentially the same engine and hybrid system as the Lexus ES.
It was Toyota representatives who said this.- 2
Depends on what you define as luxury. For me anything that uses old tech like piston slappers has to work hard to get on the list now.
- 2
have a look at the Volvo C40, i have a two year old Twin, 300kw sleeper with all the features I need in a car and can be bought fairly reasonably with the terrible EV depreciation cliff but new buyers loss is your gain.
- 1
Only downside to the C40 is the bad rear visibility unless it already has the digital rear view mirror fitted.
Better to go for a XC40 recharge twin, same power but even more of a sleeper with the standard looks.
- 0
Go for a used Macan. They're known to be quite reliable and the model had been going (with mostly visual changes) for a long time before the EV came about. S would be great, but even with a base you'd have a better driving experience than all the other options you've listed. Maintenance would obvs be more expenny but you're YOLOing so might as well have something that actually drives noticeably better than a CVT juke. Of course this is all only if you can financially make it work.
- 1
You can also get them with 15 year factory Porsche very comprehensive warranties if you're risk averse.
Just be aware, feature wise they're shit compared to the Audi/VW equiv unless you get a very well optioned one.
In saying that, my ~20yo LS 460 is 100x more luxiorus than my '15 Macan S- 1
As overwhelmingly confirmed at the poll, it has to be a Lexus if you want both longevity and reliability while being luxurious. There's no other so called 'luxury' brands can come close in those aspects. In fact, if you buy old BMW, Landrover, Volvo, Benz etc, the chances of you getting a lemon is the same as the chances of Sun coming up from the east tomorrow😂
- 1
I bought a low km NX because I know it will be problem free and come resell time It will still be saleable. Older Euro cars are very hard to sell
- 1
Now a day even a Honda Civic cost you more than 45k, so it become luxury for most Aus now.
- 1
Gla 250? But OP have you driven them all?
For sure Lexus has reliability, yet its smell like a Toyota. I wouldn't call them luxury, they are like euro version of rav4.- 0
wouldnt call GLA luxury either..
- 8
Nah but belong to same category but better than x1 / volvo
- 0
debatable. A/GLA is underwhelming to be polite. agreed X1 is quite basic, BMW isn't known for luxury as opposed to performance. the more premium volvos with air suspension is quite nice.
- 0
@Harrash: Bmw preform better, GLA 250 interior is nice, referring to 250 not 200, I found Volvo drives better. None are luxury, luxury level start at 3 series/C class.
- 0
I have driven none of them. Going to try by this weekend.
- 0
Which one is more fun to drive?
- 0
Check service costs and insurance cost before you decide. Toyota equivalent would cost less to insure and service than a Lexus.
- 0
If you want experience Luxury without spending too much then buy a Lexus ES 350.
- 0
I'm dreaming on a Porche DUV, Bortom of the Range! >_<
- 0
EA888 powered Macan is a waste of money. Pony up for the S at a minimum.
- 4
A person I knew who worked for one of the largest global leasing companies said if looking for a car and Toyota/Lexus has something suitable buy that.
That information was based on the statistics from the leasing company on vehicle reliability, parts availability and if needed repair cost.- 0
Ozbargain members have been saying this for nearly 2 decades so not sure why you need this advice from a person at a large global leasing company.
- 4
Your narrowing your options with just those choice's there are other car brands with good specifications and in the long run considerably more reliable in the long run and cheaper to repair.
Are you looking purely for prestige reasons?
- 0
What options would you recommend? Always interesting to see prestige cars that have bucked the expensive and unreliable stigma.
- 0
Check out Redriven on Youtube. "Best cars (used) of 2025" then cars NOT to buy. Good advice of issues with many Euros. QX70 is rated, as is Lexus. QX will be cheaper.
- 0
Aurion
- 0
None of the cars you've listed are "luxury" - you're just paying for the logo. Avoid SUVs, almost all of them are made to be trash that won't be worth anything in a few years time because new models are coming out all the time.
If you want to get luxury, at least consider something like a Mercedes Benz S-class, BMW 7-series, or Lexus LS.
Luxury = large sedan with long wheelbase, as you'll get more legroom, sit in a more reclined position, have a much quieter cabin (more aerodynamic = less noise), isolated from the boot (so you won't hear things rolling / rattling around), sit lower down so will be a more comfortable ride…etc.
- 0
"isolated from the boot (so you won't hear things rolling / rattling around)"
that's the first time I've seen that as a criterion for a luxury car … :-u
- 0
x3 m40i
- 0
Used to own a Lexus. Such a good car and so much cheaper to maintain compare to other cars. Btw the cars you mentioned aren’t luxury but out of them Lexus wins!
- 0
OP is deluding himself into feeling like he'll own a luxury vehicle if he buys one of these or anything at this price range. Just because they're not entry level, doesn't mean they're luxury.
- 0
Lexus equivalent of a Camry
- 0
As others have said these are not luxury, I will go further.
If you can’t afford a new European car (eg: bmw) you certainly can’t afford a second hand one.Lexus are super reliable.
Personally at this price point would consider a
Second hand EV like a Tesla. These will feel like dinosaurs.- -1
Best luxury Used Car Recommendation ?
The one you can afford to buy and run ⁉️
🎁🎁🎁🎄🎄🎄🎄 Pagans…- -4
I would not dare to show up to a millionaire's meeting in a Volvo. Seriously AUS had a cultural issue with Volvo drivers…
Missing on list: Merc Maybach
- -6
None of these are luxury cars
The fact that you think an x1 is luxury means the BMW marketing department is doing their job