Chrysler 300C (2005–2010)
The 300C looked like a gangster’s Bentley on a budget, and for a while, it worked. With a HEMI V8 under the hood, it had the power to back up its swagger. Today, they’re bargain-basement muscle-luxury hybrids.
BMW 7 Series (E65/E66, 2001–2008)
Once the corporate king’s chariot, the E65 7 Series debuted with gadgets that baffled drivers (and their mechanics). Today, it’s a big slice of Bavarian prestige for the cost of a used economy car. The downside? Repairs might require a second mortgage.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221, 2006–2013)
The S-Class was basically a spaceship in a suit. Massaging seats, night vision, gadgets galore… this was a car designed for people who never looked at their own invoices. Now you can snag one at a fraction of the original cost (albeit with high maintenance costs intact).
Audi A8 (D3, 2002–2009)
The understated and elegant D3 A8 was Audi’s answer to the German luxury heavyweight contest. It was meant for silent tycoons who preferred discretion over flash. It’s now a stealth-wealth bargain, but aluminum bodywork means repairing dings might cost more than the car itself.
Jaguar XJ (X350, 2003–2009)
This XJ blended old-world charm with a surprising aluminum frame, making it lighter and nimbler than it looked. It oozes aristocratic class and you can buy one for family-hatchback money. Just keep some spare cash handy; British reliability jokes exist for a reason!
Lexus LS 460 (2006–2017)
Think of the LS 460 as a butler in car form: calm, reliable, never spills the champagne. Unlike its European rivals, it’s less likely to bankrupt you at the repair shop. It may lack the flash of a Bentley, but it’s still a whisper-quiet bargain limousine.
Maserati Quattroporte (5th Gen, 2003–2012)
The name means “four doors,” but this Maserati’s Ferrari-derived V8 and Italian runway styling once made it the executive toy of choice. Today, it’s affordable indulgence… until something breaks. Owning one is like dating a supermodel: breathtaking to look at, but expensive.
Porsche Panamera (1st Gen, 2009–2016)
Critics said the Panamera looked like a stretched 911 that had too much pasta, but it backed its polarizing looks with serious performance. Now you can grab one for far less than new. Just remember: Porsche service bills don’t shrink with age, sadly.
Bentley Continental GT (1st Gen, 2003–2011)
The Continental GT was the footballer’s dream: W12 engine, leather everywhere, and enough presence to block out the sun. Once £120k new, today it can be yours for used-SUV money. But don’t be fooled; its running costs still scream Bentley.
Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit (1980–1999)
Old-school Rolls luxury, dripping in walnut veneer and leather thick enough to upholster a library. Once the preserve of royalty and rock stars, these stately machines now trade hands for shockingly low sums. The catch? The fuel bills alone can send you into minor aristocracy-level debt.
Aston Martin DB7 (1994–2004)
James Bond never actually drove one, but the DB7 still carries 007 swagger. It was Aston’s comeback kid with sleek lines, straight-six or V12 power, and a soundtrack that makes tunnels worthwhile. Nowadays, it’s within reach of mere mortals.
Cadillac CTS-V (1st Gen, 2004–2007)
The CTS-V was Cadillac’s middle finger to BMW’s M5. A Corvette engine stuffed into a sensible sedan, it went from golf-course cruiser to tire-shredding hooligan overnight. Today, you can find them at reasonable prices, though “reasonable” is relative when you’re paying for rear tires every other weekend.
Infiniti Q45 (1996–2006)
The Q45 was Nissan’s luxury flagship, designed to steal thunder from Lexus and Mercedes. It had V8 power, plush interiors, and the subtlety of a velvet sledgehammer. Sadly, it never really caught on, which makes used ones cheap today.
Volvo S80 (1st Gen, 1998–2006)
The S80 was Volvo’s bid at posh luxury, mixing Scandinavian calm with discreet executive vibes. Comfortable, safe, and unflappably dignified, it never shouted about status - just whispered it politely. Today, you can snag one for pennies.
Acura RL (2005–2012)
Honda’s luxury arm doesn’t always get the spotlight, but the RL was a stealth bomber of refinement. With all-wheel drive and techy gadgets, it was aimed squarely at German rivals. Today, it’s an affordable sleeper - quietly reliable, understated, and unlikely to break the bank.
Lincoln Town Car (1998–2011)
The Town Car is less “sporty luxury” and more “sofa on wheels.” Once the undisputed king of limousines, it’s built for floating, not cornering. Today, they’re dirt cheap and indestructibly comfy. Driving one feels like steering a cruise ship, but that’s part of the charm.
BMW 5 Series (E60, 2003–2010)
With crisp handling, a tech-filled cabin, and engines ranging from sensible six-cylinders to thundering V10s in the M5, the E60 5 Series was a mid-size dream. Now it’s affordable to buy, but parts are like designer handbags: you pay for the badge.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C219, 2004–2010)
The CLS was basically an S-Class in a slinky four-door coupe body. It was gorgeous, glamorous, and totally impractical, which of course made it irresistible. Today, you can find them for surprisingly little, but maintenance costs still lurk like a bad prenup. Style rarely comes cheap.
Audi S6 (C6, 2006–2011)
Audi dropped a Lamborghini-derived V10 into the family-friendly A6 and called it the S6. The result? Grocery runs with opera-house soundtracks. It was understated madness - a wolf in very well-tailored sheep’s clothing. Now it’s a bargain performance sedan, though fuel bills might make you cry.
Jaguar XK (2006–2014)
The XK was dripping with style, its aluminum body wrapped around potent V8s. It had the class of an E-Type tribute but with modern comforts. Today, prices are refreshingly reasonable, but it’s still a Jaguar. Owning one is a gamble between pure bliss and “where’s the tow truck?”
Lexus GS 430 (2000–2005)
The GS 430 was Lexus’s way of saying, “Yes, we can do fast too.” With a silky V8 and bulletproof reliability, it quietly embarrassed many German rivals. Today, it’s a hidden gem: affordable, dependable, and still classy.
Maserati Coupe/Spyder (2001–2007)
Also known as the 4200GT, this Maserati had Ferrari DNA, a gorgeous design, and a cabin that smelled like Italian leather heaven. Unfortunately, it also had Italian electrics. Today, they’re temptingly cheap, luring buyers like sirens. But remember: sirens usually end with shipwrecks.
Porsche Cayenne (1st Gen, 2002–2010)
Purists called it blasphemy when Porsche built an SUV. Then they drove it and went quiet. The first Cayenne was absurdly quick for a family hauler, and now it’s dirt cheap. It seems like a dream, but the problem is, maintenance can be a nightmare.
Bentley Arnage (1998–2009)
The Arnage was the quintessential Bentley: massive, opulent, and about as subtle as a gold-plated mansion. When new, it cost more than most people’s homes. Today? Shockingly affordable, until you factor in upkeep. Fuel bills resemble movie budgets.
Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph (1998–2002)
The Silver Seraph was Rolls’s attempt at modernity before BMW swooped in. Smooth, stately, and stuffed with wood and leather, it was pure British elegance. Nowadays, they’re surprisingly cheap, like finding a tuxedo in the thrift shop. Of course, the running costs still scream Savile Row.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005–2017)
This was Aston’s baby supercar: compact, stylish, and ready to make you feel like Bond on a budget. With a snarling V8 and curves to die for, it’s one of the best-looking bargains you can find. Just be prepared - Bond rarely worried about repair bills. Sadly, you will.
Cadillac STS (2005–2011)
The STS was Cadillac trying its hardest to play in the luxury big leagues. Packed with tech and a powerful V8 option, it had the goods but never quite won hearts. Today, it’s a solid sleeper buy; cheap, comfy, and with a badge that still carries swagger.
Infiniti M45 (2003–2010)
The M45 was Infiniti’s underappreciated hot rod sedan: conservative looks hiding a hearty V8. It was the car equivalent of a librarian who moonlights as a rock guitarist. Today, they’re shockingly affordable. People will underestimate it… until you leave them staring at your taillights.
Volvo V70R (2003–2007)
A fast wagon? The V70R laughed at stereotypes. With turbocharged power, all-wheel drive, and understated styling, it was both a family hauler and a performance sleeper. Prices today are friendly, and it still has cult appeal.
Acura TL Type-S (2007–2008)
Short-lived but beloved, the TL Type-S blended Japanese reliability with sporty punch. It looked sharp, handled well, and packed just enough edge to feel special. Today, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to pricier German rivals. Plus, you can brag that your “sensible Honda luxury car” is actually a secret street fighter.
Chrysler Crossfire (2004–2008)
Born from a Chrysler-Mercedes fling, the Crossfire was part muscle, part German precision, and all oddball. Styling divided opinion - was it sleek, or squashed? Either way, it’s distinctive. Today, they’re cheap enough to tempt anyone, and with Mercedes bones underneath, it’s not all bad. Think of it as bargain-bin exotic.
Lincoln LS (2000–2006)
Lincoln briefly flirted with the idea of sporty luxury, and the LS was its date. Rear-wheel drive, V8 power, and handling tuned by Ford’s European team, it had promise. Sales never soared, but today, that makes them cheap sleeper sedans. Drive one now, and you’ll feel like you uncovered a forgotten prototype.
BMW Z8 (2000–2003
The Z8 was BMW’s retro-futuristic roadster, famously wielded by Pierce Brosnan’s Bond before being sawn in half by a helicopter. Yikes. When new, it cost a fortune. Now? It’s still pricey but way under original highs, and destined to appreciate.
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R230, 2001–2011)
Few cars combine elegance and performance like the SL. With a folding hardtop, plush cabin, and engines ranging from smooth V6s to outrageous V12s, it was the Hollywood convertible of choice. Today, they’re a steal; just watch out for electronics gremlins. Nothing kills the vibe like a roof that won’t close.
Audi TT (1st Gen, 1998–2006)
When the TT launched, it looked like it had rolled straight off a designer’s sketchbook - cute, curvy, and futuristic. It wasn’t the fastest, but it was stylish enough to earn instant icon status. Now, they’re cheap thrills with a premium badge.
