Buying a Luxury Car
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Purchasing a luxury car is about more than just the brand name and the price tag. It’s also about the hidden value of a plusher interior, more comfortable ride and extra safety features. It’s about the sense of prestige and conferred status that comes with driving a premium brand.
The luxury market covers a wide range of body styles, from compact coupes to full-size sedans to hatchbacks and SUVs. It also includes electric vehicles and cars that are capable of rocketing to 60 mph in just three seconds. While some people think that a vehicle must be expensive to be considered a luxury car, there are a number of models in the segment that are both affordable and luxurious.
A luxury car will likely have a higher price than a similar non-luxury model, but even a budget-friendly luxury option may cost more than the average car. The price differential may be offset by the fact that luxury cars typically depreciate at a slower rate than most other vehicles, and some brands offer perks for buyers such as free maintenance and roadside assistance.
The 2022 Cadillac Escalade is one of the more affordable luxury cars available, and it still packs in a host of features that aren’t usually offered on mainstream vehicles. The Genesis G70 is another luxury car with a low starting price, and it’s been refreshed for this year to add more style, tech and comfort. The 2023 BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan that offers eye-catching design and advanced tech, while the 2023 Porsche Panamera combines indulgence with dynamics.
Alfa Romeo makes its way into the luxury ranks with the Giulia executive sedan and Stelvio large SUV, which are both awash in impeccable Italian styling. The 505-horsepower Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV proves that the brand is serious about performance, as well.
Luxury manufacturers know that buying a new car is an exciting prospect, and they’re willing to go the extra mile for customers. Many offer VIP experiences where buyers can watch their new car roll off the assembly line and then take it for a test drive before they purchase it. Other companies, like BMW and Volvo, are more subtle but no less impressive: They invite future owners to spend a day on the track in their new vehicle.
Buying a Used Luxury Car
While you may be tempted to buy a new luxury vehicle, consider the benefits of a preowned model instead. Not only do you save money, but you can often find a model that’s been driven for a few years and is backed by a certified warranty. Some manufacturers even offer a limited-time warranty for their used luxury vehicles to give buyers added peace of mind. In addition, buying a used luxury vehicle gives you access to a larger selection of vehicles and options that wouldn’t otherwise be available if you purchased a new model.