Car buying: new standard brand or used luxury brand

[StormHawk42]

Hoping to be in the market for a crossover in the $30-40k range this spring.

Had assumed I’d just shoot for a new generic model like RAV4 or CX5 but seeing some reasonably priced (comparatively) used Lexus, Audi, Volvo types.

What’s the play here? A new reliable but generic vehicle or luxury vehicle with ~20k miles but likely more features and smoother ride, etc.

 

[QChawks]

2019-2022 Toyota Highlander

 

[Flie]

Where are you seeing used cars with low mileage that are at a significant discount from new? Most of the quality used cars I see lately are priced just barely off of the new price. The big drop off in price seems to happen on 4+ year old cars with > 50k miles.

 

[Hawki97]

Hoping to be in the market for a crossover in the $30-40k range this spring.

Had assumed I’d just shoot for a new generic model like RAV4 or CX5 but seeing some reasonably priced (comparatively) used Lexus, Audi, Volvo types.

What’s the play here? A new reliable but generic vehicle or luxury vehicle with ~20k miles but likely more features and smoother ride, etc.

If you are a Japanese car person, don’t get an Audi, Volvo, etc. You’re going to hate them when they don’t go 150,000 miles on only oil changes and end up bad mouthing them even though they are superior “luxury” cars even with their expensive quirks. If you go used luxury, get a Lexus or an Acura. I think you should stick with the new Toyota or Honda though because the upgrade to their luxury brand is meh.

Also, I realize this post sounds snobby but I’m spitting truth. Trust me.

 

[StormHawk42]

Where are you seeing used cars with low mileage that are at a significant discount from new? Most of the quality used cars I see lately are priced just barely off of the new price. The big drop off in price seems to happen on 4+ year old cars with > 50k miles.

Just an example from browsing with no further research. 2023 Audi Q5 Premium with 5k miles at $39k. 2025 MSRP is like $60k.

I don’t know shit about cars but I’m pretty sure luxury brands depreciate faster after a year or two than Toyota.

 

[HawkinK.C.1]

Eliminate the Eurotrash from consideration.

 

[Hawki97]

Eliminate the Eurotrash from consideration.

This is 100% the right choice and statement - for a certain type of person.

 

[LuciousBDragon]

Just an example from browsing with no further research. 2023 Audi Q5 Premium with 5k miles at $39k.

I would ask the dealer for the name of the dead hooker they found inside this Q5 and the dates it was in police impound as evidence.

 

[Whiskeydeltadeltatango]

I have always loved the looks of audi's, shout-out Ronin, but damn if I wouldn't be worried buying a used one.

I'm a Toyota guy, the shit just works.

I have 189k in my Tundra and have done oil, filters, tires, new bulbs, new Battery ( 2011) and I had to replace the end of the battery cable due to my own fault. When I put the battery in I didn't put the battery compression bolts back and and it ( bat) moved and broke the connection. I used some nuts and bolts i had in the truck to connect the raw end back to the battery and the damn thing fired on like 7 volts.

Ronin (film) - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[swagsurfer02]

Lexus seem to be scream luxury and also are good vehicles as the wife has been looking at cars lately.

She seems to like the Audi SUV’s but I like the Range Rover Velars.

In a year of so I’m thinking about a car for myself as all I’ve driven the past couple years is a company vehicle. BMW 5 series or 7 series (if I find a good deal).

 

[NoleATL]

I like the Range Rover Velars

Be sure to have a spare car for when it is in the shop. Or, get it from a dealer that will deliver a loaner to your home. Range Rovers are freaking amazing to drive but holy moly do they generally have horrible reliability.

 

[Hawki97]

I have always loved the looks of audi's, shout-out Ronin, but damn if I wouldn't be worried buying a used one.

I'm a Toyota guy, the shit just works.

Ronin (film) - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

The limits of vehicles you own should only be dictated by the garage space you have. And even then, a pull barn/shed is cheap!

 

[Hawki97]

Be sure to have a spare car for when it is in the shop. Or, get it from a dealer that will deliver a loaner to your home. Range Rovers are freaking amazing to drive but holy moly do they generally have horrible reliability.

Yeah, I was going to say. Watch out Swag. “Expensive” to maintain is one thing but I do not want a car that I can’t drive because it’s in the shop all the time. I’ve owned one RR. Never again.

 

[NorthernHawkeye]

Honda or Acura for the win.

Acura, all day, every day if you're so inclined.

 

[Hawki97]

Just an example from browsing with no further research. 2023 Audi Q5 Premium with 5k miles at $39k. 2025 MSRP is like $60k.

I don’t know shit about cars but I’m pretty sure luxury brands depreciate faster after a year or two than Toyota.

Pretty much everything depreciates faster than Toyota! The resale on Toyota is one of the most amazing phenomenon in the car biz. If you’re considering a 2020+ Toyota, just suck it up and buy new. Unless you’re willing to scour the internet for months and find the diamond in the rough, the scales wont tip to your favor in the used market. Especially if you’re looking at trucks/suvs.

 

[NoleATL]

I'm kind of on the same decision path regarding a vehicle for retirement. I want a HYBRID and the current thinking is Rav4 vs CRV. I could even go used on one of those but I don't want high miles and it seems the used price isn't materially less. I typically keep my cars a while but with not high miles. Current car is 2007 FX35 with 150k miles, by far the longest I've kept a car. It is still a tank. CRV is a nicer, more updated vehicle but I think there is likely an update coming for the Rav4.

 

[Hawki97]

Honda or Acura for the win.

Acura, all day, every day if you're so inclined.

If you had given me a blank slate and a chance to write your response to this post, I would have written it word for word. I can spot a Honda guy a million miles away.

 

[alaskanseminole]

Hoping to be in the market for a crossover in the $30-40k range this spring.

Had assumed I’d just shoot for a new generic model like RAV4 or CX5 but seeing some reasonably priced (comparatively) used Lexus, Audi, Volvo types.

What’s the play here? A new reliable but generic vehicle or luxury vehicle with ~20k miles but likely more features and smoother ride, etc.

Just bought the wife a "used" 24 Q5 for $34k. Bought the Audi extended warranty, not the dealership warranty. So basically I've got bumper to bumper coverage for the next 8 years. It was the only way I would reasonably buy a German vehicle, because they are a pita to work on.

 

[Hawki97]

I'm kind of on the same decision path regarding a vehicle for retirement. I want a HYBRID and the current thinking is Rav4 vs CRV. I could even go used on one of those but I don't want high miles and it seems the used price isn't materially less. I typically keep my cars a while but with not high miles. Current car is 2007 FX35 with 150k miles, by far the longest I've kept a car. It is still a tank. CRV is a nicer, more updated vehicle but I think there is likely an update coming for the Rav4.

Unless you’ve got something against Toyota/Lexus, give the NX Hybrid a looky look. I have been very impressed with that vehicle and I’m not a hybrid guy.

 

[swagsurfer02]

Be sure to have a spare car for when it is in the shop. Or, get it from a dealer that will deliver a loaner to your home. Range Rovers are freaking amazing to drive but holy moly do they generally have horrible reliability.

Well, now you have given me something to think about. I really like the way they look (not the boxy ones) but if it’s going to be a pain in the ass, I don’t think I want the headache.

 

[Hawki97]

Just bought the wife a "used" 24 Q5 for $34k. Bought the Audi extended warranty, not the dealership warranty. So basically I've got bumper to bumper coverage for the next 8 years. It was the only way I would reasonably buy a German vehicle, because they are a pita to work on.

Premium or Premium Plus? What color?

 

[alaskanseminole]

If you had given me a blank slate and a chance to write your response to this post, I would have written it word for word. I can spot a Honda guy a million miles away.

Hey, don't knock Hondas or Toyotas. I bought my daughter's a Honda Accord, and a Toyota Camry and never once had to do a repair on them. They still drive them today and well into their 20s. I really wanted an Accura MDX, instead of that Audi. But that mouse pad controlled screen was a deal breaker for me. That thing will make you want to throw a kitten through a window.

 

[Hawki97]

Well, now you have given me something to think about. I really like the way they look (not the boxy ones) but if it’s going to be a pain in the ass, I don’t think I want the headache.

I rarely steer people away from a car. Especially one as sexy as a RR. I even say - fine, buy the jeep. But think really hard on this one and do your research.

Sorry to be Debbie Downer, it’s a beautiful vehicle.

 

[alaskanseminole]

Premium or Premium Plus? What color?

Premium and white. Neither one of us like the virtual cockpit in the plus, so we went with a more analog-looking dash. The B&O stereo system sucks, so I completely gutted it and put in a customized stereo system with a 12 inch Cerwin Vegas sub in the trunk. I'll have to share with you the full details on the stereo system I put in. It was a lot of fun and sounds amazing. The next upgrade she wants are 20 in wheels which I'm doing next month.

 

[swagsurfer02]

I rarely steer people away from a car. Especially one as sexy as a RR. I even say - fine, buy the jeep. But think really hard on this one and do your research.

Sorry to be Debbie Downer, it’s a beautiful vehicle.

Ok, so another one I was thinking of was the new bronco but I want to take the top off during the summer. What do you think about that?

 

[alaskanseminole]

I rarely steer people away from a car. Especially one as sexy as a RR. I even say - fine, buy the jeep. But think really hard on this one and do your research.

Sorry to be Debbie Downer, it’s a beautiful vehicle.

I'm on Jeep number 8, and I tell people all the time not to buy one. LOL

 

[alaskanseminole]

Premium and white. Neither one of us like the virtual cockpit in the plus, so we went with a more analog-looking dash. The B&O stereo system sucks, so I completely gutted it and put in a customized stereo system with a 12 inch Cerwin Vegas sub in the trunk. I'll have to share with you the full details on the stereo system I put in. It was a lot of fun and sounds amazing. The next upgrade she wants are 20 in wheels which I'm doing next month.

@Hawki97 here's a pic of the sub I installed. The dash speakers are tailor made by a guy in Europe, specifically for the Audis. I found another guy in California who makes the wiring harnesses. Audi forums came in really handy!

It's really convenient having the battery in the trunk!

 

[Hawki97]

Hey, don't knock Hondas or Toyotas. I bought my daughter's a Honda Accord, and a Toyota Camry and never once had to do a repair on them. They still drive them today and well into their 20s. I really wanted an Accura MDX, instead of that Audi. But that mouse pad controlled screen was a deal breaker for me. That thing will make you want to throw a kitten through a window.

There’s nothing wrong with Toyota or Honda! They are situationally perfect vehicles. As your primary vehicle though into adulthood, it exudes a certain energy that doesn’t match mine. Surely Mr. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the black out package understands.

 

[NorthernHawkeye]

If you had given me a blank slate and a chance to write your response to this post, I would have written it word for word. I can spot a Honda guy a million miles away.

Can you spot an Acura guy?

 

[alaskanseminole]

There’s nothing wrong with Toyota or Honda! They are situationally perfect vehicles. As your primary vehicle though into adulthood, it exudes a certain energy that doesn’t match mine. Surely Mr. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the black out package understands.

Yup. You sound exactly like my wife. I wanted to get her a fully loaded Toyota Highlander. She said, I'm 51, can I please have a luxery vehicle now? So, I switched my hunt to Audi, BMW, Lexus, etc. She LOVES her Audi. You know what they say, happy wife, happy life!

As for me, I'll drive my '16 Wrangler until I'm dead. My avatar is my actual Jeep. Mrs. Alaska had it changed into a graphic and decal for me for my 50th.

 

[Hawki97]

Can you spot an Acura guy?

Honda/Acura. It’s all the same.

 

[Hawki97]

Yup. You sound exactly like my wife. I wanted to get her a fully loaded Toyota Highlander. She said, I'm 51, can I please have a luxery vehicle now? So, I switched my hunt to Audi, BMW, Lexus, etc. She LOVES her Audi. You know what they say, happy wife, happy life!

As for me, I'll drive my '16 Wrangler until I'm dead. My avatar is my actual Jeep. Mrs. Alaska had it changed into a graphic and decal for me for my 50th.

You made an excellent choice.

 

[NoleATL]

Yup. You sound exactly like my wife. I wanted to get her a fully loaded Toyota Highlander. She said, I'm 51, can I please have a luxery vehicle now? So, I switched my hunt to Audi, BMW, Lexus, etc. She LOVES her Audi. You know what they say, happy wife, happy life!

As for me, I'll drive my '16 Wrangler until I'm dead. My avatar is my actual Jeep. Mrs. Alaska had it changed into a graphic and decal for me for my 50th.

Yep, everyone who can afford it should have their fun/dream vehicle at least once in their life. Mine was the tricked out 2007 FX35 that I bought used at a 30% discount from new in 2008 with 16k miles on it. It was a time when gas was high so people were MPG hunting. I was moving from a Dodge Ram so even the FX had MUCH better MPG.

 

[goldmom]

If you are a Japanese car person, don’t get an Audi, Volvo, etc. You’re going to hate them when they don’t go 150,000 miles on only oil changes and end up bad mouthing them even though they are superior “luxury” cars even with their expensive quirks. If you go used luxury, get a Lexus or an Acura. I think you should stick with the new Toyota or Honda though because the upgrade to their luxury brand is meh.

Also, I realize this post sounds snobby but I’m spitting truth. Trust me.

I’m endorsing this for the simple reason that I’m on my fourth Acura and a huge fan of the brand. Started out leasing a TL and bought it, traded for a new TL then moved over to an RDX. I now have my second RDX that I bought from the car dealership (where I was working part time) as a two year old lease trade with 23K miles. Got the employee discount and a great deal.
Will always have an Acura -even if I win the lottery. 😬

My sister on ybe other hand, has driven nothing but Volvos for 35 years. She has spent at least three times as much on maintenance as I ever have. She truly believes she’s driving the only safe vehicle on the road. (She’s straight so she won’t buy a Subaru 🤣). Volvos are good looking cars and do seem to have a long life, so that’s in their favor.

Neighbor has a 2023 Toyota Highlander and it is really a nice car. Can’t say a single negative about them.

 

[Hawki97]

@Hawki97 here's a pic of the sub I installed. The dash speakers are tailor made by a guy in Europe, specifically for the Audis. I found another guy in California who makes the wiring harnesses. Audi forums came in really handy!

It's really convenient having the battery in the trunk!

Nice, I like the setup. It’s amazing that Cerwin Vega is still churning out excellent subs. You go ESB for your speakers or something really niche? Did you replace the head unit too?

 

[goldmom]

Ok, so another one I was thinking of was the new bronco but I want to take the top off during the summer. What do you think about that?

That’s my NoPic daughter’s most wanted too. She loves the color choices she’s seen some people driving, but I’ve heard they’re not without some issues.

 

[OrlandNole]

I’m endorsing this for the simple reason that I’m on my fourth Acura and a huge fan of the brand. Started out leasing a TL and bought it, traded for a new TL then moved over to an RDX. I now have my second RDX that I bought from the car dealership (where I was working part time) as a two year old lease trade with 23K miles. Got the employee discount and a great deal.
Will always have an Acura -even if I win the lottery. 😬

My sister on ybe other hand, has driven nothing but Volvos for 35 years. She has spent at least three times as much on maintenance as I ever have. She truly believes she’s driving the only safe vehicle on the road. (She’s straight so she won’t buy a Subaru 🤣). Volvos are good looking cars and do seem to have a long life, so that’s in their favor.

Neighbor has a 2023 Toyota Highlander and it is really a nice car. Can’t say a single negative about them.

OP, you can find an Acura RDX or Lexus NX 300 23 or 24 model year under 20k miles in your price range. That's what I would do.

 

[Hawki97]

I’m endorsing this for the simple reason that I’m on my fourth Acura and a huge fan of the brand. Started out leasing a TL and bought it, traded for a new TL then moved over to an RDX. I now have my second RDX that I bought from the car dealership (where I was working part time) as a two year old lease trade with 23K miles. Got the employee discount and a great deal.
Will always have an Acura -even if I win the lottery. 😬

My sister on ybe other hand, has driven nothing but Volvos for 35 years. She has spent at least three times as much on maintenance as I ever have. She truly believes she’s driving the only safe vehicle on the road. (She’s straight so she won’t buy a Subaru 🤣). Volvos are good looking cars and do seem to have a long life, so that’s in their favor.

Neighbor has a 2023 Toyota Highlander and it is really a nice car. Can’t say a single negative about them.

The only Acura I ever owned is still in the family. I gave it to my sibling when I was done with it and it’s been passed around since then with no signs of stopping. Absolute tank. Now, if they could just get the front “shield” styling figured out!

I may own another one someday day though. There’s this little car called a 1990’s era NSX…

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Pretty much everything depreciates faster than Toyota! The resale on Toyota is one of the most amazing phenomenon in the car biz. If you’re considering a 2020+ Toyota, just suck it up and buy new. Unless you’re willing to scour the internet for months and find the diamond in the rough, the scales wont tip to your favor in the used market. Especially if you’re looking at trucks/suvs.

I've heard some people say that Toyotas have been living off their reputation for several years now. The new ones are good, but not as good. Whether that means it's smart to get an older one is beyond my pay grade.

 

[JMNSHO]

The limits of vehicles you own should only be dictated by the garage space you have. And even then, a pull barn/shed is cheap!

WOB?