Used German Cars Now Cheaper Than New Camry

Good news for car buyers! Some used German luxury cars cost less than a new Toyota Camry. This means you can get a car with more comfort and better features for a good price. But remember to check maintenance costs.
By Newsroom | Cars, Finance |

A shift in the automotive market now allows consumers to acquire used German luxury sedans for a cost less than a new Toyota Camry. This trend presents an avenue for obtaining higher-tier vehicles with enhanced features and a more refined driving experience, often at a significant discount compared to mainstream new car prices. The appeal lies in accessing perceived prestige and advanced engineering without the initial depreciation hit associated with new luxury vehicles.

Market Dynamics Favoring Used Luxury Sedans

The automotive landscape currently offers a compelling alternative for car buyers seeking value and premium features. The initial sticker price of a new, mainstream sedan like the Toyota Camry can now be matched or surpassed by pre-owned German luxury sedans. This phenomenon is largely driven by the rapid depreciation characteristic of luxury vehicles, which can see their value drop considerably in their initial years of ownership.

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  • Value Proposition: Consumers can leverage this depreciation to secure a vehicle with superior comfort, advanced technology, and a more robust build quality for a comparable or lower price than a new economy sedan.

  • Depreciation Impact: Luxury brands, particularly German manufacturers, often experience steeper depreciation curves. This makes well-maintained, slightly older models financially accessible.

  • Brand Appeal: The allure of a luxury badge, coupled with the engineering associated with German automotive design, remains a strong draw for many buyers.

Select Used German Sedans Offering Premium Value

Several German luxury sedans have emerged as particularly strong contenders for buyers looking to maximize their investment. These vehicles, often available at a fraction of their original cost, provide a blend of performance, comfort, and sophisticated features.

Jaguar XF: A Blend of Comfort and Performance

The used Jaguar XF is highlighted as a model that strikes a notable balance between comfort and driving performance. Acquiring a five-year-old model can result in substantial savings compared to purchasing a new mainstream sedan. The interior is noted for its immediate sense of luxury, offering a more upscale environment than many standard sedans.

Audi A5 and Volkswagen Passat: Refined Driving Experiences

The Audi A5 is recognized for its enjoyable cabin and engaging performance, making it a fun-to-drive option. Alongside it, the Volkswagen Passat is praised for its refined highway ride and quiet interior, offering a composed driving experience. Both are noted as late-model used German cars that fall below the average price of a new vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz EQS: Depreciated Luxury Electric Sedan

The Mercedes-Benz EQS, a full-size German electric sedan, has experienced significant depreciation. This has positioned certain models, like the 2022 EQS 450+ and EQS 580 4MATIC, as attainable luxury EVs. The EQS offers substantial driving range, exceeding 350 miles on a single charge for some trims, and features like powerful electric motors and luxurious amenities.

Audi A4, BMW Z4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205): Accessible German Engineering

The Audi A4 is mentioned for its technology, including a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with smartphone integration. The BMW Z4 is noted for its blend of BMW's prestige, technology, and driving enjoyment. The W205 generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, particularly models with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, is also presented as a powerful and viable option in the used market.

BMW 3-Series (Sixth Generation): Enduring Value

While the latest generation of the BMW 3-Series holds its value well, the previous generation is available at a more reasonable price. This offers buyers an entry into BMW's luxury and performance segment without the premium cost of a brand-new model.

Considerations for Purchasing Used German Luxury Sedans

The allure of a used German luxury sedan comes with important considerations for potential buyers, particularly regarding long-term costs and potential maintenance needs. While the initial purchase price can be highly attractive, it is prudent to be aware of factors that may influence ownership expenses.

Maintenance and Reliability

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: For some German models, such as a 2019 Audi A5, average yearly maintenance costs are estimated around $1,249.

  • 10-Year Maintenance Estimate: The estimated maintenance cost for the first ten years of ownership for a 2019 Audi A5 is approximately $12,632.

  • Recalls: The number of recalls can vary; a 2019 Audi A5 has had 13 total recalls.

  • Repair Complexity: Older luxury vehicles, especially those with specialized German engineering, may require parts that are more expensive or less readily available than those for mainstream brands. This could lead to longer repair times and higher labor costs if components need to be sourced from abroad.

Purchase Price Range

  • Audi A5 (2019): The fair purchase price range for a 2019 Audi A5 is cited as $20,540-$29,155, with a reliability rating of 83/100.

Expert Insights on the Used Luxury Market

The trend of used German luxury sedans becoming more accessible is not unique to specific models but reflects a broader market dynamic. Experts observe that strategic purchasing in the used market can unlock significant value for consumers.

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"Play your cards right, and instead of a budget hatch with a CVT you could be driving a luxobarge that's a few years old at a fraction of its new price." - Autoweek

This perspective highlights the opportunity for consumers to acquire vehicles that were once aspirational, making them attainable through the natural depreciation cycle. However, the same report also cautions potential buyers:

"Play your cards wrong, and you could be eating dusty ramen while the car sits at a repair shop for a fortnight, waiting on some part from the motherland." - Autoweek

This underscores the critical need for due diligence, including thorough mechanical inspections and an understanding of potential upkeep costs, when venturing into the used luxury car market.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The current automotive market presents a unique window for consumers to access German luxury sedans at prices competitive with new mainstream vehicles. Models such as the Jaguar XF, Audi A5, Mercedes-Benz EQS, Audi A4, BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and BMW 3-Series are frequently cited as prime examples of this trend. The significant depreciation of luxury vehicles makes them financially viable for a broader range of buyers, offering a premium driving experience and advanced features at a reduced cost.

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However, this opportunity is juxtaposed with the inherent considerations of maintaining a used luxury vehicle. While the initial acquisition price may be lower, potential buyers must factor in the possibility of higher maintenance and repair expenses compared to less complex, mainstream automobiles. Thorough inspection and an understanding of a specific model's reliability and typical upkeep costs are essential steps. The sustained depreciation of these vehicles suggests that this trend is likely to continue, providing ongoing opportunities for value-conscious consumers to drive upscale, well-engineered automobiles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I really buy a used German luxury car for less than a new Camry?
Yes, many used German luxury sedans are now priced lower than a new Toyota Camry. This is because luxury cars lose value faster when they are new.
Q: What are the benefits of buying a used German luxury car?
You can get a car with better comfort, more advanced technology, and a nicer interior for a lower price. It's a way to drive a premium car without paying the new car price.
Q: Are there any downsides to buying an older German luxury car?
Yes, maintenance and repair costs can be higher for German luxury cars than for regular cars. It's important to check the car's history and understand potential future costs.
Q: Which used German cars are good options?
Models like the Jaguar XF, Audi A5, Volkswagen Passat, and some Mercedes-Benz and BMW sedans are good choices. Even electric cars like the Mercedes-Benz EQS can be found at lower prices.
Q: How much might maintenance cost for a used German car?
For example, a 2019 Audi A5 might cost around $1,249 per year for maintenance. Over 10 years, this could be about $12,632.