Which affordable second hand luxury car should I buy?

If you are on the hunt for a car with a touch of class but can’t afford to break on a new ride, these vehicles could be the ones for you.

Luxury brands aren’t always the most premium.

One of our readers wants a car to impress his new well-off clients but doesn’t have a big budget.

THE QUESTION

I’ve just started working for a high-end real estate agent and need a late model used car that looks the part in front of clients. I’m considering a roughly 2018/19 Audi A3, BMW 1 Series or Mercedes A-Class to fit my sub-$35,000 budget. Rear seat and boot space aren’t important as it’s only me in the car, but it has to look good.

Chris Roach, email

ANSWER

A black Audi? Welcome to estate agent stereotype heaven. Seriously though, you don’t need a prestige brand to look the part. I’d suggest many of your clients would recognise savvy buying and warranty-expired German cars aren’t always that. All on your list had three-year warranties in 2019, so better peace of mind comes from brands with a couple of years remaining. Insist on perfect service records and prioritise lower mileage cars.

CHOICES

New Audi A3 S line plus editions offer outstanding features and exceptional value.

2019 AUDI A3 35 TFSI S LINE PLUS, ABOUT $35,000.

You can live your estate agent cliche dreams with one of these, especially with its body kit and/or black wheels. Target the S Line Plus model (hatch or sedan) with its striking styling, gorgeous cabin and full digital driving display. Lesser grades feel more VW Golf than “true” Audi. Pre-2020 A3s are third-gen cars first introduced way back in 2012, but the 110kW turbo four-cylinder engine’s peppy, there’s a sporty feel to the ride and handling and 5.0L/100km economy’s excellent. The dual-clutch gearbox can be jerky, features are average and services aren’t cheap – a major one’s needed at 60,000km. These were only $43,300 at 2019 launch, showing how inflated the used market is.

Fwd: Life Motoring pics – Golf rivals

2018 BMW 118i M SPORT, ABOUT $33,000

Another estate agent special, but the 1 Series is a little gem. The 2018’s also a superseded generation, but it’s handsome, rear-wheel-drive, a blast to drive and there’s a character-filled three-cylinder turbo engine returning 5.2L/100km. The ride can be a bit harsh but the cabin has leather, excellent infotainment and reasonable safety kit. Services aren’t cheap, but they’re infrequent and the model’s proving mechanically reliable. It favours driving joy over practicality – ideal for your circumstances.

Photo of three-way comparison test of 2018 Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf

2019 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 110TSI HIGHLINE, ABOUT $30,000

Nothing against the Benz, but let’s change tack and save money. VW plays in the ambiguous “semi-premium” space, and this model is what I’d call “peak Golf”. I own one and refuse to sell it, as it’s a magnificent all-rounder. The 110kW/250Nm turbo four-cylinder’s punchy and economical (5.4L/100km combined) and independent rear suspension aids ride and handling brilliance. Highlines have power heated Vienna leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and comprehensive active safety kit – you’ll not find those on the older prestige choices. Seek one optioned with the Sound & Vision package (9.2-inch infotainment screen and digital dash) and it’s the ultimate. There’s still factory warranty remaining (five years from new) but services are pricey.

WILDCARD

Photo of the Mazda3 at 2019 Car of the Year testing. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

2019 MAZDA3 G25 ASTINA HATCH, ABOUT $33,000

If I didn’t have kids, I’d own a Mazda3 hatch. Its rear seat and boot space are laughably small, but that’s not a concern for you. The exterior design is exquisite – at its best in signature Soul Red – enough to impress any millionaire client with functioning eyes. You can afford a three-year old range-topper, with features eclipsing the Germans: power heated leather seats, a sunroof, Bose sounds, CarPlay/Android Auto, 8.8-inch screen, 360-degree monitor, head-up display and lots of safety. Ride comfort, cabin quiet and cornering ability are standouts. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder has guts once it’s going, but drinks 6.6L/100km. Services are the cheapest here and the warranty’s good for five years from new.

VERDICT

Prove to your clients you recognise smart buys. The Mazda3 has head-turning looks, the most features and a long warranty.

Originally published as Which affordable second hand luxury car should I buy?