10 Best CPO Cars Under $40,000
The great thing about buying a used car is that the lower prices of used cars versus new cars open up more possibilities. Where your budget might restrict you to a compact sedan from a mass-market brand if you purchased the car new, it might permit you to purchase a larger car from a luxury brand if you are willing to purchase a used model. Of course, buying a used car has its difficulties. Foremost among them is the fact you often buy a used car “as is.” That means you have very little recourse or protection if something goes haywire. The answer is buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) car. That enables you to take advantage of the rapid depreciation most cars experience during their first years while giving you a warranty from the manufacturer if something goes wrong. To demonstrate the logic of this approach to car-buying, we have gathered 10 cars from luxury brands that are available for less than $40,000.
1. 2018 Audi A6
The 2018 Audi A6 is one of the most delightful mid-size luxury sedans on the market. With handsome exterior design and a sleek, contemporary interior, the A6 sends all the right messages. The 2018 A6 is the last of a generation that began with the 2012 model year, so if you find a 2018 A6 is too pricey, you can certainly consider a 2017 or 2016. Its base engine is a 252-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder backed by either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or an eight-speed automatic. The latter is available on all-wheel-drive Quattro models. Handling is Euro-sedan sharp, and the interior is very accommodating for up to five adults.
2. 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The great thing about buying a used car is that the lower prices of used cars versus new cars open up more possibilities. Where your budget might restrict you to a compact sedan from a mass-market brand if you purchased the car new, it might permit you to purchase a larger car from a luxury brand if you are willing to purchase a used model. Of course, buying a used car has its difficulties. Foremost among them is the fact you often buy a used car “as is.” That means you have very little recourse or protection if something goes haywire. The answer is buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) car. That enables you to take advantage of the rapid depreciation most cars experience during their first years while giving you a warranty from the manufacturer if something goes wrong. To demonstrate the logic of this approach to car-buying, we have gathered 10 cars from luxury brands that are available for less than $40,000.
3. 2017 BMW 5 Series
For decades, the BMW 5 Series has been one of the most desirable mid-size luxury sedans in the world. When you think of the phrase “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” a 5-Series often comes to mind. The 2017 BMW 5 Series is a fine representative of the line with handsome looks, plenty of power, ample cargo space, and BMW’s special handling prowess. The 5 Series was completely designed for the 2017 model year, and the base model became the 530i. Acceleration is brisk from its 248-horsepower four-cylinder engine teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers get the benefit of a big 10.25-inch infotainment display that is part of the iDrive infotainment system. It has integrated navigation, Bluetooth, and a 12-speaker audio system. The most interesting piece of tech is the driver drowsiness monitor.
4. 2018 Genesis G80
The Genesis G80 is a mid-size luxury sedan from Hyundai’s luxury brand. Well-regarded for its quality and safety, the G80 is a bargain in its segment. That means it is a special bargain when purchased as a Genesis CPO vehicle. Though arguably not as sporty as some of the European competitors, the G80 is extremely comfortable and quiet. Its interior is richly appointed and heavily equipped with standard features. The base G80 3.8 offers good acceleration from its 311-horsepower V6 engine. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an integrated navigation system. Other niceties are dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power trunk lid, rain-sensing wipers, and heated side mirrors. Standard safety tech includes a forward-collision warning with brake assist, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, a lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist.
5. 2018 Infiniti Q70
Discontinued after the 2019 model year, the Infiniti Q70 was the brand’s answer to mid-size luxury sedans like the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series. If you try to get a 2018 A6 or 5 Series, you might only find a base model for less than $40,000. In contrast, you can certainly get a V8 powered Infiniti Q70 or the long-wheelbase Infiniti Q70L. The base Q70 3.7 Luxe is powered by a 330-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine providing plenty of power. The 5.6 Luxe ups the ante with its 420-horsepower 5.6-liter V8. Both rear-drive and all-wheel-drive models are available. The Q70 features an optional Sport package that includes performance-tuned suspension, enhanced brakes, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and sport seats. Those seeking advanced safety features should seek a car fitted with the ProActive package featuring adaptive cruise control, a forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and active lane-keep assist.
6. 2018 Lexus GS
The Lexus GS is another well-regarded mid-size luxury sedan, and it is rumored to soon follow the path of the Q70 into oblivion. But for those seeking an import luxury sedan with Lexus-backed CPO coverage, the GS is a very good bet. The entry-level 2018 Lexus GS 300 has a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the GS 350 has a 311-horsepower V6, probably the better choice. The 2018 GS is available in rear-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The equipment level is lush. Among the highlights are proximity-based keyless entry and the Lexus Safety System+. The standard infotainment has an 8-inch display, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker audio system, but the trackpad controller might throw you off. You can get an F Sport version in many markets for less than $40K.
7. 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a sedan you can enjoy and appreciate for years to come. Its handsome, timeless exterior design is matched by a posh interior that wears well. The 2017 E 300 sedan is a particularly good choice because Mercedes-Benz completely redesigned the model for that year. The E 300 is powered by a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine backed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration isn’t really up to sport sedan standards, but the E 300 drives so effortlessly most won't care. The Benz COMAND infotainment system integrates with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and has voice control, Bluetooth, and dedicated navigation. The power-adjustable front seats aren’t covered in genuine leather, but you probably won’t sense the difference. Interesting added tech includes active brake assist and crosswind assist.
8. 2018 Volvo S90
The Volvo S90 provides a subtle contrast to the German luxury sedans. Priced like a midsize E Class or 5 Series, the S90 is considerably longer and rides on a longer wheelbase. The result is superior comfort at some expense in the sportiness category. We think that’s a tradeoff many buyers in the class might make. Another separator for the S90 is its contemporary and understated interior. The infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a plus versus competitors. While not opulent or baroque, it still manages to maintain warmth. The S90 is available with three powertrains — the T5 has a 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, T6 has a 316-horsepower turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder, and the T8 model is a plug-in hybrid in conjunction with the turbocharged-supercharged four-cylinder. Both front-drive and all-wheel-drive models are available. That said, the T5 will suit many buyers well, and even the better-equipped, more powerful T6 Momentum falls within the $40,000 price parameter.
9. 2018 Cadillac CTS
The Cadillac CTS is a vehicle that has multiple personalities, and that’s without even considering the CTS-V high-performance version. The base 2018 CTS offers a 268-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but a better choice is the 335-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. In the V-Sport model, a turbocharged version the 3.6-liter V6 brews up 420-horsepower. Rear-drive is standard in the CTS, and some variants offer an all-wheel-drive option. In the Cadillac tradition, a lot of things are standard — proximity keyless entry, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, and remote start are among them. We’re not giant fans of the Cadillac CUE infotainment system, but the unit in the CTS does have an 8-inch touchscreen display, 11-speaker Bose stereo, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
10. 2017 Acura RLX
The 2017 Acura RLX is about the same length as the Volvo S90, and that means it’s either a large mid-size luxury car or a small full-size luxury car. Either way you look at it, the RLX has a roomy interior and a great record in the safety department. At the same time, its rather bland styling didn’t catch the fancy of many new-luxury-car buyers. That means you might be able to drive a very good bargain on a used version. The 2017 RLX offers a few examples of Acura’s out-of-the-box thinking. The base RLX has a 310-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. The RLX Sport Hybrid throws three electric motors into the mix and features all-wheel-drive. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the 2017 RLX is its four-wheel-steering system that is designed to sharpen cornering at high speeds.
