Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
5 Great Used Luxury Car Bargains
By : Benjamin Hunting
Date : 04/23/2009
Back in the heyday of the American automotive industry, most advertising was oriented towards convincing car buyers to slowly work their way up the ladder of prestige that each car company had built into their brand structure. Entry-level shoppers would buy their first Chevrolet, trade it in for a Buick, then maybe flip that for an Oldsmobile – all the while building up to the ultimate goal of parking a Cadillac in their driveway.
Over the years, increased competition in the luxury segment has led to a cutthroat battle of technological innovation and feature escalation. Each year’s new model is that much faster, more comfortable and loaded with a few more gadgets than the one that came before it. This has had the interesting side effect of making used luxury cars far more accessible to a wider range of luxury car buyers.
Why is this the case? Quite simply, the race to produce the best and most exclusive new vehicles diverts a significant amount of the prestige spotlight away from year-old models. Not only that, but many car companies base at least part of the pride of ownership attached to their vehicles on the expensive initial purchase price, which in many cases is not tied directly to the value proposition of the automobile itself. Finally, some buyers are worried about purchasing such technologically complex vehicles without the safety net of the original manufacturer’s warranty.
Each of these factors are reflected in the accelerated depreciation on the resale market faced by almost all luxury brands. Instead of climbing the rungs leading up to the premium car stratosphere, buyers can now jump directly into the used car pool and make a serious splash for not a lot of money.
This article takes a look at 5 used luxury cars which exhibited the largest three-year depreciation and explains why they make excellent purchases as high quality used automobiles. The depreciation values listed are based on book pricing for a vehicle in excellent condition, and do not take into account market fluctuations or mileage, which could lower the price differential even further.
2006 Lexus LS
46% depreciation (MSRP $56,525 New)The 2006 Lexus LS 430 represented the pinnacle of Toyota’s luxury efforts. This full-size sedan was billed as the smoothest, most comfortable and most dependable high-end automobile on the roads, and its reliability scores as a used automobile back up these claims.
The 2006 Lexus LS 430 was the final year of production for the third generation of the vehicle, and a new design and drivetrain would appear for 2007. This does not detract from the experience of owning the 2006 model. Powered by a 4.3 liter V8 producing 290 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, the LS 430’s powertrain also featured a 6-speed automatic transmission that was a market leader at the time of its release.
Inside, the Lexus LS 430 features several available grades of leather seats, a moon roof and a host of upgrade packages that can provide anything from a navigation system and top notch stereo to rear air conditioning and a massage feature. HID lights, air suspension, a backup assistance feature and radar-guided cruise control are also optional.
The 2006 Lexus LS 430 is an inexpensive method of stepping into the world of ultra-luxury minus the threat of looming repair bills and finicky high-tech features.
2006 Audi A4 / 2006 Audi A6 (tie)
48% depreciation (MSRP $28,240 / $40,820 New)The Audi A4 and the Audi A6 were completely re-designed in 2009, and this has hit the resale values of the previous models quite hard. The A4 also saw a re-design 3 years ago for the 2006 model, while the A6 was refreshed a few years later. This means that while they might look different than their current editions, they are still very modern vehicles which fit in well on the road.
Each of these vehicles feature either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and are sold in a sedan or a wagon body style. This has made them popular with both growing families and those who are forced to slog it out in winter climates that see a lot of snowy weather and ice-covered roads. From 2006-on, the A4 features both a 200 horsepower, 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a 255 horsepower, 3.2 liter V6. The A6 is available with the V6 or a 4.2 liter, 335 horsepower V8 during the same time period, and a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission are the order of the day for both cars The A4 also features a convertible model.
The A4 is very competent as an entry-level, compact luxury car, and the A6 acquits itself well in the mid-size segment. Both vehicles compete hard against BMW and Mercedes-Benz for the attentions of buyers, and as such they feature comparable features, ride quality and handling. Used, either of these cars could be considered a true bargain when compared to the cost of buying new.
2006 Audi A8
54% depreciation (MSRP $68,130 New)The 2006 Audi A8 offers basically the same package as the current 2009 A8 model. Audi’s largest sedan, the most recent generation of the A8 was introduced in 2003 and has received significant praise from critics and buyers alike for its all-wheel drive sure-footedness and its excellent interior design.
The 2006 Audi A8 makes use of a 330 horsepower, 4.2 liter V8 engine that features 5-valves per cylinder and four camshafts to ensure almost instantaneous acceleration and the best possible fuel mileage. A 6-speed transmission sits between the motor and Audi’s vaunted Quattro AWD system.
Audi has always been recognized for their attention to detail when it comes to vehicle controls, interior ergonomics and computer systems integration, and the A8 is no exception. Along with the standard leather and wood or brushed metal trim, the A8 also features heated and ventilated seats, huge amounts of interior room and their Multi-Media Interface control system which handles vehicle settings for navigation, entertainment and environmental settings.
The Audi A8 is a true autobahn cruiser that is almost identical to the new model but at a far lower price.
2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
53% depreciation (MSRP $95,500 New)The 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a full-size coupe that has very few peers on the used market. Competing with the BMW 6 Series, the CL-Class is oriented more towards luxury than sport, and it offers classy and elegant styling that speaks to its exclusivity.
2006 marked the end of production for the CL-Class before an updated model was introduced in 2007. It can be had with either a 302 horsepower, 5.0 liter V8 or a stunning 493 horsepower, twin-turbo 5.5 liter V8 under the hood. The 8-cylinder unit is matched to a 7-speed automatic, while the 12-cylinder makes do with a stouter 5-speed auto. When equipped with the turbocharger, the CL-Class’s acceleration is remarkable, and the car is capable of cruising well into triple digit speeds with the utmost calm and poise.
As with all Mercedes-Benz cars, the CL-Class provides a well-sculpted passenger compartment that makes tasteful use of wood trim and leather accents. A navigation system and a Bose stereo are standard equipment, as is the Tele Aid vehicle information and communications system. The coupe’s rear seats are large enough to accommodate adults on even longer trips, thanks to the vehicle’s extended wheelbase. This helps to make the CL-Class one of the more practical premium two-doors available.
The elegance and style of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is matched only by its exceptional value after depreciation on the used market.
2006 Jaguar XJ
60% depreciation (MSRP $ 61,830 New)For many years, Jaguar fought a losing battle in the minds of the car buying public with respect to reliability of their automobiles. While the ghosts of poor electrical systems and balky engines are long in the company’s past, their specter remains, and this in turn heavily affects the value of used Jaguars.
The 2006 Jaguar XJ carries on the British brand’s tradition of preserving the basic corporate look while still managing to incorporate some modern styling attributes. Its understated beauty is complemented by the choice of either a 294 horsepower, 4.2 liter V8 or a supercharged 390 horsepower version of the same. A 6-speed automatic transmission and self-leveling suspension are par for the course.
Jaguar’s restraint continues throughout the XJ’s interior, which doesn’t overwhelm occupants with flashy trim or in-your-face features. Dual climate controls and power leather seats are of course included, but some of the more exotic options include Peruvian wood inlays and lambs wool rugs for the floors. HID headlights, a DVD entertainment system for rear passengers and special 20 inch wheels can also be ordered.
The 2006 Jaguar XJ leads the luxury pack in the dubious category of most radical depreciation, but it also comes out ahead in sheer road presence and brand recognition amongst pedestrians and other drivers alike. The XJ is definitely a car to be seen in, and no one else has to know that it was purchased for significantly less than its original MSRP.
Top 10 Sexiest Cars on the Road in 2009
By : Autotropolis Contributors
Date : 03/03/2009
The Sexiest Cars on the Road of 2009
The sexiest cars on the road turn heads wherever they go. Luxury interiors, exotic body styles, unique add-ons and much more can be found in this category. Those who purchase these types of machines are prepared to spend oodles of cash maintaining and caring for their new rides. Many people will have their vehicles "tuned," by adding larger wheels, adding tinting or even modifying the engine, suspension and exhaust of the vehicle.
This category is incredibly diverse and inordinately large. Creating a list of the top vehicles within the category was exhausting work, but we did it, gladly. You'll find our list exhaustive, though you will not find any of the Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Lotus offerings available because we wanted our list to be accessible to a wide range of car buyers. Our list combines vehicles with the best of technology, as well as the best of, well, sexiness. In addition, we tried to include options that the average driver could hope to attain, as well as those with astronomical price tags.
Ranking the Sexiest Cars of 2009
We selected only 10 cars from the myriad available. We chose only those we felt offered the ultimate combination of style, design and sex appeal. We also used pure, unadulterated style, uniqueness, drivability, connectivity and luxury features to help make our decision. Low-end vehicles were judged on a combination of possible modifications, originality, uniqueness and more. Technology, connectivity, performance and polish were also thrown into the mix for good measure.
Throughout the categories on our list, you'll find the best of modern innovation, as well as the judicious application of stunning new technology. After all, if your ride is going to be sexy, it should offer the best of technology to ramp up your efforts, shouldn't it?
If the Cadillac XLR-V, Cadillac CTS-V or the BMW M6 are a bit pricey, be sure to check out their standard counterparts, the XLR, CTS and 6 Series.
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