Best Used Luxury Cars Under $45k for 2024
The best used luxury cars under $45k based on a data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability, resale value and safety.
The best used luxury small and compact car under $45k is the 2022 Lexus IS 350 (9.1 quality rating), with the 2023 Lexus ES 350 being the best used luxury midsize car under $45k (8.7 quality rating). The 2018 Lexus LS 500 ranks #1 for the best used luxury large cars under $45k (7.8 quality rating).
The best used luxury hybrid car under $45k is the 2023 Lexus ES 300h (8.7 quality rating) and the best used luxury plug-in hybrid car under $45k (PHEV) is the 2020 BMW 7 Series (Plug-in Hybrid) (6.8 quality rating). Topping the list for the best used luxury electric cars under $45k is the 2020 Tesla Model S (8.1 quality rating), while the 2022 Audi TT (coupe) ranks first for the best used luxury sports cars under $45k (8.3 quality rating).
The best used luxury convertible under $45k is the 2021 Audi TT (convertible) (8.1 quality rating), with the 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country being the best used luxury wagon under $45k (8.2 quality rating).
How We Rank These Cars
iSeeCars Best Used Cars Under $45k Rankings are calculated based on the latest research by our data science team and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
We analyze data from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with the NHTSA's Safety Ratings to give you an unbiased guide to the best vehicles in each segment.
After being evaluated, vehicles with the highest average scores earn a spot in the iSeeCars Best Car Rankings. (No final score is given to vehicles missing a score in any of the categories, but scores for other categories are still shown.)
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
