Skoda Superb

MG HS

New Dacia Duster

BMW M3

New BMW M5

Mazda 3

Aston Martin DBX

Cupra Terramar

best-used-luxury-cars-for-pound10000

If you have a budget of £10,000 to spend on a brand new car, your options, quite literally, are zero. The used market is a very different story, though, with even&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/luxury-cars/n17020">luxury cars</a>&nbsp;(and a few&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/luxury-suvs/n17036">luxury&nbsp;SUVs</a>) available for&nbsp;that aforementioned amount of cash.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sure, they won't be the latest, flashiest&nbsp;cars in the class – for instance, they might ask you to put up&nbsp;with some dated tech. However,&nbsp;you'll struggle to find such&nbsp;reasonably priced&nbsp;opulence anywhere else.&nbsp;Our top 10 recommendations&nbsp;are as follows – all of which&nbsp;can be found&nbsp;via our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">used cars for sale</a>&nbsp;pages.&nbsp;

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile

Best used luxury cars for £10,000

Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.

If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.

The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.

In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.

LAND ROVER

RANGE ROVER

A costly car to maintain, fix and fuel but about as plush&nbsp;and classy as a private jet, this generation of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Range Rover</a>&nbsp;(known as the L322 to the Land Rover aficionado) is a future classic. Just make sure you find&nbsp;yourself&nbsp;one&nbsp;that's been cared for and cherished – a later car with the 4.4-litre diesel V8 engine is often a&nbsp;good option.&nbsp;

"Having owned one, I would say there are few luxury cars that are as good value as the L322 Range Rover. It’s supremely comfortable to drive on the road&nbsp;(thanks largely to&nbsp;its air suspension), plus it’s very capable off-road, with later models gaining Land Rover’s renowned terrain response system. Mind you, it is cheap to buy for a reason.&nbsp;Mine cost me a hefty amount to run." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/george-hill/n23609">George Hill, staff writer</a>

We found:&nbsp;2011 Range Rover 4.4 TD V8 Vogue,&nbsp;77,270 miles,&nbsp;£9995

10: Land Rover Range Rover

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Luxurious interior</li>
	<li>Fantastic driving position</li>
	<li>Relaxing ride</li>
	<li>Very capable off-road</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Heavy fuel consumption</li>
	<li>Pricey to insure</li>
	<li>Reliability concerns</li>
</ul>

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

TOUAREG

Launched at a time when the&nbsp;SUV&nbsp;was merely at the beginning of its growth spurt, the original&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/touareg/4x4/review/n199">Volkswagen&nbsp;Touareg</a>&nbsp;was an instant success, selling in large numbers.

This is the second-generation version and while it retained all the attractive features that made the first one such a big hit, it was also lighter, roomier and more economical. What's more, the Touareg shares parts with the plush and powerful&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/estate/review/n17375">Porsche Cayenne</a>.

"The Touareg's relation to the Cayenne isn't just inconsequential&nbsp;pub chat. The model feels more premium than you might expect from a VW." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/oliver-young/n22317">Oliver Young, used cars reporter</a>

We found:&nbsp;2011 Volkswagen&nbsp;Touareg 3.0 TDI V6 Tech Altitude, 86,715&nbsp;miles,&nbsp;£8850

9: Volkswagen Touareg

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Supple ride</li>
	<li>Excellent handling</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Plain interior</li>
	<li>Thirsty</li>
</ul>

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Overall, the Q7&nbsp;is more practical,&nbsp;but there’s otherwise not much between&nbsp;it and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38">BMW X5</a>. The X5 also benefits&nbsp;from&nbsp;all the traditional attributes you'd associate with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a>, including&nbsp;strong engines and excellent handling. It’s a cliché, but an X5 really can be hustled along like a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/sports-cars/n24412">sports car</a>&nbsp;on stilts.

"As someone who appreciates a sharp driving experience, even in a big SUV, the X5 holds a lot of appeal in my view." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/oliver-young/n22317">Oliver Young, used cars reporter</a>

We found:&nbsp;2012 BMW X5 3.0 40d M Sport,&nbsp;88,300&nbsp;miles,&nbsp;£9990

8: BMW X5

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Strong engines</li>
	<li>Driver involvement</li>
	<li>Roomy interior</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Poor ride</li>
	<li>Suspect build quality</li>
	<li>Expensive to run</li>
</ul>

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a>&nbsp;was the company's first attempt at a seven-seat&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/luxury-suvs/n17036">luxury SUV</a>. This beast is just as capable at tackling&nbsp;a muddy field as it is at catering for the big family holiday.&nbsp;You're getting&nbsp;a lot of car for the money with the Q7 – just be aware that running costs are likely to be high.&nbsp;

"There aren't many tasks that I found to be outside the Q7's wheelhouse – it's that capable." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, used cars editor</a>

We found:&nbsp;2011 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI V6 SE, 88,624 miles,&nbsp;£8990

7: Audi Q7

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Great build quality</li>
	<li>Very well-equipped</li>
	<li>Some off-road ability</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Firm ride</li>
	<li>Cramped interior</li>
	<li>It won't be cheap to run</li>
</ul>

Saloon

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

As the XJ's slightly smaller and cheaper&nbsp;sibling, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/xf/saloon/review/n85">Jaguar XF</a>&nbsp;trades a dose of luxury and comfort – it's still very posh, mind you – for some added agility and lower costs. For the money, this is one of the newest luxury cars you'll be able to get, the only big caveat being that reliable has proven subpar in the past.&nbsp;

"It's a real shame about the XF's poor reliability, because if it were more reliable, a fifth star (as a used buy) would be on the cards. I like the XF a lot in most respects." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, used cars editor</a>

We found:&nbsp;2018 Jaguar XF 2.0d Prestige, 74,750 miles, £9750

6: Jaguar XF

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Fabulous handling</li>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
	<li>Smooth ride</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>High running costs</li>
	<li>Subpar reliability</li>
	<li>So-so build quality</li>
</ul>

Hatchback

This generation of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a>&nbsp;isn't quite a match&nbsp;for the rival 5 Series or E-Class of the time – they're that bit sharper to drive&nbsp;–&nbsp;but there's still a lot to like here. The interior is classy and plush, the ride is largely smooth and comfortable, and there's a wide variety of engines to choose from – everything from 2.0-litre petrols and diesels to a 4.0-litre V8 in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs6/estate/review/n17185">Audi RS6 Avant</a>.&nbsp;

"Some people might complain about the A6 being&nbsp;too blasé&nbsp;to drive, but I think most people would&nbsp;argue that luxury cars are about comfort above all else and, seeing as the A6 does that very well, I'm left with little to complain about." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, used cars editor</a>

We found:&nbsp;2016 Audi A6&nbsp;2.0 TDI ultra SE,&nbsp;75,000 miles, £9995

5: Audi A6

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Powerful and efficient diesel engines</li>
	<li>Superb refinement</li>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>There are better exec cars to drive</li>
	<li>Some of the controls are fiddly</li>
	<li>Low-speed ride can be lumpy</li>
</ul>

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

E CLASS

This fourth-generation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">Mercedes E-Class</a>&nbsp;was tremendously well-received when it was new. For starters, the build quality was&nbsp;near-enough faultless, but, not only that,&nbsp;it was good to drive, roomy and comfortable –&nbsp;and all of that stands true to this day.&nbsp;

A 2014&nbsp;facelift saw even better&nbsp;interior quality, too.&nbsp;Big miles are not a problem, either, though parts can be expensive.&nbsp;

"Mercedes used to have a reputation for producing bulletproof (figuratively speaking) cars, but that has faded somewhat in recent years. This E-Class, although it's still&nbsp;not quite from the hayday of that, feels impeccably well put together if you ask me." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/oliver-young/n22317">Oliver Young, used cars reporter</a>

We found:&nbsp;2015 Mercedes E-Class E300dh SE,&nbsp;72,000 miles, £9999

4: Mercedes E-Class

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Spacious interior</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride on most versions</li>
	<li>Strong reputation for reliability</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>More expensive than some rivals</li>
	<li>Not exciting to drive</li>
	<li>Noisy 2.1-litre diesel</li>
</ul>

Audi may have pioneered the use of aluminium in its original A8, but Jaguar upped the game with this&nbsp;Jaguar XJ. Thanks to an aluminium bodyshell, it's lighter and stiffer than the previous XJ, translating&nbsp;into a really good car to drive, as well as a surprisingly efficient one, too.

Meanwhile, those svelte lines and leather-lined interior are enough to take the luxury car fight to the typically German status quo.&nbsp;

"The XJ has been a bit of a left-field choice in the past, but perhaps those days are over, seeing as used prices are among the most reasonable in its field. I was pleasantly surprised to see it scored an impressive&nbsp;95.8% in our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, too." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, used cars editor</a>

We found:&nbsp;2013 Jaguar XJ 3.0d V6 Premium Luxury,&nbsp;67,000 miles, £9995

3: Jaguar XJ

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Great handling</li>
	<li>Punchy engines</li>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Poor rear head room</li>
	<li>So-so quality</li>
	<li>Reliability of diesel-engined models varies</li>
</ul>

S CLASS

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/s-class/saloon/review/n17355">Mercedes S-Class</a>&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;go-to luxury car for many people, whether we're talking about new or used cars.&nbsp;It offers an outstanding level of quality and refinement. And, in our chosen spec S350 diesel form, it even boasts fairly reasonable running costs.

It’s comfortable, too, with a cosseting ride and plush seats – along with a very plush interior as a whole.&nbsp;There’s plenty of tech on-board and everything is&nbsp;easy to access and use. The fact you can have all this quality for £10,000&nbsp;makes the S-Class a true luxury car bargain.

"While some passengers can fall asleep at the drop of a hat, I'm not one of those people. The S-Class is one of the few cars I've been out like a light in. It's that comfortable. No wonder countless chauffeurs have been using them for decades." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/oliver-young/n22317">Oliver Young, used cars reporter</a>

We found:&nbsp;2013 Mercedes S-Class S350L,&nbsp;81,200 miles, £8995

2: Mercedes S-Class

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Supreme ride comfort</li>
	<li>Amazing value for money</li>
	<li>Strong diesel engine</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Often expensive to fuel and tax...</li>
	<li>...and service and fix (and the list goes on)</li>
</ul>

5 SERIES

You'll be hard pushed to find a car at any price that has as broad a range of talents as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5 Series</a>. For £10,000, you'll be able to buy a later example of this&nbsp;sixth-generation 5 Series – expect the entry-level (yet still punchy)&nbsp;2.0-litre diesel engine. It’s a marvellous driver’s car, especially when equipped with the adjustable suspension, making the already sharp handling even sharper and the already comfy ride even comfier.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Add to that its plush, spacious interior&nbsp;and class-leading iDrive infotainment system and you've got yourself an amazing buy.&nbsp;

"Sharp and engaging handling can come&nbsp;at the expense of comfort. However, that's not the case with the 5 Series.&nbsp;It's so well rounded and very much a crowd pleaser in that sense. It&nbsp;certainly won me over." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, used cars editor</a>

We found:&nbsp;2016 BMW 5 Series 520d SE,&nbsp;77,033 miles, £9688

1: BMW 5 Series

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Brilliant to drive with the right options</li>
	<li>Low running costs</li>
	<li>Easy-to-use entertainment system</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>A little skimpy on standard safety equipment</li>
	<li>Needs optional extras fitted to fulfil its potential</li>
	<li>Not as reliable as some rivals</li>
</ul>

Lavish interiors, cushy rides and limo-esque space are the calling cards of great luxury cars. With just £10k to play with, here are our top 10 recommendations

NEW REVIEWS:

Best used luxury cars for £10,000

Lavish interiors, cushy rides and limo-esque space are the calling cards of great luxury cars. With just £10k to play with, here are our top 10 recommendations...

The safest cars on sale in 2024 - the latest crash tests

Which is the best breakdown service in 2024

PCP or HP: should I still consider HP?

Most reliable used cars 2024: the best secondhand choices

Winter driving guide 2025: how to prepare your car for winter

New issue of What Car? magazine on sale now

Also consider

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information