Looking to enter the luxury car market in 2025? JustAnswer’s automotive expert Chris Pyle recently provided a reality check on the ‘affordability’ of luxury cars that may surprise you.
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“Cars are never going to be affordable; they just get more expensive every year,” Pyle pointed out. He pointed out that true affordability comes from changes in an individual’s financial situation.
“The only way to make it more affordable is to raise salaries or reduce debt to income from paying other expenses,” he says.
Rather than focusing on lower prices, his insights reveal smart ways to get luxury features without a premium price tag.
Hidden luxury value: Ford Explorer
Although not traditionally considered a luxury car, Pyle revealed why the Ford Explorer is worth considering.
“There are very few additional features that Ford hasn’t included as options on this vehicle,” he said.
This list of features impressed even this veteran mechanic. “You can massage their butts, you can warm up the butts of second-row passengers. They’ll let you know when you’re driving dangerously, and there are cameras all around you (and ). You can also find a parking space and park there.
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Lexus value proposition
Regarding proven luxury value, Mr. Pyle highlighted several Lexus models.
“Right now, they have about seven cars and SUVs that are worth owning: ES350, RX350, ES300, GS350, IS350, NX300, (and) LX570,” he said.
What are the advantages?
“Resale value is a bonus here. Lexus has value,” Pyle said. He added that the “cost of ownership is about the same” and “the fuel MPGs aren’t too bad either.”
However, the car expert warned that while it is “packed with bells and whistles that won’t break the bank”, “Lexus’ range is near the top of the range in terms of purchase cost, and many are leased”.
Compact luxury candidate
For those looking for a more affordable luxury option, Pyle pointed to the Audi A340.
“It’s rare to find an Audi this cheap,” he says, but cautioned about the “small trunk.” Still, he praised the “high-tech cockpit of the kind you normally see in an Audi.”
A similar observation applies to another competitor. “The Cadillac CT40 emulates these sentiments, but has less space behind front seat passengers,” Pyle noted.
conclusion
It’s true that luxury car prices aren’t going down, but if you know where to look and what compromises you’re willing to make, you can find cars that offer luxury features without the traditional luxury car price tag. There are options.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Luxury Cars That Will Be Affordable in 2025
