We can all agree that there's something special about a brand-new car. They have the latest and greatest technology, everything is fresh and clean, and there's that new car smell. Despite the draw of a brand new set of wheels, most of us can also agree that the used car market is where you can grab the best deal. No matter what kind of car or SUV you're looking for, thousands of examples are available. How do you know what to get? Here are a few choices for the best cars to buy used.
2015-2020 Volkswagen GTI (Mk7) - The Practical Sporty Hatchback
Practicality and fun are often at odds, but the Volkswagen GTI has proven that’s not always the case for over fifty years. The best option for everyone currently on the market is the seventh-generation model, which was sold from 2015 through 2020. It's a great blend of performance, modern safety, and easy maintenance, allowing it to fit well with any kind of owner, not just the DIY-focused.
Under the hood is the Gen 3 EA888, one of VW’s most popular engines. Parts are about as accessible as they come for a modern VW, though, you won’t have to buy too many, as the turbocharged 2.0L engine is plenty reliable at stock output. Peak performance figures range between 217hp and 230hp, depending on the trim, but torque will be 258 lb-ft. Transmissions are either a six-speed manual or a DSG automatic. The latter has six speeds in early models and seven in facelifted ones. Other highlights include the VAQ differential, Fender Audio, touchscreen infotainment, and leather seating, which were optional when new, so be sure to look out for those.
Practicality comes as you’d like it with models featuring two or four doors. The latter is best for carrying rear seat occupants, but interior volume is good either way. You’d be surprised how much you can fit in the Golf with the rear seat folded down, and there’s always the ability to fit a roof rack. Depending on the year, mileage, and condition, you can expect to pay an average of $8,000-$15,000 for a Mk7 GTI. We recommend the 2018+ models as their tech is a bit better, but those will cost more on average.
The only thing that may be better than the GTI is its big brother, the Golf R. Both can be bought for similar money while providing more performance and tech. Click here to read more about how the two stack up.
2017-2019 Audi S4 (B9, Pre-facelift) - The Performance Luxury Sedan
Audi’s sport sedan has seen more than a few iterations over the years. This latest, and last, generation is the best there is, and while it’s still fresh on the market, early examples are reaching affordable prices in good, lightly used condition. It’s quick, luxurious, full of tech features, and good-looking; what else could you need?
The B9 generation S4 sports VAG’s turbocharged EA839 3.0T V6 engine. It’s a departure from its predecessor's beloved supercharged V6, but the turbocharged engine makes up for any perceived loss in character with more power, objectively better reliability, and a bit better fuel economy. Peak figures are 349hp and 369 lb-ft, so it’s no slouch, and even more can be had with some tuning. It’s also paired with the AL552 ZF 8HP automatic transmission, a common inclusion in many European and American vehicles. It’s a modern wonder, providing quick and direct shifts when needed and the high-gear, low-RPM cruising to stretch fuel supply. They combine for about a 4.5s sprint to 60mph and 30+mpg highway driving.
The rest of the B9 revolves around the MLB Evo B chassis. Beneath the stylish exterior is a chassis lighter and stiffer than the B8 for better handling performance and comfort. Standard sport suspension or optional adaptive (CDC) suspension keeps the S4 composed through the bends, and large brakes with multi-piston fixed calipers provide anchor-like braking ability. However, the leather-clad and tech-heavy interior will get you through your traffic-filled commutes. A digital instrument cluster and Audi’s latest MMI software on a central screen provide a quick and capable way of getting the needed information. There’s even a heads-up display to help you keep your eyes close to the road. While that’s not a safety feature, the B9 S4 is filled with the best Audi offers, so you can take solace knowing you’ve also made a safe choice.
Along with the S4, the S5 Sportback also provides four doors for ease of occupancy. It’s much of the same car but has a softer roofline that culminates in a lift-back-style trunk. You may have better success finding one of those over an S4 if you’re particular about a specific spec, as the S5 Sportback was the best seller of the S4 and S5 variants. Luckily, prices between the two are about even, so there won’t be a premium for one body style. The best deals are between $22,000 and $30,000, with mileage in the 50,000 to 70,000-mile range.
2009-2012 Porsche Cayman S (987.2) - The Sports Car
Regarding German sports cars, it's hard to think of anything better than a Porsche. With decades of experience developing and refining its engineering prowess, Porsche always delivers a driving experience second to none. While there are many Porsches, from the powerful Turbo to the edgy, track-derived GT3 models, the facelifted Cayman S is a wise choice.
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The 987 platform was introduced in 2005, and in 2009, received the all-new 9A1 direct-injected flat-six engine, doing away with the notorious and sometimes troublesome M96/M97 engine family. With new construction and direct-fuel injection, the Cayman S gained power, up to 320 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, and the option to add the excellent 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission for the first time. Performance was solid, with 0-60 in around 4.5 seconds, which remains pretty quick today, but the Cayman S wasn't about just acceleration; it was about balance and driving pleasure.
On that front, the Cayman S has plenty of both. The chassis is notably balanced, with the mid-engine layout providing even weight distribution and Porsche's unbeatable suspension tuning providing ample control and excellent feedback. And while I will almost always go for the manual transmission, the PDK is a lovely option for those who prefer to let the car handle the shifting. If you prefer a convertible, the Cayman's older brother, the Boxster S, comes with the same mechanical improvements but with a retractable roof.
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Generally, a well-cared-for 2009 and up DFI 9A1 Cayman or Boxster will have very little to look for in the way of significant engine or driveline problems. Examples can vary quite a bit depending on mileage, but you can start shopping around the $25,000 range for a Boxster S, and $35,000 for a Cayman S. Want to spend less? The 2009 and up 2.9 L Cayman base model doesn't have direct injection, but you can find more for sale, starting at $20,000. Other German heavyweights like the Z4 M Coupe, E9X M3, C63 AMG, and Audi RS5 can be had for around the same money, if not less, but you’re likely to spend much more on maintenance costs.
If you want something a bit larger and a bit faster, check out the Porsche 997 911. You can read our full Porsche 997 Buyer's Guide here.
2017-2019 Audi Q7 3.0T Quattro (4M Pre-facelift) - The Family SUV
There’s no getting around seating and space when the family requires it. Whether it’s a third row or the space to carry everyone’s gear, size is needed, and there are a few decent options. Audi’s second-generation Q7, the 4M, is likely the best of those options, thanks to a reliable drivetrain package. But with a sharp exterior, miles of leather upholstery, and quality driving characteristics, it’s more than just a big family hauler.
The Q7 has long been a stellar option for transport, and its current generation, which arrived in 2017, is now off-lease and widely available second-hand. Based around the MLB Evo C/D platform, the Q7 shares much of its underpinnings with other VAG products, like the Cayenne and Touareg. However, its drivetrain is unique to the Audi. They were available with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, but the best option at a reasonable price is the pre-facelift 3.0T-equipped models. They utilize the CREC-variant of Audi’s EA837 supercharged V6, which supplies 333hp and 325lb-ft of torque through a ZF 8HP automatic and quattro all-wheel drive. Even in a big heavy SUV, that was enough to launch the Q7 to 60mph in 5.5s and enable it to tow 7700lbs. That’s quicker than the Mk7 GTI mentioned above, and enough towing capacity to trailer two of them!
Beyond that, the Q7 offers luxury in spades, especially on the higher trims. Exact features depend on the trim and model year, but options like Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster, a 360-degree exterior camera system, LED head- and taillights, and a wireless smartphone charging pad are standard. Other bits like rear-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were available optionally. There’s even four-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof to go after.
The 3.0T trim with the supercharged engine was only available for three model years at the beginning of production, so most are onto their second owners by now. The best deals on these SUVs are around the mid $20,000 figure, plus or minus another few thousand to account for trim and mileage differences. For that, you get an SUV with modern features at just over a third of the cost when new. That’s how you take advantage of depreciation.
2006-2011 BMW 328i (E90, E91, E92, E93) - The Best Budget Bargain
It’s no secret that the used car market is currently in some state. Nothing is inexpensive anymore, and it's become harder to find simple transport that you can rely on within a real budget. However, it’s not impossible, as the E90 3-series is a surprising bargain when shopped right. It may be hard to believe for a mid-00s German car, but the non-turbo 328i variant (and the one-year-only 330i) is an easy source of relatively reliable motoring that is also somewhat sporty.
For well under $10,000, you can have a 328i with good service history and a clean bill of health, without having to look very far. They sold them in the tens of thousands with manual and automatic transmissions, in convertible, sedan, coupe, and wagon body styles, and in all sorts of colors inside and out. Many of those and subsequent second-hand buyers were BMW enthusiasts who cared for them like someone would an M3 of the same vintage. Plenty more are neglected and beaten, but those with good service history and recent maintenance, even if higher mileage, will get the job done.
The star of the show here is the N52 engine, a normally-aspirated 3.0L inline-six cylinder. With around 230hp and similar torque, they aren’t the quickest around, but they make a good noise and are somewhat responsive to modifications. On daily duty, they’re plenty reliable, so long as you look out for the typical BMW cooling system issues and oil leaks. Only the valvetronic system may present a “major” problem, but they’re DIYable. The manual transmission is free of issues, and the GM-based 6L45 automatic is nearly so. However, the transfer cases on xDrive models, regardless of transmission, can go bad. Click here to view all 60 videos FCP Euro has on repairing the E9X BMW 3-series.
The rest of the car is simple. There may be iDrive, but the radio will likely not have a screen, and the instrument cluster is mostly two analog dials with a small LCD screen between them. The suspension is either the standard or the sport suspension, both of which are passive. Lights are either halogen or Xenon up front, while LCI models received LED taillights. There aren’t many active safety features, but ABS, ESP, and airbags have gone a long way for many people and remain the basics today.
No matter what you're looking for, plenty of great used German cars are out there to check out. While you may not ultimately go with one of our list options, it's a great place to start your search. And who knows, you'll have one of these great used cars in your driveway before you know it.
