We’re always on the hunt for bargains that might not cost much up front, but repay dividends in terms of power, performance, and comfort. What better place to start that search than old flagship luxury sedans? In order to set boundaries, we wanted to look at today’s market first. The average price of a new car reached almost $52,000 recently.
That’s far too much to invest in a used sedan that will cost thousands more in maintenance later on, so we went a step further and kept our budget below that of a new base Honda Civic. The 2026 Civic sedan starts at $24,695. These high-powered flagship models may have started near the six-figure range when they were new, but now they’re worth less than a Civic.
All specifications have been pulled directly from the manufacturers. Used prices vary depending on where the vehicle is located, how many miles are on the odometer, the vehicle’s number of owners, its cosmetic and mechanical conditions, and more factors. Current used value estimates in this article are figures from the CarBuzz Marketplace price trends or KBB fair purchase price values. Photos may not represent the exact trim levels discussed.
8
2014 Audi A8 L 4.0T
Current Used Value Estimate: $12,950
Kicking off our list of the cheapest used flagship sedans is the 2014 Audi A8 L. The A8 debuted in the late 1990s, then, after a few updates and refreshes, the third generation debuted for the 2011 model year. 2014 marked the mid-point of the third-gen before it was updated again for 2015. That said, this version of the A8 once cost nearly $90k – today, Kelley Blue Book marks the long wheelbase variant with a 4.0-liter engine to be worth $12,950.
In 2014, buyers could choose among four engine options, including a 3.0T, a 3.0L TDI, a 4.0T, and a W12. We’ll focus on the 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 that made 420 horsepower and 444 lb-ft of torque. Power was sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the inside, buyers can enjoy leather seats and wood trim, multi-zone air conditioning, blind spot monitoring, and more.
We’d be wary, though, since RepairPal’s data shows the model costs $1,306 per year to maintain and repair. Owners report issues with carbon buildup in the engine and issues with the turbochargers.
7
2014 Jaguar XJ Supercharged
Current Used Value Estimate: $15,000
The next-most expensive car on our list is the 2014 Jaguar XJ Supercharged. The regular XJ is a fine luxury model that can work as a commuter car to the office and back, but the Supercharged trim level steps it up a notch. When it was new, Jaguar wanted $90,600 for the standard wheelbase, and $93,600 for the long wheelbase variant. Today, price trends data from the CarBuzz Marketplace shows it to be worth around $15k.
It’s powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that makes 470 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque. It’s capable of reaching 60 mph from a dig in the mid 4-second range, and has a top speed of 174 miles per hour. On the inside, buyers are graced by leather upholstery, a Meridian premium audio system, optional front massaging seats, and much more. LWB variants even have optional folding tables for the rear seats, among other amenities. The only downside is, of course, its maintenance costs; RepairPal places the 2014 XJ at $1,273 per year to maintain. It also gives the XJ a 2.5 out of 5 for reliability.
6
2014 BMW 750Li
Current Used Value Estimate: $15,800
Yet another 2014 model graces our list in the form of the BMW 750Li. Competing directly with the A8 L, this BMW sedan is a long, comfortable, yet sporty model that once cost $91,000. Buyers who prefer a regular wheelbase could have gotten the 750i for $87,300. Nevertheless, it’s worth about $16k, according to CarBuzz Marketplace price trend data. Kelley Blue Book places its fair purchase price at $11,050, but most listings around the country in average or decent condition place it higher.
Under the hood is a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the inside, the rear seats are expansive with 44.3 inches of legroom. Leather and wood line the cabin, optional massaging rear seats and more make the 750Li a steal for its price. RepairPal doesn’t have an overall annual maintenance budget, but it lists some of the most expensive repairs as a radiator replacement for up to $2,587 and a sunroof motor for up to $1,836.
5
2011 Lexus LS 460 L RWD
Current Used Value Estimate: $16,000
The 2011 Lexus LS 460 is the most reliable flagship sedan on this list by far. Despite its reputation for reliability, the LS 460L RWD still lost quite a bit of value over the years. While it once cost $70,925, it’s now worth about $16k according to our price trend data. KBB places the 460 L around $13k, but actual listings place it higher.
It’s powered by a 4.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 that makes 380 horsepower and 367 lb-ft of torque that spins the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Like most other models in its segment, the interior is adorned with leather and real wood, and features include 16-way power adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation.
We wouldn’t be too concerned about its reliability, either, since JD Power gave it a 93 out of 100 when it was new, and RepairPal records its annual maintenance at $767, or nearly half of the cost to maintain its rivals.
4
2009 Cadillac STS-V
Current Used Value Estimate: $16,800
The oldest model we’ll go over today is the 2009 Cadillac STS-V. It’s not quite as plush or regal as some more common models on this list, but it deserves a spot here for its positioning among Cadillac’s sedans, and its current value. It wasn’t quite as expensive as the other flagships, either, coming in at $81,795 when it was new. Although they’re rare today, buyers can still find examples for under $17k.
The STS-V is powered by a 4.4-liter supercharged V8 that makes 469 hp and 439 lb-ft of torque, which was sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic. As cool as it is, this sedan didn’t sell too well when it was new. It was overshadowed by the cheaper, equally cool CTS-V, leading to only fewer than 100 units selling for the 2009 model year. We’re using the 2009 model as an example, here, but you can find STS-Vs from 2006 through 2009.
As far as reliability goes, there aren’t many specific examples of this car having issues, due to its low production volume. The Northstar V8 had some major issues prior to the STS-V’s debut, which were largely solved by the time it came out. It’s only worth so little, since the CTS-V is so much more desirable.
3
2014 Maserati Quattroporte GTS
Current Used Value Estimate: $18,200
One of the steepest-depreciated models on this list is the 2014 Maserati Quattroporte GTS. When it was new, the GTS trim cost buyers $140,500 — today it’s worth under $20k in average condition, making it half the cost of a new BMW 3 Series.
The GTS trim is powered by a Ferrari-developed 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that makes 523 horsepower and 524 lb-ft of torque. This is the same engine found in the Ferrari California, the 488, Portofino, and more, where it was tuned or slightly modified depending on the model. In the Quattroporte GTS’s case, it has enough power to launch the car to 60 mph in the mid 4-second range before reaching a top speed of 192 mph.
There are all kinds of sources pertaining to Maserati reliability. However, we like to hear it from owners themselves; one owner on the Maserati Life forum explained how he bought a 2014 Quattroporte GTS, and a Euro-specific shop wanted nearly $6,000 in 2023 to change the oil, replace the engine and cabin air filters, replace the spark plugs and coils, and fix a leak in the steering rack a pinion.
2
2014 Mercedes-Benz S 550
Current Used Value Estimate: $19,000
Perhaps the best-known flagship sedan of our time, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class earns a place on our list with its unmistakable styling, road presence, and interior comfort. The 2014 model year comes back to this list once again, since the S 550 from the time is currently selling for under or around $20k (despite an original MSRP of $92,900 for the RWD variant and $95,900 for the 4Matic AWD drivetrain).
This sedan turns its rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission, which is connected to a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8. It’s plenty quick, since it makes 455 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, leading to a 4.8-second 0-60 mph sprint. On the inside, heated and ventilated front and rear seats are optional, plus massaging seats and more. RepairPal says the 2014 S 550 costs $1,281 per year to maintain.
1
2017 Genesis G90 5.0 Ultimate
Current Used Value Estimate: $19,750
Some of you may not have expected Genesis to make this list, but the G90’s debut year, 2017, more than qualifies. It remains the brand’s most luxurious model, and cost $69,700 in 2017 for the RWD model. Buyers can generally find examples for $19k today, though.
The G90 could be powered by a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, but its 5.0 Ultimate trim is the best version. As its same would suggest, it’s powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that makes 420 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. According to independent testing, it can sprint to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 148 mph (limited). Its interior features a 22-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, chrome steering-wheel controls, stitched leather, soft-touch surfaces, and real wood and metal trim. As long as you end up with the 5.0L engine, there are few reported problems to worry about.
Sources: Audi, Jaguar, BMW, Lexus, Cadillac, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Genesis, Kelley Blue Book, RepairPal, MaseratiLife
