10 Used Cars That Give You The Most Features For Under $20,000
Used-car shopping under $20,000 has never been more competitive — or more rewarding, if you know where to look. The secret weapon most buyers overlook is the luxury segment, where steep depreciation means yesterday’s premium cabin is today’s bargain. A five- or six-year-old luxury sedan can hand you features — massaging seats, surround-view cameras, premium audio — that still embarrass plenty of new mainstream cars. The catch is knowing which models hold up and which ones to avoid.
Luxury sedans come loaded with cutting-edge technology and a plethora of comfort features designed to make the cabin feel like a place you want to be. They also tend to depreciate quite quickly once you drive them off the dealership floor. This means that you can get features that rival those in new mainstream cars for a bargain.
We’ve taken a look at used sedans available for under $20,000 and found what we believe to be the best options if you’re looking for lots of features. These sedans are luxurious and feature high-end infotainment systems and other creature comforts without you having to break the bank. Do note that we’ve also included the prices of their performance variants, which is why the prices on the higher end breach $20,000.
2017 Jaguar XF
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $10,050 – $15,950
When looking for a luxury sedan, most people limit themselves to BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. However, the Jaguar XF gives you plenty of good reasons to expand your horizons a little bit. This fantastic-looking sports sedan exemplifies class and comfort, with a cabin absolutely loaded with fine materials and tech befitting the Jaguar name.
Key Features
- 17-Speaker Meridian Sound System
- 12.3-Inch Digital Gauge Cluster
- Four-Zone Climate Control
- Heated And Cooled Front Seats
- Available 380 Horsepower Supercharged V-6
The XF was redesigned in 2016, so the 2017 model year remains genuinely modern in feel. It may not be as sporty or outright quick as some of its rivals, but it delivers a sophisticated cabin loaded with high-end materials and one of the smoothest rides you’ll find at this price point. Even the most basic trim level comes with a tech package that punches well above its weight.
2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $10,450 – $30,500
As far as mid-size luxury sedans go, the E-Class has always been at the front of the pack. It might not be as sporty or as engaging as some of its rivals, but it is one of the most comfortable cars out there. The 2016 model year is so affordable because it sits just before the major 2017 redesign, yet it still has a great deal to offer.
Key Features
- Mbrace Telematics System
- Mercedes-Brand Analog Clock
- Voice-Controlled Infotainment System
- Multicontour Chairs
- Excellent Safety/Driver Assist Package
The E-Class prioritizes comfort above all else, with driving dynamics that are a little lax compared to other key players. However, it delivers a smooth ride that is practically unmatched in this segment. This model year also features the Mbrace system, which allows you to control some of the sedan’s core functions through your smartphone.
2017 BMW 5 Series
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $11,500 – $18,700
This model year marked a shift in the 5-Series away from the ultimate sports sedan toward a luxury cruiser. While that disappointed many enthusiasts at the time, if you’re shopping for a comfortable used sedan, it is one of the best options available. Conservative styling aside, it is loaded with features that make it an absolute bargain to pick up on the used market.
Key Features
- 10.2-Inch Infotainment Screen
- Available Apple CarPlay
- Remote Self Parking
- Surround View Camera
- Multicontour Seats
For 2017, the 5-Series traded its raucous edge for something more grown-up and refined. While thrills can still be found, this generation is best suited to someone who prioritizes high levels of comfort. It offers tons of standard features, though the most desirable ones are optional — so make sure any used example you consider has the extra equipment fitted.
2018 Infiniti Q50
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $12,500 – $21,300
While the most recent model year of the Q50 is overlooked because of how outdated it is, the 2018 model was still pretty good for its time. It offers a slightly more rugged approach to the compact sedan segment, with its available V-6 delivering serious power and sharp body lines that look more aggressive than most of its rivals.
Key Features
- Dual Infotainment Screen System
- Surround-View Monitor
- Steer-By-Wire System
- Eight-Way Power Adjustable Seats
- Optional 300 Horsepower Twin-Turbo V-6
The Q50 is contemporary and stylish, at least for its era. It may not have the refinement to contend against segment leaders like the BMW 3-Series or Audi A4, but it offers solid value. Infiniti updated it for the 2018 model year, so it feels a touch more modern than its age might suggest.
2018 BMW 3 Series
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $12,700 – $26,900
While the sixth-generation 3 Series is not exactly a fan favorite, it still embodies the ethos that made it one of the most popular nameplates in the luxury sedan segment. This model came toward the end of the generation and benefited from a number of improvements over the years, including a facelift in 2016 and updated infotainment software.
Key Features
- Standard LED Headlights And Fog Lights
- 8.8-Inch Infotainment Screen
- Apple CarPlay
- On-Board Wi-Fi
- Available Wireless Charging
While the 3 Series’ rivals were offering slightly better interior styling at this point in time, no one can fault the tech on offer. The interior of the 2018 3 Series shows its age through a minimalist design that is decidedly German, but it still manages to deliver plenty of features that make it a comfortable and connected place to be.
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $13,100 – $24,800
The luxury segment can sometimes feel a little cold, with automakers forgetting that a car needs to be enjoyable. That’s not a problem the Giulia has ever faced. It is the perfect expression of an Italian sports sedan — loaded with comfort features, but more importantly, it has soul. Beyond its long list of equipment, this is a car that you’ll genuinely look forward to driving.
Key Features
- Genuine Wood Trim
- Standard Dual-Zone Climate Control
- 8.8-Inch Infotainment System
- Active Suspension System
- Available Harman Kardon Sound System
While other compact sports sedans may be a little quicker off the line, the Giulia offers some of the best driving dynamics of any sedan in its segment. When you tone it down, the Giulia is also incredibly comfortable, with its suspension system absorbing road imperfections with ease. It also has one of the best infotainment systems of any vehicle this age.
2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $13,350 – $30,100
When it comes to comfort, few manufacturers can live up to the standard set by Mercedes. While the S-Class is out of reach at this price point, the compact C-Class is still very much attainable. This model year may be approaching a decade old, though it certainly doesn’t look it — the C-Class still hosts a list of features that would put many modern vehicles to shame.
Key Features
- Wood Grain Trim
- 8.4-Inch Infotainment Screen
- Optional Air Suspension
- Standard Automatic Emergency Braking
- Leather Upholstery
For the 2015 model year, the C-Class was redesigned. The minimalistic approach of the outgoing model was ditched, and the German brand embraced its identity as a trendsetter. This meant a much more striking design, with everything covered in wood, soft-touch materials, or metallic trim bits. There is also tons of legroom in the C-Class, making it super comfortable on long-haul drives.
2018 Audi A4
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $14,900 – $17,250
The Audi A4 was redesigned for the 2017 model year, gaining a stylish new exterior and a cabin packed with the latest tech offerings of the era. It is no surprise that many of those features hold up well today. While not the quickest in the segment, the A4 is clearly tuned to be enjoyable, with some of the best handling dynamics available in a compact luxury sedan.
Key Features
- Virtual Cockpit Gauge Display
- 8.3-Inch Infotainment Screen
- Standard Apple CarPlay And Android Auto
- 19-Speaker Bang & Olufsen Sound System
- Standard Heated Front Seats
Audi’s A4 compact sedan is engaging and genuinely fun to drive, even if it isn’t the quickest from zero to 60 miles per hour. More impressive than anything, though, is its suite of infotainment technology. The A4 offered one of the most comprehensive lists of standard features of any sedan in the segment at the time, and its spacious, well-appointed cabin still feels welcoming today.
2017 Audi A5 Sportback
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $16,100
It has been a long time since the A5 was simply a two-door A4. Just about everything — from its dimensions to its mechanical underpinnings — has set it apart for years. In fact, the A5 is set to replace the A4 entirely. The A5 is a great value proposition, coming with a generous standard-features list that allows its base models to rival some of the top trims from BMW and Mercedes.
Key Features
- Standard Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Keyless Entry
- Heated Seats
- 7-Inch Infotainment Screen
- 14-Speaker Bang & Olufsen Sound System
As is the case with most Audis, the A5 comes equipped with a stronger suite of technology than many of its direct rivals. The cabin is comfortable and well-stocked with the modern features you’d want in a new car, along with enough luxury touches to keep you relaxed on even the longest road trips.
2016 Lexus ES 350
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $18,600 – $18,750
Because of their reputation for reliability and durability, used Lexus models are consistently among the most sought-after on the second-hand market. Of their sedans, the 2016 ES 350 represents the best value. The ES received a refresh for the 2016 model year, gaining modern technology and a contemporary look that still holds up well.
Key Features
- Bi-LED Headlights
- Lexus Safety System+
- Bamboo Trim and Flaxen Upholstery
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Heated And Cooled Seats
As far as entry-level luxury sedans go, the ES remains a benchmark. It doesn’t offer the driving verve that other options in its segment do, but its ride quality is easily one of the best. Reliability is always a consideration when buying used, and the ES delivers fully on the Lexus reputation.
Sources: OEMs, KBB
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