10 Best Certified Pre-Owned Luxury Cars Under $30,000

In an unpredictable automotive environment, it feels good to have a little security. And buying a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) car instead of a typical used car does exactly that. A CPO vehicle undergoes an inspection by the dealership, which performs repairs if they are needed.

After the car is sold it will come with a manufacturer-backed warranty. And that’s really comforting. Oftentimes, these cars have lower mileage, too. For many folks, a CPO car can bring a little peace of mind to the used-car-buying experience. Here are the 10 best CPO luxury cars we found under $30,000.

The S90 is easily one of the prettiest sedans available at any price. And when it comes to the Scandinavian design on the inside, the Volvo stuns again. The large and intuitive infotainment screen combined with the soft wood tones and leathers make the Volvo feel warmer than its German rivals. The T6 version of the car packs 316 horsepower thanks to turbocharging and supercharging. And what those combined technologies provide is seamless thrust. Volvo was an early pioneer of driver-assist systems, and the S90 will happily take the helm on a boring stop-and-go commute. The S90 is a lot of car for the money and because there’s so much expensive tech on board, buying CPO makes a lot of sense. See Volvo S90 models for sale near you

Cadillac sedans have become some of the best-handling luxury cars in their class. And that comes from their engineers relentlessly benchmarking the driving dynamics of BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars. The CTS sedan is one of the best the company has ever made and is a joy to hustle along a twisty road. The downside is a ride that’s a little less plush than some competitors. Unless you absolutely need the V6 power, stick with a 268-horsepower 4-cylinder turbo. It is plenty quick and saves a few bucks. The CTS is reasonably roomy, but those with very long legs might find the rear seat tight. The infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and that helps this older CTS feel right up to date. See Cadillac CTS models for sale near you

BMW forged its sporty reputation on cars like the 3 Series. For decades, this was the machine to beat. The 2018 model is a slightly watered-down version of that formula. Hardcore enthusiasts might miss some of the connection between man and machine. But everyone else will appreciate this smooth-riding and stylish sedan. Our pick is the midlevel 330i with nearly 250 horsepower and a nice balance of equipment. However, if you can find a 340i at a good price, its potent 6-cylinder model is a real pleasure to drive. BMW makes a 6-speed manual available on any model, which is a great way to enjoy the car’s performance. The interior of the 3 Series is a little tighter than some competitors, but the good news is that the trunk space is one of the roomiest. See BMW 3 Series models for sale near you

The Audi A3 delivers a great experience in a small and tidy package. Audi is known for all-wheel drive, so it makes sense to hunt down a model with that option. It also brings more power, too — nearly 230 horsepower. And that’s plenty for most drivers. Performance enthusiasts will be drawn to the S3 model, but that machine commands a bit more money. The dual-clutch transmission helps make every A3 feel quick and responsive. The A3 is a smooth rider that’s also quite poised on the backroads. The only real drawback is its diminutive size. But if backseat legroom isn’t a priority, the A3 is a solid little luxury sedan. See Audi A3 models for sale near you

The Q50 is Infiniti’s core sedan and it’s one that delivers excellence on many levels. Let’s talk about the design. It’s a clean and modern look that just about anyone can appreciate. More importantly, this is a car that hits high notes for its sport sedan handling, brisk acceleration, and refined and luxurious interior. And it brings all this goodness for a price that’s often a little bit lower than its rivals. In other words, the Q50 is worthy of a top spot on your shopping list. Our favorite? The high-performance Red Sport 400. On lower-level Q50s, some of the safety technology is optional, so it makes sense to research what equipment your particular car was built with. See Infiniti Q50 models for sale near you

The MKZ may no longer be in production, but that shouldn’t keep you from searching out a clean CPO model. This Lincoln is based upon the Ford Fusion’s bones, but you’d never know that because the MKZ rides with sophistication, comfort, and quiet. In other words, it’s a proper Lincoln. The base turbocharged 4-cylinder provides plenty of power, but those who really value high fuel economy should opt for the hybrid. That model averages excellent mileage in the mid-30s. Those desiring a sportier ride will appreciate the 400-horsepower V6 model with all-wheel drive. Downside? Some owners find the infotainment system fussy. See Lincoln MKZ models for sale near you

The C-Class sedan was revamped back in 2015. Those shopping a C300 model will enjoy the torque of the turbocharged 4-cylinder and the smoothness of the 9-speed automatic. On the inside, this feels like a true Mercedes-Benz, with premium materials and a distinct look and feel that projects luxury. Those that don’t need four doors can opt for the sportier C300 coupe and enjoy a sportier vibe, especially if it’s equipped with the sport package, which firms up the suspension. Mercedes-Benz likes to make everything optional. So be sure to check the vehicle’s equipment list to find out if a particular convenience feature is on board. For those that want a truly exhilarating performance, shop a C43 AMG, although those models command higher prices. See Mercedes-Benz C-Class models for sale near you

The Acura badge may not have the cachet of the traditional luxury brands, but the TLX offers a great value in the luxury car space. It’s one of the newest cars on this list, and because Acura is the luxury arm of Honda, this is one dependable sedan. Front-drive is standard but we’d opt for all-wheel drive and the potent 290-horsepower V6. But you will pay a penalty at the pump for the added power. The TLX offers a comfy ride, but the interior isn’t as roomy as some in the TLX’s size class. In addition, the infotainment system does feel a little dated. Still, this is a lot of car for the money and one that will likely provide years of trouble-free service. See Acura TLX models for sale near you

There are so many great luxury cars in this price class, but the Audi A4 holds a very high position on our shopping list. And that’s because it’s just so good at everything. It’s arguably the best-looking sedan in its class and offers a blend of ride and handling that few can match. This a truly a sedan that can connect curves with talent and yet deliver perfect comfort over city street potholes. And for those than need to carry people, the A4 has a very accommodating rear seat.  Look for models that offer either the Tech or Navigation and Telematics packages (depending upon the model year) in order to gain the best interior goodies like Audi’s sweet Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster. See Audi A4 models for sale near you

The Lexus GS 350 isn’t the most modern or exciting car on this list, but it’s an excellent sedan. And it’s one that’s built with proven parts and a level of care that ensures this will not be a car that’s constantly in the shop for service. For that reason, we’d feel comfortable driving one with slightly higher mileage and use that purchase price savings to shop a model with higher equipment levels, like the F Sport model. The Lexus might be one of the older cars in its midsize luxury class, but this sedan offers a rich interior with soft materials and an overall feeling of quality. And this Lexus is an excellent used car value coming in at a less expensive price point than its rivals. See Lexus GS models for sale near you