Best used luxury car for 2019

Luxury cars have fallen out of favour with new-car buyers. They're often too large for anyone other than a professional chauffeur and they cost a fortune – both to buy and to run. That purchase price from new is inflated by the Luxury Car Tax, to add insult to injury.

On top of that, they're not as practical as an SUV of similar price and packaging.

But as a used car, the luxury limo has its fans. Depreciation can be a real problem, but after six years time has done its worst to resale value and a German prestige sedan over five metres in length is often a lot of sheet metal for the money. It's also a lot of gadgets and gizmos to go wrong – for what that's worth.

But owners will revel in the sense of occasion such a car brings with it, wherever it goes. That's why there are still people out there who will find the cash for a large, luxury sedan that's up to six years old.

And in 2019, the carsales best used luxury car is the 2013...

An all-new generation of Mercedes-Benz S-Class launched in Australia during 2013, offering buyers the choice of a diesel V6 or a petrol V8, the flagship V8 variant being the Mercedes-Benz S 500. Lighter, safer and cleaner running than its predecessor, the new S-Class also introduced advanced new comfort and safety features, including Magic Body Control suspension.

RedBook research estimates the value of the Mercedes-Benz S 500 for 2013 to be $104,150 in average retail condition, sold privately. The new price was $285,000 in 2013.

"Well-deserved win for the renowned champion of luxury limousines," Data Services Director at RedBook, Ross Booth, said of the big Benz.

Matt Brogan, Road Test Editor at carsales, declared the S 500 to be "arguably the original German limousine," also observing that "the S-Class remains unrivalled for its innovation and luxury".

"Unmatched for comfort and in-cabin serenity in this sector of the market" was how Technical Editor for carsales, Ken Gratton, summed up the S 500.

Honourable mentions:

Last year's winner in this category was a Range Rover – but a diesel V8 variant rather than the supercharged petrol V6 model that has picked up an honourable mention in this year's running. While some argue that the Range Rover is, properly speaking, an SUV rather than a luxury car, the Range Rover has plenty of features and core qualities in common with luxury passenger cars.

The RedBook score for the Range Rover was 40.7 points out of 50, but judges were not quite as effusive, rating the Rangie at 37 points – a slight downturn from the result for the diesel V8 variant a year ago. Total points out of 100 were 77.7.
Red Book value: $81,200

"The epitome of luxury SUV ownership with abilities well beyond many of its peers." – Matt Brogan, carsales Road Test Editor

For 2013, the F02 generation of BMW 7 Series was subjected to an LCI ('Lifecycle Impulse') update – a mid-life refresh that embraced a mild facelift, new colours, more efficient engines and various changes to the interior. The V8-powered long-wheelbase model in the range is the 750Li, which has been named as one of two 'honourable mentions' in the carsales best used cars awards for the luxury segment.

The RedBook score for the BMW 750Li was a fairly low figure of 32.6 points, but the judges were kinder, rating the stretched Bimmer 38 points out of 50, resulting in a total of 76 points out of 100.
Red Book value: $71,550

"The limousine for drivers who haven't given up on driving" – Ken Gratton, carsales Technical Editor.

What makes a car eligible for carsales Best Used Cars Awards?
• Less than six years old,
• Standard side-curtain airbags,
• Standard Bluetooth,
• Standard stability control,
• Standard reversing camera for SUVs.

How did RedBook weight the categories for scoring?
• 10 per cent for resale,
• 10 per cent for ANCAP rating,
• 20 per cent for cost of ownership,
• Five per cent for service intervals,
• Five per cent for number of days for vehicle to sell

Read all about carsales Best Used Cars for 2019 here.