Five affordable, gas-sipping used luxury cars
One concentrate of the climate switch summit in Paris this week is on the need to use less gasoline as part of the effort to help limit greenhouse gas emissions. If you’ve always wished a luxury car but weren’t sure you could afford it, why not get a used one that’s more affordable and that also has a high gas mileage rating, and thus a greener profile?
Even with U.S. gas prices down, high-MPG cars are going to save money in your driving budget. From the list that Edmunds.com keeps of cars that are rated for thirty MPG or more in combined city and highway driving, we selected five luxury two thousand fourteen models from various auto makers.
Three are hybrids, one is a standard gasoline engine and one a diesel. With consumer request in the current market highest for large SUVs and pickups, it’s a good time to get a bargain on these hybrids and other high-MPG cars. So, we looked for two thousand fourteen models that are selling for $30,00 or less, according to used-car pricing from Kelley Blue Book and its website kbb.com.
Click here for a closer look at these gas-sipping luxury cars, kicking off with the smaller models.
2014 Lexus CT 200h
With a combined city-highway rating of forty two MPG, this Lexus hybrid hatchback is selling at about $22,950, according to Kelley Blue Book’s target price. Among reviewers surveyed by U.S. News, the CT 200h ranked 2nd for used upscale puny cars over $20,000.
Test drivers praised the CT 200h for its luxurious cabin, convenient rail and relatively agile treating. Standard equipment in the CT 200h includes a six-speaker stereo system and Bluetooth music streaming as well as individual driver and passenger controls for heating and air conditioning.
2014 BMW 328d
With a combined city-highway rating of thirty seven MPG, this BMW sedan is selling for about $29,950. This is the only diesel in our listing. Unlike Volkswagen, no doubt has been cast on the BMW diesel ratings.
Test drivers loved the upbeat turbocharged engine and agile treating that’s common to the BMW three Series. Reviewers also liked the comfy rail and spacious rear seats. And they praised the BMW iDrive infotainment system for its ease of use and acute graphics.
2014 Lexus ES 300h
This hybrid version of the popular Lexus sedan has a combined rating of forty MPG and is selling for right around $30,000.
Test drivers praised the 300h for its slick, quiet rail and its stylish interior including roomy back seats. Trunk space is good for a hybrid, where the battery pack takes up some room. Standard features include Bluetooth music streaming and satellite radio capability.
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250
This sleek four-door with a combined rating of thirty MPG — including thirty eight in highway driving — is selling for about $27,450.
Test drivers praised the power from the turbocharged, four-cylinder gasoline engine. And they liked the nimble treating on winding roads. The CLA two hundred fifty comes standard with some advanced safety features, such as driver drowsiness warning and forward collision warning.
2014 Lincoln MKZ hybrid
With a combined rating of thirty eight MPG, this Lincoln hybrid is selling for about $23,500. This hybrid was well-priced even as a fresh car — with the same sticker as the gas-only version instead of the typical premium price for a hybrid.
Drivers praised the MKZ hybrid’s styling and slick, quiet rail. They also liked the comfy seats, including roomy rear seats.
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