Written by Menswear Style in Cars on the 23rd January 2015

The first thing that usually pops into our heads when we say “luxury car” is its price tag. However, exclusive brands don’t necessarily have to be extremely pricey, as there are several entry-level luxury cars that can actually be considered as bargains in the market today, more so if you buy pre-owned. 

If you want something classy without breaking the bank, here are the best premium vehicle models you can purchase for the same amount of coin as a fully-optioned Honda Accord.

Audi A1 hatchback (£14,315 - £25,380) - The A1 hatchback is Audi’s smallest and least expensive car, but its impressive looks, comfort, and build quality make it a top pick as one of the best luxury small cars on the market. It made waves in 2012 and is still in high demand today. It may be small, but it is practical—it actually has a more spacious cabin than its competitors the Fiat 500 and MINI. Quality materials, strong engines, elegant interiors, and affordability definitely make it one of the best in its category.

Citroën DS3 hatchback (£12,865 - £23,220) - Classy meets sporty in the Citroën DS3 hatchback, available in funky colour schemes. The DS3 hatchback, based on the C3, offers buyers a comfortable ride even on rocky roads, thanks to its soft suspension technology. Leather seats, audio system steering wheel controls, and electric windows provide luxurious convenience. This car is ideal for those who are learning to drive due to its solid build, affordable price and reliability, all making it the ideal first car.

Used: Mercedes-Benz S-Class series (£5,000) - The S-Class, produced from 1999-2005, remains to be one of the most impressive luxury cars in the world today. In addition to its sleek, classic look, the S-Class also boasts of ride comfort, easy handling, and lots of interior space. For just a budget £5,000, you will be able to purchase a 221bhp S320 or a 197bhp S280.

Used: Jaguar XJ (£3,000) - Nothing defines a luxury brand more than Jaguar, and the XJ, produced from 1992-2003, is a prime example of a premium vehicle. Its cabin may be smaller than that of the Mercedes S-Class, but what it lacks in space it definitely makes up for in wood and leather interiors. You can choose between two V8 petrol engines, the 290bhp 4-litre or the 240bhp 3.2-litre. For lower running costs, you can have the car converted to run on LPG.

Used: BMW 7 Series (£1,000) - Another luxury brand is BMW, and for a great car you’ll never go wrong with the BMW 7 Series. Precision steering means it’s great when it comes to agility despite its size, and it also has good reliability especially when it has been well-maintained by the previous owner. Other great affordable options for pre-owned luxury cars include the 1994-2002 Audi A8 which can be had for £4,000 and the 1990-2000 Lexus LS for £2,000.

So if you’re looking around for a car on a tight budget and think that a premium model from a luxury brand is out of your reach, think again. This list shows that some high-end models are actually more reasonably priced than you first expected, considering their excellent value. These luxury cars may cost more initially, but they tend to keep their value for a longer period of time than standard models because their base versions embody everything that’s great about the vehicle minus the costly upgrades. With these cars, you can definitely drive in style without burning a hole in your pocket!

Top value cars such as the Audi A1 and the Citroen DS3 are featured in The Best Affordable Luxury Cars On The Market Today.