Affordable Luxury Cars Is Not An Oxymoron

 An economy car is about function and practicality but a luxury car is all about enjoying the finer things in life. Any vehicle can get you from one place to another but a luxury car offers a smoother ride, more upscale amenities, a more plush interior, comfortable leather seating and superior craftsmanship. A luxury car makes life just a bit sweeter. You may be under the impression that a luxury car may be too expensive or overpriced but they are actually more affordable than ever. Here is a list of excellent upscale cars at under the $40k range.

 Certified pre-owned vehicles are another option to possibly explore. Below is a round up of three luxury cars all at around the $40k mark (one of which is pre-owned but still a good buy nevertheless). Another great option would be to use buy a certified pre-owned luxury car. Many auto brands offers certified pre-owned upscale cars that look good as new and come with excellent warranty programs. Chances are that no one will be able to even tell that it's pre-owned.

 1.) Cadillac CTS Coupe - This is the ultimate luxury sports coupe; it's angular rear and smooth gorgeous sleek body is accentuated with plenty of chrome touches. Handling is excellent while the ride is as smooth as butter. Despite its extravagant styling, the base model is priced at a reasonable $35k. The CTS' best assets are its distinct and good looks along with all the muscle it packs under the hood. It's aptly equipped with a capable V6 engine which outputs 304 HP and 273 lb feet of torque. This is one fast coupe that will leave all the other cars behind in the dust.

 2.) Lincoln MKZ - If you want a luxury car perfect for cruising, the MKZ may just fit the bill. It was built on the same platform as the Fusion from Ford, although it's been dressed up and received the necessary trimmings in order to be billed as a true luxury car. This gorgeous car gets its power from a V6 3.5 Liter engine with 263 hp. The interior features Ford advanced SYNCH system which allows the driver to place hands free phone calls, lots of tech gadgets and a well-appointed up interior. The seats are crafted out of rich leather and feature prominent detailed stitching.

3.) Cadillac Escalade - Obviously a brand new Escalade sells for a lot more than $40k, around $63k to be exact for a base model. However, it is possible to get a great deal on one that is pre-owned. I've personally seen a few 2008 and 2007 Escalades advertised online priced under the $40k range. If you want a car that is big, bold, aggressive and makes a statement than the Escalade is the car for you. The Escalade fits in equally well at a Hollywood premiere as it does at the grocery store. You're guaranteed to make a grand entrance in an Escalade no matter where you go.

All of these luxury cars offer superb craftsmanship and beautiful styling at a price that won't put you in the poor house. All it takes in order to obtain the luxury vehicle of your dreams is a bit of planning and research. You can use the internet to do research on pricing and read reviews at sites such as Edmunds or U.S News Rankings and Reviews. Don't forget to visit your local auto dealerships online and browse to see their certified pre-owned lineup. If you find a car you're interested in, be sure to look up its Blue Book value at Kelley Blue Book so you can negotiate with the dealer.