Smart Used Cars: Top 10 Used Entry-Level Luxury Cars

Just because times are tough, doesn't mean you can't surround yourself with leather, wood, heated seats and the other trappings of a luxury car. Shop carefully and you can even find an entry-level luxury sedan with good fuel economy. In this particular Smartest Used Cars compilation, we took a slightly different tack. While fuel economy is still a priority, reliability took a slight back seat to price in this list. There aren't any clunkers on the list, but don't be surprised that in some instances, the more reliable car is ranked below a less expensive one.

By Keith Buglewicz, Elliot Darvick

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Engine: 3.2-liter V-6 Fuel Type: Premium EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 18/28 (6-speed manual) Price range: $20,250-23,250 JD Power Dependability Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Acura's TL came into its own in its third generation, and is one of the few cars on this list that is still a current model; the 2009 Acura TL won't go on sale for a few more weeks. With a powerful V-6 engine driving the front wheels, the Acura TL is plenty of fun to drive, even if torque steer shows up now and then in manual transmission models. There are plenty of toys to keep the driver occupied, too, such as navigation and DVD-Audio surround sound.

Photo credit: Acura

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Engine: 2.5-liter inline-6 Fuel Type: Premium EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 18/27 (5-speed manual) Price range: $13,250-24,250 JD Power Dependability Rating: 4.5 out of 5

We love this generation of the BMW 3 Series. It's one of the most beautiful cars BMW made, it drives extremely well, and since it's only a couple of years off sale it still has all the modern luxury and safety touches. Do we wish it had better fuel economy? Sure, and we also wish it didn't drink premium. Still, it's hard to go wrong with the BMW 325i.

Photo credit: BMW

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Engine: 3.2-liter V-6 Fuel Type: Premium EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 17/27 (5-speed automatic) Price range: $10,250-14,250 JD Power Dependability Rating: 4.5 out of 5

When the second-generation Acura TL debuted, it signaled that the company was getting serious about building cars again after a long, dark period of time known as "the 90s." The TL did not change the automotive landscape as we know it, but it did offer up a comfortable interior, classy looks, and fun-to-drive characteristics. Enthusiasts should seek out the Acura TL Type S model, which had a more powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension, although fuel economy suffers.

Photo credit: Acura

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Engine: 3.3-liter V-6 Fuel Type: Regular EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 18/27 (5-speed automatic) Price range: $20,250-24,250 JD Power Dependability Rating: 4.5 out of 5

The cynic in us says that one reason the previous generation Lexus ES 330 still has a high resale value is that it looks nothing like the Toyota Camry upon which it is based, something that can't be said for the current version of the ES. Either way, this is a good looking, nice driving cruiser with impeccable reliability. It's also one of only two (both of which are Lexus ES models) that doesn't require premium fuel.

Photo credit: Lexus

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Engine: 3.0-liter V-6 Fuel Type: Regular EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 18/27 (5-speed automatic) Price range: $12,250-18,250 JD Power Dependability Rating: 4.5 out of 5

The primary difference between this version of the Lexus ES 300 and the ES 330 that followed was the engine: A displacement bump from 3.0 to 3.3 liters netted a little extra power without compromising fuel economy. However, if you're willing to live with 15 fewer horsepower than the ES 330 (a difference you probably won't notice), you'll like it just fine, and save a few bucks in the bargain.

Photo credit: Lexus

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Engine: 2.4-liter inline-4 Fuel Type: Premium EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 20/29 (5-speed automatic) Price range: $19,250-20,750 JD Power Dependability Rating: 4 out of 5

Packing a 200-horsepower four banger under the hood, a modern and comfortable interior, and styling that still looks good, the previous-generation Acura TSX is a tough one to beat. It's fun to drive – especially if you get a stick – and the iVTEC engine packs considerable punch considering its good fuel economy and small displacement.

Photo credit: Acura

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Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 Fuel Type: Premium EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 20/28 (6-speed manual) Price range: $18,000-23,000 JD Power Dependability Rating: 3 out of 5

The Audi A4 quattro is a bona fide sport sedan, and frankly, one heck of a fun car to drive. The all-wheel drive system helps it power around corners, it boasts classy German looks, one of the nicest interiors around, and even good fuel economy. The only knock is that reliability could be better, but we still think this is a solid value.

Photo credit: Audi

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Engine: 2.4-liter inline-5 Fuel Type: Premium EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 19/28 (5-speed automatic) Price range: $11,250-17,750 JD Power Dependability Rating: 3 out of 5

The Volvo S80 is a darn fine automobile, no doubt. But its size and thirst exclude it for a lot of people, which is why there's a Volvo S60. Think of it as a shortened S80, with most of the amenities and looks, but with a smaller trunk and rear seat. If safety is a priority or you love the broad-shouldered Volvo look, this is a great choice.

Photo credit: Volvo

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Engine: 2.0-liter inline-4 Fuel Type: Premium EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 20/31 (6-speed manual) Price range: $21,000-25,000 JD Power Dependability Rating: 3 out of 5

If the Audi A4's looks appeal to you, but you can't justify all-wheel drive, want to pay less at the pump, or just don't put as high a premium on sport-sedan fun, then the front-wheel drive version of the Audi A4 may be just the ticket. It's got the looks of the quattro, but gets better highway mileage.

Photo credit: Audi

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Engine: 1.8-liter inline-4 Fuel Type: Premium EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 21/29 (5-speed automatic) Price range: $16,250-22,250 JD Power Dependability Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Yes, there is such a thing as a fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz. At 21 mpg, the little Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor boasts the best city fuel economy in the group, and ties the Acura TSX for second on the highway. It also boasts better-than-average reliability. Besides, with that silver star on the nose the Mercedes C230 has more snob appeal than anything else on this list, and isn't that what luxury car buying is all about?

Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz