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Ever had the desire to ball out on a budget? Luxury SUVs aren’t always reserved for the ultra-wealthy. You can find a sophisticated and snazzy SUV for a bargain if you know where to look. Consumers can find amazing deals on used luxury SUVs from automakers like BMW, Acura, and Mercedes-Benz.

The 2019 BMW X3 is a major flex

The BMW X3 is extremely refined. German automaker BMW produces luxury models that compete with the likes of elite rivals like Mercedes-Benz. If you want an X3 but don’t want to spend new X3 money, there are plenty of great used models available.

The 2019 BMW X3 got an 88/100 for driving experience from Consumer Reports. The luxury compact SUV got a 5/5 for noise, front seat comfort, and interior fit and finish. It also got a perfect score for its drive system. The luxury compact SUV received only four complaints on CarCompalints.com.

Kelley Blue Book claims that the 2019 BMW X3 has a fair purchase price of $32,723 with under $47,000 miles. That’s nearly $10,000 less than its original MSRP. A used X3 model with under 47,000 miles should last consumers for at least an additional 153,000 miles or 11.33 years based on the national average annual driving range.

The 2019 X3 comes with a 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 248 horsepower. It achieves 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2018 Acura RDX is a steal

The Acura RDX is the popular Honda CR-V’s fancy cousin. Acura, Honda’s luxury division, charges higher prices than its parent company but is able to provide superior comfort and performance as a result. The RDX is a perfect example of why there’s a place for Honda’s luxury vehicle division in the automotive world.

The 2022 Acura RDX starts at $40,100. Luckily for consumers, used RDX models can be found for much more affordable prices. Kelley Blue Book claims that a 2018 Acura RDX has a fair purchase price of just $26,092 with under 56,000 miles. That price is in the same ballpark as mainstream small SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

The 2018 Acura RDX uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine to make 279 horsepower. It gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. KBB praises its refined interior and advanced tech features.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE is much cheaper than you’d expect

A gray Mercedes-Benz GLE luxury compact SUV.
A 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE | Raymond Boyd via Getty Images

Mercedes-Benz is considered to be the pinnacle of luxury by many fans and consumers. The German automaker knows how to produce quality SUVs. The GLE is listed as the best luxury compact SUV for 2022 by U.S. News & World Report.

Mercedes-Benz GLE models tend to be expensive, but there are still great deals on used GLE models. According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2016 GLE has a fair purchase price of $28,098 with under 83,000 miles. This may seem like incredibly high mileage, but these are the type of risks you run when searching for luxury for less.

Should you buy a used luxury compact SUV?

A gray Acura RDX luxury compact SUV.
The Acura RDX | Paul Warner via Getty Images

When you buy a used luxury compact SUV, you should be aware of the cost of ownership for that specific vehicle. Luxury models often come with expensive repairs as mileage goes up. Buying a used luxury compact SUV can be a great move, but make sure you choose a reliable model, or you could end up with a flashy money pit. Acura RDXs tend to have decent reliability.

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