So I'll start by saying that this list was probably the hardest one to make.
Sure you can buy an affordable reliable luxury car but for under $5K?
Now that's just pushing it.
But I did try my hardest so please try to cut me some slack.
Oh and I included 2 European cars in this video, so make sure to watch the entire video
to see what they are and then feel free to blow me up in the comment section.
Sup guys I'm Cristian and this is Vehicle Virals, as always if you enjoy the video make
sure to subscribe for more automotive content.
Now let's get started.
First car is the Infiniti G35.
This is the car that was originally presented as an affordable alternative to BMW 3 series
at the time.
In fact this model here was responsible for turning the Infiniti’s brand around after
not really having the hottest start in 1989 when it first introduced models like the Q45
and M30.
While yes Infiniti is Nissan’s luxury brand I wouldn't say the G35 is a true luxury car.
Surely it has enough features to make a luxury car but it has it's fair share of sportiness.
Which can be a good thing for those looking for a fun car.
It's essentially an upscale 350z with back seats.
Its rwd, has a sports tuned suspension, and imo surprisingly good exhaust note, not too
loud not to quiet.
You be the judge…
Also this is the quickest luxury car on the list thanks to it's 3.5L V6 engine that produces
298 HP and 260lb-ft of torque for the manual transmission version.
Performance numbers take a small dip if you opt in for the automatic version.
Fun fact, the Infiniti G35 had class leading horsepower at the time.
Overall Interior quality is acceptable and wasn't too impressive at the time for the
earlier models but in 2005 Infiniti updated the G35s panels and materials adding aluminum
and wood.
So if you want a nicer interior go for the 2005-2007.
Oh and let me throw this in.
You get 2 glove boxes and a trunk passthrough in all models.
Never really knew the need of a small passthrough but oh well it's there.
Next car is the Lincoln Town car.
This is a big american limousine like road car, with a long hood, a soft ride, a huge
trunk and superb reliability.
Definitely doesn't carry the styling everyone will go crazy for but honestly after taking
a ride in one you'll realize that this is what a luxury car should be.
It's also the only car on this list that carries a V8 engine.
It's a 4.6L that produces 239HP and 287lb-ft of torque.
Not the most powerful V8 in the world but you do get decent gas mileage, 17mpg city
and 25mpg hwy.
And get this, it's a RWD car which means you can have a bit of fun with it.
Practicality on this car is a major win.
Lots of room, it can hold up to 6 passengers, and has a deep trunk that can carry several
golfclubs or several bodies.
The driving experience is what you expect from a vehicle such as the Town car.
The cabin is extremely quite with minimal wind and road noise unless of course you floor
it.
Not only does the town car look classy, it's comfortable, it's practical, and it is very
safe as well thanks to it's body on frame design.
In fact the town car was the first passenger car to receive 5 star government safety ratings
in all 5 categories.
That said, for those that prefer a car that rides marshmallow soft, with great practicality,
and high safety ratings, then look no further.
3rd car on the list is the Lexus GS300.
Also known as the Toyota Aristo in Japan.
It was known for having a good blend of luxury and sport leaning more towards the luxury
side.
It favors a smooth ride over a sporty ride making it great for passengers.
For some the exterior might not be too exciting but you gotta admit its definitely not lacking
character.
Apparently the 4 eye headlights was inspired by the Lexus SC300, but let's be honest it
resembles more of it's competitors headlights at the time cough cough Mercedes.
The GS carries a 3L V6 engine that produces 220HP and 220lb-ft of torque.
Fun fact it's actually the same engine used in the MK4 Toyota Supra a engine that is very
popular for it's tuning potential.
You get decent gas mileage, 18mpg city and 25hwy.
Unlike the Supra you don't get an option for a manual gearbox but what you do get are shifter
buttons located on the steering wheel, for somewhat of a sporty experience.
When it comes to the interior you get a cockpit that's good for all sizes, soft comfortable
leather seats, some unique features like a clean designed gauge clusters that become
visible when the car turns on and a card holder compartment.
It's actually the first time I've seen a dedicated card holder in a car.
4th car on the list is the Mercedes E320.
Yes a Mercedes has made my list for reliable luxury cars.
Time to let the hate comments flow.
Believe it or not the E320 is one of the most reliable Mercedes cars ever built.
Sure if the car breaks down it won't necessarily be cheap to repair due to the obvious, it's
a German vehicle but as far as dependability goes this car here is pretty bullet proof.
At the time the Eclass was known as the staple of Mercedes Benz lineup.
Actually it was the company's best selling line worldwide as well.
When it comes to the exterior in my opinion this is a timeless design, still looks classy
and it carries the iconic four-eyes face that first came to life in the 1996 E-class.
The interior offers a bunch of features that came standard like 12 way power and heated
seats, a sunroof, dual side climate control, and an over engineered cup holder.
Moving on to performance you get a 3.2L V6 engine that produces 221 HP and 231 lb-ft
of torque, just enough power to get you out of sticky situations.
If you're looking for a mid-size luxury sedan that offers a combination of safety, luxury,
practicality, sportiness and of course status for less than $5K then this is a solid pick.
Just make sure to maintain it on a regular basis to avoid a potential money pit situation.
Simply put, Don't buy a Mercedes if you can't afford to treat it like one.
5th and final car on the list is the Volvo S40.
This was the model that decided to move away from the angular squarish look Volvo's were
all known for.
The S40 was built with a collaboration with both Ford and Mazda on the cl platform.
Sharing engineering from both the Mazda 3 and the Ford focus.
This is a car that has outstanding safety, I mean it is Volvo after all.
Also the S40 really doesn't have a reputation for powerful performance, honestly imo Its
quite mediocre.
But on the flip side you get better gas mileage than the other cars on this list.
19mpg city and 27mpg hwy.
It carries an inline 5 that only produces 168HP making it the slowest car on this list.
Hold up an Inline 5?
Seriously?
Anyways The S40 appears to be a small size car pretty much the same size as the Honda
Civic but surprisingly it carries plenty of room inside for passengers and cargo.
The interior is simple yet classy, the dashboard has a waterfall style that kind of looks like
it was poured into place.
Just like the Mercedes parts for this car won't come cheap but if you manage find one
in good condition with a good maintenance history this is a car that will be reliable
for years to come.
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As hard as this hard as this list was to make maybe you all know some options I left out?
Make sure and comment them down below.
Thanks for watching guys, see ya next time!