$30,000 and Up
Acura MDX (’07) || Find It Used
The newer MDX is classified as a crossover SUV, but it’s a deluxe version. It was all-new in ’07, and was built on a proper platform — as opposed to being adapated from the Accord passenger-car platform. It also came in three flavors: Base, Technology and Sport Packages, and all three were powered by a 3.7-liter 300-hp V6. The voice-activated navigation system is a nifty feature, as it comes with rearview camera and AcuraLink satellite communications with real-time traffic data.
BMW 328i sedan (’07) || Find It Used
The 328i is another sleek, finely-tuned and beautifully-designed driving machine, offering sporty performance and Euro-style luxury. It is widely considered to be the definitive “sports sedan.” The ’07 328i was propelled by a 3.0-liter 230-hp inline six-cylinder engine, which you can find mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Consumer Reports also recommended the 3-Series coupe and convertible that joined BMW’s model line-up in ’07.
BMW M3 (’04) || Find It Used
The M3 is the top-of-the-line, high-performance-tuned version of the 3-series coupe. Performance power, therefore, is much higher than the other 3-Series editions. It came as a coupe or convertible, and churned out 333 horses. The M3 is often favorably compared to the Porsche 911 when it comes to quick acceleration, crisp braking and taking tough corners at brisk speeds without breaking a sweat.
Infiniti FX35 (’07) || Find It Used
Well, the marketplace surely is not lacking for luxury crossovers. Here is yet another one that appeals to luxury buyers with its balance of SUV-type spaciousness, pampering amenities, deft handling and burly engine muscle. For ’07, the FX35 was a two-wheel-drive vehicle powered by a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a five-speed automatic transmission.
Infiniti M (’06 – ’07) || Find It Used
Infiniti’s M series is another winner, which seamlessly synergizes sleek styling, aggressive engine performance and a bevy of luxo-line amenities. It comes in both the M-35 and M-45. During the last used-model year, ’07, the primary distinction between the two was that the M35 was powered by a V6 that kicked out 275 horses, while the M45 muscled up to a 325-hp V8. Luxury features included standard leather seats with heating and ventilation, and optional 10-way power adjustments for the driver’s seat.
Lexus (Multiple Models & Years) || Find It Used
Just like in the $24,000-to-$30,000 category, Consumer Reports recommended a slew of world-beating used Lexus models in this segment: the ’06-’07 6-cyl GS RWD; the ’07 GS450h Hybrid; ’05-’07 GX; ’07 IS; ’04-’07 LS; ’03-’06 LX and ’06-’07 RX. Lexus has placed No 1 in the JD Power Dependability Survey every year for the last 12 years – until ’07, when another carmaker, Buick, finally tied them for first.
Porsche 911 (’01 – ’02, ’04, ’07) || Find It Used
Consumer Reports included the ’98 911 in the $24,000 to $30,000 category. Here, the model years get more recent as the price range climbs. The 911 went through some changes over this time period, of course, but all have been annointed with the “supercar” appellation. And by the latest recommended used-model year, the ’07, you could choose among various styles and engine sizes, including the Carrera, with its 3.6-L 325-hp flat-six plant; the Carrera S and S Cabriolet, with the 3.8-L 355 hp V6; the 911 Turbo, with twin-turbocharged 480 hp six-cylinder engine; and the GT3 track model, powered by a high-revving 415-hp six-cylinder engine.