Buying into Luxury on a Budget

We all enjoy scrolling online now and then, admiring that Porsche you’ve always dreamed of owning by the time you’re 40, or that Maserati you had on a poster on your wall. Then you glance at the car you’re driving now and start thinking about the possibilities ahead.

It’s OK, as a petrolhead, lots of us have been there. But Copart unlocks an interesting opportunity. Just because it goes through our auction doesn’t automatically make it irreparable - quite the opposite. As long as it’s certified road-legal once it's fixed, you can find yourself an enjoyable project!

Luxury brands tend to depreciate rapidly (unless they’re a limited edition), so with a little research, it's very easy to find a real bargain on some vehicles that would otherwise cost you an arm and a leg when new.

So here are five fabulous motors under 20 years old that have been through our auction!

Range Rover TDV8

Now this is a mainstay of the luxury category if we ever saw one. There are plenty of these still around, seeing as it was produced for around a decade, and the 4.4L diesel V8 engine has some serious oomph. There's also a supercharged 5L petrol version available, which has less turbo lag at low speeds but does come at a higher price point.

Despite its luxurious appearance, the Range Rover is no stranger to rough terrain. Thanks to Land Rover’s renowned Terrain Response system and air suspension, it adjusts effortlessly to various off-road conditions, making it as capable in the wild as it is in the city. High-end leather interiors and an advanced infotainment system also make every journey a first-class experience.

Despite the luxury price tag, the TDV8’s engine honestly doesn’t sound like a V8, more like a tractor, but it is still the quintessential Range Rover, and you’ll find a lot of these in the 50,000 -100,000 mile range.

• Fancy parking a Range Rover TDV8 on your driveway? Start your search now.

BMW F10 5 Series 535i

The German engineering provided in the 5 Series screams reliability. Many of these cars can effortlessly go for 200,000 miles without blinking. And we’ll be honest, the six-cylinder 535i version is probably the one that interests us the most.

Not only does it offer a strong engine with decent fuel consumption, but BMW’s iDrive system, standard in these models, adds seamless navigation, entertainment, and driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

It's a perfect mix of luxury and sportiness, with precision handling that makes both city driving and long motorway cruises enjoyable. For those more eco-conscious, later models also introduced hybrid options, making the 5 Series a pioneer of performance with responsibility. Be sure to look for models with optional tech, as these can boost both value and driving pleasure.

• Could a BMW 535i be your next motorway cruiser? Find out by browsing our listings.

Audi A6

When compared to its rival, the BMW 5 Series, the Audi A6 emerges as a compelling alternative. The A6 boasts of German engineering excellence, which is on par with its counterpart in many aspects and even surpasses it in others. Just like the BMW, the A6 is renowned for its robust build quality and reliability. Many A6 models have effortlessly surpassed the 200,000-mile mark.

The interior of the A6 exudes luxury in every detail, albeit in a more understated manner when compared to the BMW. Optional features help enhance the driving experience, adding value without significantly increasing the second-hand price.

When equipped with Audi's formidable 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, the A6 delivers a potent combination of power and efficiency, making it a good choice for long journeys on the motorway. However, we think the best engine option is the 2.0-litre TDI engine.

While the A6 matches the BMW in many aspects, it concedes the crown for sheer driving enjoyment, as the rear-wheel drive BMW 5 Series is a lot more fun to drive.

• Ready to make the Audi A6 yours? Take a look at the options available.

Aston Martin Vantage

Now this one should perk some ears up. That’s right. An Aston is on this list. The “Baby Aston” with the throaty V8 is arguably the most beautiful sports coupe of its era, and it was the first Aston to truly challenge Porsche and Maserati to a punch-up.

The Astons of 20 years ago were not what they would become. The Vanquish and the DB9 were the first signs that the winds were changing, but they were both romantic grand tourers instead of the dynamic, aggressive, confident sports car the Vantage was. It was a total game-changer that also had a convertible option. The Vantage Roadster was a new and exciting addition that put a smile on people's faces.

The car went out of production in 2017, but to this day it's still a very popular choice, as it was a true alternative to the Porsche 911 or the Maserati GT, which really scared the pants off its German and Italian rivals. A V12 version of the Vantage was released in 2009, but generally, the most popular version of the car was the V8 Vantage S, so if you see one, nab it while you can.

Feel like cruising in an Aston Martin? Explore available models and make it a reality.

Porsche Boxster

Another iconic car that is within reach at Copart auctions is the Porsche Boxster. This mid-engine sports car offers a perfect blend of luxury and performance, designed to rival more expensive counterparts like the 911. The Boxster, particularly from the early 2000s, is loved for its balanced handling and relatively affordable entry into the Porsche brand.

While it's not as powerful as the V8 Vantage, the Boxster delivers a more playful driving experience, thanks to its lightweight body and precise steering. Fun fact: the Boxster was named after its engine layout—boxer engine—and its roadster design. Despite its lower price point, this Porsche remains a respected sports car that turns heads on any road.

Want to experience Porsche performance? See what's out there.

Find Your Dream Car Today

Ready to make your luxury car dreams a reality? With Copart's Vehicle Finder, you can easily browse through an extensive range of luxury cars available at our auctions. Whether you’re eyeing an Aston Martin or a Porsche, we have something for every petrolhead.

If you’re looking for one of these amazing motors, you might want to read up on some pre-auction checks that you can do to ensure you’re getting the best possible bang for your buck.