Buying used can unlock a higher tier of cars.
With thousands of vehicles in our inventory, we’re here to help make car research easier for you. We’ve partnered with car-review experts from Edmunds to weigh in on what matters most when you’re looking to buy a truck or car.
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The average transaction price for a new car (the amount a car is typically sold for, after discounts and incentives are applied) in October 2025 was just over $49,000, according to Edmunds sales data. Yes, many of the sales are for higher-end cars, which pushes up the average; however, you might be surprised by how many people are spending close to $50,000 on a new mainstream car. It could be a fully loaded SUV, an entry-level luxury car, or a top-of-the-line full-size pickup truck. This got us thinking, what if they spent that same amount (or less) on a used car? Would that open up more possibilities for an attainable dream car? Yes. How is this possible? In a word: depreciation.
Depreciation describes the loss of value a car experiences over time. Some vehicles will depreciate faster than others due to several market factors, such as popularity in the market, perceived reliability, maintenance costs, and wear and tear. As a used-car shopper, however, this depreciation can work in your favor because it gives you the opportunity to upgrade to an attainable dream car that would typically be out of your price range when new.
With this in mind, here are four attainable dream cars to consider the next time you're in the market. They have already taken the initial new-car hit in depreciation, and in subsequent years, prices tend to stabilize.
Audi E-tron GT (Premium plus)
For those considering an electric car and considering a Tesla Model 3, here's a lesser-known alternative.
The Audi e-tron GT is a sport sedan that shares its basic design with the Porsche Taycan. It comes standard with a 93-kWh battery pack, which, according to the EPA, gives the e-tron GT an estimated range of 238 miles on a full charge.
While it may seem underwhelming at a glance, the GT managed a much more respectable 273 miles in the Edmunds EV Range Test. With its 522-horsepower dual-motor setup, the e-tron GT is properly quick.
The e-tron GT feels special simply by virtue of being a rarer model. Meanwhile, you can't go more than a city block without seeing a Tesla Model 3. The interiors of both cars feel like a night-and-day difference. On the one hand, you have the Audi, with its premium materials, futuristic dashboard layout with buttons, and a digital instrument panel, and on the other hand, you have the Model 3, with its bare-bones interior and nearly every possible function of the car relegated to a single touchscreen.
Ronald's shopping tip
To stay within the $50,000 budget, you'll need to focus your search on the Premium Plus trim level. It comes well-equipped and has many of the features that should satisfy most shoppers' needs.
BMW M4
Sports car enthusiasts have long regarded BMW's M cars as among the best coupes and sedans on the road. But when they're new, even the "least expensive" M2 starts at around $67,000 when new. Our solution? Check out a used BMW M4.
The current M4 features a polarizing beaver-tooth front grille, but we're referring to the more handsome first-generation BMW M4. This M4 was produced for the 2015-2020 model years and was available as a coupe or a hardtop convertible. The M4 boasts a high-revving turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that delivers 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
There are two transmission options to choose from: a standard six-speed manual with automated rev matching or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission featuring steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. At the Edmunds test track, an M4 coupe with the manual transmission sprinted to 60 in 4.4 seconds.
Ronald's shopping tip
Stick to earlier model years and the base trim, and you should be able to find several under $50,000.
Ford Bronco
For about the same price as a top-of-the-line Honda CR-V, you can get into a larger and far more capable Ford Bronco SUV. The Ford Bronco made a comeback for the 2021 model year, marking the end of a decades-long hiatus. This modern Bronco is available in two- and four-door versions. It is a body-on-frame vehicle, meaning it is based on a more rugged pickup truck architecture rather than a car-based one. Be careful not to confuse it with the Bronco Sport, though, as that's an entirely different, smaller, and less capable car that's based on the Ford Escape crossover SUV.
The big Bronco is equipped with either a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine or an optional, more powerful turbocharged V6. Taking inspiration from the Jeep Wrangler, it also features cool touches like easily removable roof and doors, as well as available rubberized floors with drain plugs. If you remove them, you can actually see the ground underneath.
Ronald's shopping tip
Edmunds recommends most people consider the Big Bend trim, particularly with the Mid package, as it offers several feature improvements over the base model. For those who want more off-roading capability, keep an eye out for Broncos equipped with the Sasquatch package.
Genesis GV70
Haven't heard of the Genesis brand? It is the luxury car spin-off of the Hyundai brand, and the GV70 is one of Edmunds' top-rated small luxury SUVs. If anything, its lack of familiarity might be part of the appeal, as you're in on a secretly good SUV that will pleasantly surprise most people. A used GV70 can be had for about the cost of a well-equipped Toyota RAV4.
The GV70 offers a lot of bang for your buck, featuring standard all-wheel drive and a premium interior for thousands less than its rivals. Drivers can choose between two capable turbocharged engines: a four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower or a V6 rated at 375 hp. Like other Genesis models, the GV70 stands out with its exhilarating driving experience, a high-quality interior, and a long list of included luxury features.
Ronald's shopping tip
Unless you're dead set on a V6 engine, the four-cylinder engines will be easier to find and offer plenty of power for most people. Keep an eye out for G70s with the Select package, which adds features such as ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a power-tilting steering wheel, and more.
Final Note to Consider
Because many of these picks are luxury vehicles, it is essential to note that they can be more expensive to service and repair, may require premium fuel, and could potentially cost more to insure. These caveats aren't meant to scare you away but rather to make you aware of the total costs. This comes with the territory of owning a higher-end vehicle. If you're OK with that, you'll be getting a car that should feel nicer to drive, have more features, and is offered at a more attainable price.
Ronald Montoya has worked in the automotive industry since 2008, writing hundreds of car-shopping articles on topics ranging from buying, selling, leasing, electric vehicles, maintenance, and more. He has also worked at multiple car dealerships and has bought and sold over 100 vehicles. Ronald is a senior writer at Edmunds, where he brings his passion for cars and finds ways to distill that knowledge to the average shopper.
