Edmunds picks 6 used luxury vehicles under $36K

The average transaction price for new vehicles has been hovering above $35,000 this year, and briefly broke $36,000 at the end of 2017. But instead of buying a new vehicle, what if you took that money and applied it to purchasing a late-model luxury vehicle? For about the same money or less, you can typically get more interior refinement and comfort, better performance, and a vehicle that generally feels more special.

Here are examples of six excellent used luxury cars. We've forgone a lot of the obvious entry-level choices such as the BMW 3 Series. For this list, we collected vehicles that are more unique and upscale.

Even better, these cars are available as certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles, meaning buyers can get extended warranty coverage and take advantage of manufacturer financing deals that often offer low interest rates. Some companies are even beginning to offer CPO leases, which are perfect for shoppers who aren't yet ready to jump into used luxury-car ownership.

This photo provided by Hyundai shows the 2015 Genesis sedan. The Genesis is a true luxury competitor. It has a comfortable interior trimmed in premium materials, easy-to-use tech features that you'd expect from a luxury car, and a choice of two strong engines. (Courtesy of Hyundai Motor America via AP)

SEDANS

2014-2017 CADILLAC CTS

With strong acceleration, excellent handling and an attractive cabin, the Cadillac CTS has what it takes to rival Europe's best sedans. Its touch-based controls can be frustrating to use, but this capable, sporty luxury sedan has more strengths than weaknesses. Keep an eye out for V6 and V-Sport models for a performance boost. From 2016 onward, smartphone connectivity and a rearview camera were standard. The CTS is a premium experience, and you'll find plenty of CPO examples for $30,000 or less.

This undated photo provided by Mercedes-Benz shows the 2016 E-Class sedan. Few sedans exemplify a proper luxury sedan better than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. For around $36,000, you can find 2014 to 2016 E350 sedans. These were the last years of the previous -generation model. (Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz USA via AP)

2015-2016 HYUNDAI GENESIS

The 2015 and 2016 Hyundai Genesis are very similar to their successor, the Genesis G80 sedan. Because of the name change when Hyundai spun off the Genesis brand, examples that still bear the Hyundai name are amazing bargains. Don't let the Hyundai badge fool you: The Genesis is a true luxury competitor. It has a comfortable interior trimmed in premium materials, easy-to-use tech features that you'd expect from a luxury car, and a choice of two strong engines. CPO prices are mostly under $30,000.

2014-2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E350

This undated photo provided by BMW shows the 2014 X5. The midsize X5 really set the standard for the current crop of road-focused luxury SUVs, blending refinement and performance with utility and technology. A variety of engines areis available, including a high-torque diesel. (Courtesy of BMW of North America via AP)

Few sedans exemplify a proper luxury sedan better than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. For around $36,000, you can find 2014 to 2016 E350 sedans. These were the last years of the previous -generation model. They don't have the ultra-impressive interior design of the newest E-Class, but they offer the same luxury and brand cachet. We picked the 2014 model year as our starting point because Mercedes updated it with slick new looks, interior tweaks, and a new suite of active safety features. Factor in these updates to the E350's superb ride quality, comfortable interior and solid-performing V6 engine, and you have an appealing and well-rounded luxury car. There's a big price spread, with older models starting around $26,000, while 2016 cars can still go for more than $35,000.

SUVs

2016-2017 ACURA RDX

This undated photo provided by Volvo shows the 2016 XC70. To make the versatile XC70, Volvo took its practical and comfortable V70 wagon, raised its ride height and added all-wheel drive. Find a model with either the turbocharged inline-six or the turbocharged inline-five cylinder engine, and you'll have ample power to go with the ample cargo area and Volvo's excellent ergonomics. (Courtesy of Volvo Cars of North America via AP)

Thanks to its strong V6 engine, sporty handling, a long list of tech features, and a good amount of cargo space, the Acura RDX is an appealing compact luxury SUV. Slightly older models are still a good bet, but Acura improved the RDX's infotainment interface for 2016 and added a handful of active safety features and extra standard equipment. The RDX is a practical and rewarding choice, and it comes from a brand with a history of good reliability. Like the Mercedes, depending on age and equipment, the RDX can range from $25,000 to $35,000.

2014-2016 BMW X5

The midsize X5 really set the standard for the current crop of road-focused luxury SUVs, blending refinement and performance with utility and technology. A variety of engines areis available, including a high-torque diesel. We also like the X5's comfortable seating, steadfast stability, and wide spectrum of available features. A folding third-row seat is optional, though it's really only suitable for children. Expect to pay more than $30,000 for a good example.

This photo provided by Honda shows the Acura 2016 RDX. Thanks to its strong V6 engine, sporty handling, a long list of tech features, and a good amount of cargo space, the Acura RDX is an appealing compact luxury SUV. Slightly older models are still a good bet, but Acura improved the RDX's infotainment interface for 2016 and added a handful of active safety features and extra standard equipment. (WieckCourtesy of American Honda Motor Co. via AP)

SUV ALTERNATIVE

2012-2016 VOLVO XC70

To make the versatile XC70, Volvo took its practical and comfortable V70 wagon, raised its ride height and added all-wheel drive. Find a model with either the turbocharged inline-six or the turbocharged inline-five cylinder engine, and you'll have ample power to go with the ample cargo area and Volvo's excellent ergonomics. For 2012, Volvo improved the XC70's technology features, making that the year to start your search. The XC70 was discontinued after 2016, so the pool of CPO examples is shrinking. If you're looking for a versatile vehicle without as many compromises as an SUV, take a look at an XC70 before it disappears forever. Expect to pay around $28,000 to $32,000, although recent, higher trim-level versions can be pricier.

EDMUNDS SAYS: Entry-level luxury cars have always been an appealing option for shoppers, but many buyers may not realize that all sorts of late-model luxury options are available for less than the average price of a new vehicle. Certified pre-owned examples can offer shoppers warranty and financing benefits that are similar to that of new cars, making them even more viable alternatives to brand-new vehicles.

This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Will Kaufman is a staff writer at Edmunds. Instagram: @didntreadthestyleguide.

Related links:

— Shop CPO cars on Edmunds: https://edmu.in/2MeWkaL

— Certified Pre-Owned Cars: A Reality Check: https://edmu.in/2nG5OmV

— 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Video Review: https://bit.ly/2LZWzdI

— 2014 BMW X5 Video Review: https://bit.ly/2vrpb5b

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Myanmar began a second round of voting Sunday in its first general election since the military takeover five years ago.

Voting expanded to additional townships including some areas affected by the civil war between the military government and its armed opponents.

Critics say the polls organized by the military government are neither free nor fair and are an effort by the military to legitimize its rule after seizing power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.

Tom Andrews, a special rapporteur working with the U.N. human rights office, urged the international community Thursday to reject what he called a “sham election,” saying the first round exposed coercion, violence and political exclusion.

“You cannot have a free, fair or credible election when thousands of political prisoners are behind bars, credible opposition parties have been dissolved, journalists are muzzled, and fundamental freedoms are crushed,” Andrews said.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, which keeps detailed tallies of arrests and casualties linked to the conflict, more than 22,000 people are detained for political offenses, and more than 7,600 civilians have been killed by security forces since 2021.

The army’s takeover triggered widespread peaceful protests that soon erupted into armed resistance, and the country slipped into a civil war.

A new Election Protection Law imposes harsh penalties and restrictions for virtually all public criticism of the polls. The authorities have charged more than 330 people under new electoral law for leafleting or online activity over the past few months.

Opposition organizations and ethnic armed groups had previously vowed to disrupt the electoral process.

On Sunday, attacks targeting polling stations and government buildings were reported in at least four of the 100 townships holding polls, with two administrative officials killed, independent online media, including Myanmar Now, reported.

Polling stations opened at 6 a.m. in 100 townships across the country, including parts of Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Bago and Tanintharyi regions, as well as Mon, Shan, Kachin, Kayah and Kayin states. Many of those areas have recently seen clashes or remain under heightened security, underscoring the risks surrounding the vote.

The election is being held in three phases due to armed conflicts. The first round took place Dec. 28 in 102 of the country’s total 330 townships. A final round is scheduled for Jan. 25, though 65 townships will not take part because of fighting.

Myanmar has a two-house national legislature, totaling 664 seats. The party with a combined parliamentary majority can select the new president, who can name a Cabinet and form a new government. The military automatically receives 25% of seats in each house under the constitution.

Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, the military government's spokesperson, told journalists on Sunday that the two houses of parliament will be convened in March, and the new government will take up its duties in April.

On Sunday, people in Yangon and Mandalay, the two largest cities, cast their ballots in high schools, government buildings and religious buildings.

At more than 10 polling stations visited by Associated Press journalists, voter numbers ranged from about 150 at the busiest site to just a few at others, appearing lower than during the 2020 election when long lines were common.

The military government said there were more than 24 million eligible voters, about 35% fewer than in 2020. The government called the turnout a success, claiming ballots were cast by more than 6 million people, about 52% of the more than 11 million eligible voters in the election's first phase.

Myo Aung, a chief minister of the Mandalay region, said more people turned out Sunday than in the first phase.

Maung Maung Naing, who voted in Mandalay’s Mahar Aung Myay township, said he wanted a government that will benefit the people.

“I only like a government that can make everything better for livelihoods and social welfare,” he said.

Sandar Min, an independent candidate from Yangon’s Latha township, said she decided to contest the election despite criticism because she wants to work with the government for the good of the country. She hopes the vote will bring change that reduces suffering.

“We want the country to be nonviolent. We do not accept violence as part of the change of the country,” Sandar Min said after casting a vote. “We care deeply about the people of this country.”

While more than 4,800 candidates from 57 parties are competing for seats in national and regional legislatures, only six parties are competing nationwide.

The first phase left the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party, or USDP, in a dominant position, winning nearly 90% of the contested seats in the first phase in the lower house. It also won a majority of seats in regional legislatures.

Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s 80-year-old former leader, and her party aren’t participating in the polls. She is serving a 27-year prison term on charges widely viewed as spurious and politically motivated. Her party, the National League for Democracy, was dissolved in 2023, after refusing to register under new military rules.

Other parties also refused to register or declined to run under conditions they deem unfair, while opposition groups have called for a voter boycott.

An official of the Union Election Commission counts ballots at a polling station during the second phase of general election in Mandalay, central Myanmar, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)

An official of the Union Election Commission shows a slip as they count ballots at a polling station during the second phase of general election in Yangon, Myanmar, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

A voter casts ballot at a polling station during the second phase of general election Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

A voter casts ballot at a polling station during the second phase of general election in Mandalay, central Myanmar, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)

A voter shows his finger, marked with ink to indicate he voted, at a polling station during the second phase of general election in Mandalay, central Myanmar, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)

Sandar Min, an individual candidate for an election and former parliament member from ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party, shows off her finger marked with ink indicating she voted at a polling station during the second phase of general election Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Voters wait for a polling station to open during the second phase of general election in Mandalay, central Myanmar, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)

Buddhist monks walk past a polling station opened at a monastery one day before the second phase of the general election in Yangon, Myanmar, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

An official of the Union Election Commission checks a sample slip from an electronic voting machine as they prepare to set up a polling station opened at a monastery one day before the second phase of the general election in Yangon, Myanmar, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)