6 new and used cars you can get for under $40,000
SUVs, sedans, and sports cars.
Boston.com Cars is your go-to resource for coverage of local car news, events, and reviews. In the market for a car or truck? Check out our new car specials and used car specials curated by our local dealer network.Each week, Boston.com profiles several cars that consumers can find for below a certain price point in an effort to help you find your dream car faster. The cars listed here include new and used models and consider current financial incentives, and the prices are either starting MSRPs for newer vehicles or Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price for used vehicles.
2017 Acura RDX
2017 Acura RDX.
Starting MSRP: $35,670
Why it’s worth the price: Upscale and refined, the smaller of Acura’s two SUVs is also one of the most affordable models on the market. The five-passenger Acura RDX boasts one of the most powerful engines in the two-row SUV segment: a 279-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6. The RDX, which is available in only one trim, comes equipped with Bluetooth, a USB port, and power and heated front seats.
The RDX earned a perfect five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and scored well in crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. A rearview camera is standard. The optional AcuraWatch Plus package includes several advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation braking.
Current incentives: Check your local Acura dealership for offers and incentives.
2017 Infiniti Q60
2107 Infiniti Q60.
Starting MSRP: $38,950
Why it’s worth the price: Redesigned for 2017, the Infiniti Q60 compact car is sleek, eye-catching, and surprisingly roomy. The four-passenger coupe is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims come with an option for two different twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engines that deliver 300 horsepower or 400 horsepower. All models are equipped with Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a dual-screen infotainment system.
The Q60 has not yet been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. A rearview camera is standard, and advanced safety features including lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning are available.
Current incentives: Check your local Infiniti dealership for offers and incentives.
2017 Cadillac XT5
2017 Cadillac XT5.
Starting MSRP: $39,395
Why it’s worth the price: New for 2017, the Cadillac XT5 midsize crossover broadcasts comfort and refinement. The five-passenger SUV runs on a 310-horsepower, V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All models are equipped with a wireless charging pad for mobile devices, a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot, and the Cadillac CUE infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Its 30 cubic feet of cargo space can accommodate an IKEA haul or as many as seven golf bags.
The XT5 received top scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. All models come equipped with a rearview camera. Adaptive cruise control, pedestrian collision mitigation, and other advanced driver safety features are available.
Current incentives: Check your local Cadillac dealership for offers and incentives.
2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2015 Mercedes E-Class.
KBB.com Fair Purchase Price: $38,347
Why it’s worth the price: A new Mercedes-Benz midsize sedan starts north of $51,000, but you can find a two-year-old model for under $40,000. Upscale and refined, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is available in seven trims and four body configurations: coupe, convertible, sedan, or wagon. Powertrains range from a 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission to the 577-horsepower V8 underlying the E-Class’ high-performance AMG badge. All models get Bluetooth, a USB port, and the brand’s COMAND infotainment system.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class earned four out of five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and excellent scores in all crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Safety features available with the 2015 model include a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The brand’s Attention Assist system that monitors driver drowsiness comes standard.
Current incentives: Kelley Blue Book researchers indicate a 2015 Mercedes-Benz in good or better condition can range from $35,870 to $40,823 and has a typical mileage of about 35,000. Search local used car dealerships to find one.
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Starting MSRP: $37,995
Why it’s worth the price: New for 2017, the highly-anticipated Alfa Romeo Giulia sports car blends performance with affordable Italian style. The five-passenger compact car comes in three trims: Giulia, Ti, and Quadrifoglio. The Giulia and Ti run on a 280-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The top-of-the-line Quadrifoglio gets a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 that delivers an eye-popping 505 horsepower. All models come with leather upholstery, as well as Bluetooth, three USB ports, and a 6.5-inch infotainment screen.
The Giulia has not yet been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are standard. Lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking are available.
Current incentives: Check your local Alfa Romeo dealership for offers and incentives.
2012 Land Rover Range Rover
2012 Land Rover Range Rover.
KBB.com Fair Purchase Price: $36,160
Why it’s worth the price: The crème de la crème of SUVs is accessible to most buyers willing to consider a model with a few thousand miles on it. Though Land Rover redesigned the five-passenger nameplate the following year, the 2012 Range Rover still provides cabin comforts and impressive performance, as well as superior off-road chops. A smooth 375-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 powers the base model. Buyers can also opt for the 510-horsepower, supercharged 5.0-liter V8. All models are equipped with heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a 12.3-inch display screen.
The 2012 Range Rover was not rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A rearview camera is standard on the 2012 model, and advanced safety features including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system are available.
Current incentives: Kelley Blue Book researchers indicate a 2012 Land Rover Range Rover in good or better condition can range from $34,307 to $38,012 and has a typical mileage of about 47,500. Search local used car dealerships to find one.
