Buying Used Cars - The Best German Cars To Buy!

Whether you desire a Mercedes-Benz luxury sedan or a fast Volkswagen hatchback, these secondhand cars hold up nicely.

Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG - The Performance Luxury Sedan

I'd recommend the 2016 Mercedes C450 AMG if you're looking for something a little more elegant that can transport family and clients while still providing thrill behind the wheel. The C450 AMG is a powerful performance sedan that sits between the tire-burning C63 AMG and the more practical and comfortable C300 4MATIC. This 7-speed automated all-wheel-drive Mercedes has a 3.0 L twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque and can sprint to 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds and cover a quarter-mile in 13.0 seconds flat. All of this while offering the driver with the sophisticated luxury that Mercedes-Benz is known for.

You can adjust your driving experience to your mood and demands with multiple drive modes such as comfort, eco, sport, and sport Plus. Best of all, despite all of this power, the C450 AMG can still get up to 29 mpg on the interstate, according to the EPA. These features combine to make this a fantastic performance sedan that is also suitable for your daily commute. When properly maintained, the C450, like most Mercedes cars, appears to be a rather durable vehicle with few major difficulties. Early specimens were stated to have timing chain rattling and injector problems, the most of which should have been fixed by now. Best of all, one of these Autobahn-burners will set you back roughly $35,000.

Volkswagen GTI - The Practical Sporty Hatchback

We can all agree that a fresh new car has something special about it. They have the most up-to-date technology, everything is new and clean, and there's that new car scent, of course. Despite the allure of a brand new pair of wheels, most of us can agree that the best price can be found on the used automobile market. There are thousands of different cars and SUVs to pick from, no matter what you're searching for. What do you do if you don't know what to get? Here are a handful of our top picks for the greatest secondhand vehicles.

The Volkswagen GTI is my go-to recommendation for practically everyone seeking for something exciting, practical, and economical, as a lifelong admirer of practical performance hatchbacks. The Mk6 VW GTI, which was available in 2-door and 4-door versions from 2010 to 2014, is the best deal on the market right now. The Mk6 GTI is equipped with a powerful but efficient 2.0 T turbocharged engine and either a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission or a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission for when you want to have fun behind the wheel. The VW GTI can swallow a surprising amount of stuff thanks to its big cargo compartment and fold-down rear seats. Whether it's materials for a beach holiday, track tools and spares, or carrying home IKEA boxes, the GTI can almost do it all. 

Porsche Cayman S - The Sports Car

It's difficult to imagine anything better than a Porsche when it comes to German sports vehicles. Porsche always delivers a driving experience that is second to none, thanks to decades of expertise developing and perfecting its engineering prowess. While there are many Porsches to pick from, from the powerful Turbo to the edgy, track-derived GT3 versions, one of my faves is the face-lifted Cayman S. The Cayman S received an update to the 9A1 direct-injected flat-six engine in 2009, replacing the infamous and occasionally troublesome M96/M97 engine series. With DFI, the Cayman S gained power, up to 320 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, as well as the option to add the amazing 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission for the first time. Performance is solid, with 0-60 in around 4.5 seconds or so, but the Cayman S really isn't about just acceleration, it's about balance and driving pleasure.

The Cayman S has a lot of both in this department. The chassis is well-balanced, thanks to the mid-engine configuration, which ensures even weight distribution, and Porsche's unrivalled suspension calibration, which provides outstanding control and feedback. While I prefer manual transmissions, the PDK is a great choice for individuals who prefer to leave the shifting to the car. Best of all, if you prefer a convertible, the Cayman's older brother, the Boxster S, has the same technical upgrades as the Cayman but also has a retractable roof. In general, a well-maintained DFI 9A1 Cayman or Boxster from 2009 and onward will have few severe engine or driveline issues to worry about.