The average person spends two and a half hours in his/her car daily. That’s longer than sitting through the average Hollywood movie. It’s also more time than we spend eating, running, or making decisions like which luxury car to buy. Nobody wants to spend that time cramped in a little car with roll-up windows and no A/C. We want comfort. We want convenience. We want a rolling home away from home. However, we don’t want to clean out our bank accounts to have it. With more and more gadgets becoming standard, consumers are reaping the benefits of more luxury for less money. Here’s a look at some of the most affordable luxury cars out there, the best new luxury cars for under $30,000.

1.) 2011 Hyundai Azera Base MSRP: $25,495

Nothing says love like legroom and this one has some to spare. 44 inches of it in the front seat and 38 inches in the back mean you won’t have to stop as often to stretch your legs on those long trips. An improved 3.3L V6 engine will pump out 260 horsepower and, for those of you who desire that little extra bit, there’s also an available 3.8L V6 that will push 283 ponies. Both engines are matched with a new 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. Gas mileage numbers are in the area of 20/28mpg (city/highway) with the 3.3L V6.

One of the nicest features of any luxury sedan is the ability to ensure the safest ride available. With eight standard airbags, active front head restraints to help prevent whiplash, Tethers for Children (LATCH) system and three-point seatbelts for all positions, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which optimizes brake performance, Hyundai has made this one of the safest vehicles on the road. Three trim packages include a “Premium Package”, “Navigation Package”, and “Ultimate Package” which includes all the trimmings. Read the rest of this entry »