In this article, we will look at the 25 cheap cars that will make you look rich. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Cheap Cars That Will Make You Look Rich.
Car Ownership Situation
Cars and private commuter vehicles are a necessity for most, however, others see it as a status symbol. Car ownership is generally on the rise due to an increase in disposable income. According to Forbes, car ownership in the US increased by 3.5% between 2018 and 2022. Moreover, approximately 91.7% of US households reported having at least one car in 2022, whereas 22.1% reported having 3 or more vehicles. On the other hand, only 8.3% of households were found to own no vehicles during the same year. If you are considering buying a car, look at the 15 Best Used Car Websites in USA and 10 Best Carfax Alternatives to Check Vehicle History.
Another factor contributing to the rise in car ownership is the decrease in car prices. According to Kelly Blue Book, the average price of a new car sold in January 2024 dropped 2.6% from December 2023 and was recorded at $47,401. The drop in prices seems minimalistic, however, if compared with the average prices a year ago, prices are down by 3.5% since January 2023. One of the contributing factors behind the drop in car prices is an increase in the inventory of new cars at dealerships around the country. American car dealers had approximately 750,000 more cars in their inventory in January 2024 as compared to the year before. This increase in car inventory has brought inventory levels close to the pre-pandemic era and has thereby given dealers room for incentives and discounts on new cars. In January 2024, discounts on new cars were recorded to be 5.7% of the average purchase.
Luxury Car Market: An Analysis
The luxury car market segment in the US witnessed a record number of sales in December 2023. According to a release by Kelly Blue Book, luxury brand purchases accounted for a record share of 20.6% in the overall car purchases during the year. Moreover, the average price paid for a new luxury car also decreased from $62,834 in December 2023 to $60,978 in January 2024 and it was recorded to be the lowest average selling price for a luxury vehicle since the summer of 2021.
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global luxury car market was valued at $617.36 billion in 2022. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.9% during the forecasted period and reach $1.05 trillion by 2030. The increase in the number of millionaires and disposable income is fostering growth in the market. One of our recent articles on the Countries with the Highest Percentage of Millionaires in the World found the United States of America had 7.38% of global millionaires in 2021. Within the luxury car market, the internal combustion engine vehicle segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 70.2% in 2022. However, the electric vehicle segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR value of 7.8% during the forecasted period. Moreover, in terms of regional analysis, the European region held the greatest market share of 39.3% in 2022, due to its well-established luxury car companies. To read more about expensive and luxury cars, you can read the Top 20 Most Expensive Cars of All Time.
Some of the Leading Luxury Automobile Companies
Mercedes-Benz Group AG (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) and Audi, a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG (OTC:VWAGY) are two of the leading luxury automobile companies.
Mercedes-Benz Group AG (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) is a leading luxury car and van manufacturing and marketing company based in Germany. On May 7, Mercedes-Benz Group AG (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) announced its new Mercedes-AMG top model is available for orders. The New AMG GT 63 S E Performance Coupé features an AMG 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine combined with an AMG Electric Drive Unit generating 816 horsepower and a maximum torque of up to 1,420 Nm. The new model is the fastest as compared to the previous models and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of 320 km/h. The car is available for order at retail partners and online starting at 217,770 euros.
Audi is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG (OTC:VWAGY) that designs and manufactures commercialized premium vehicles around the globe. Other luxury automobile brands by Volkswagen AG (OTC:VWAGY) include Lamborghini, Bentley, and Porsche. On March 18, Audi announced that Audi of America will launch the Q6 e-tron quattro and SQ6 e-tron SUV variants. The models of the Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron SUV to be released in the US are expected to generate more power as compared to the model released globally. According to the estimates, the Q6 e-tron quattro will generate 422 horsepower under nominal controls and 456 horsepower while in launch control mode. Moreover, the car is expected to have a top speed of 210 km/h with an acceleration of 0 to 60 km/h in less than 5 seconds. On the other hand, the SQ6 e-tron SUV is expected to have a top speed of 230 km/h and an acceleration of 0 to 60 km/h in 4.2 seconds under launch control mode. Other specific details related to the pricing, emissions, and performance specifications will be announced closer to the sales date later this year.
While luxury comes at a price, you can still look rich while being on a budget. With this context, let’s look at the 25 cheap cars that will make you look rich.
To curate the list of 25 cheap cars that will make you look rich, we sifted through over 10 internet rankings and Reddit threads. Once we had the list of cheap cars that will make you look rich, we ranked them in descending order of their prices sourced from J.D. Power. Please note that the mentioned prices are the average price of used vehicles as per our source and can be subject to change over time. The prices were recorded on May 6, 2024.
25 Cheap Cars That Will Make You Look Rich
25. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Average Price: $30,000
1966 Volkswagen Karmann designed by Carrozzeria Ghia SpA, an Italian coachbuilder and automobile designer, is a classic yet cheap car that will make you look Rich. The Volkswagen Karmann is a two-door car with a rear-mounted engine featuring a rear wheel drive. Under the hood, the car holds a 4-cylinder 1.5-liter engine that generates 32.1 kW of power at 4000 rpm. Moreover, the 4-speed gearbox can take the car up to 132 km/h generating a torque of 100 Nm at 2000 rpm.
24. 2000 Bentley Arnage
Average Price: $29,800
Bentley Arnage was unveiled in 1999 by Bentley after which the company started to refine the model. Both the interior and exterior of the car are built to offer luxury and premium class. On the inside the car offers premium leather on the seats, some parts of the dashboard, the center console, and the doors. Along with the leather you get polished wood on the dashboard and the console enhancing the luxurious feel of the car. Under the hood, the Bentley Arnage hides a 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged v8 engine that produces 344 horsepower with a top speed of 150 mph.
23. 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera
Average Price: $28,900
The 2003 Porsche 911 is an exotic luxury sports car that offers premium leather seats, dual power front seats, and a hands-free phone and navigation system on the inside. In terms of the exterior, the car gives a sporty look with rear spoilers. Under the Hood, the 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera holds a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder gas engine that can generate up to 315 horsepower and a top speed of 174 mph. The 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera ranks 23rd on our list of 25 cheap cars that will make you look rich and you can buy a used Porsche 911 for an average price of $28,900.
22. 2013 Audi A8
Average Price: $25,350
The 2013 Audi A8 is a luxury Sedan that ranks 22nd on our list of 25 cheap cars that will make you look rich. Audi A8 comes with a Valetta leather interior, elegantly placed radio and air conditioning controls on the dashboards, and an MMI touchpad placed in the driver's reach. Under the hood, the Audi A8 holds a 3-liter supercharged V6 engine that generates 333 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. On the outside, the distinctive LED strip that runs underneath the headlight gives the car a unique premium look.
21. 2005 Lotus Elise
Average Price: $23,100
2005 Lotus Elise ranks 21st on our list of 25 cheap cars that will make you rich. The 2005 Lotus Elise is a street racer sports car that holds a 4-cylinder, 1.8-liter engine under the hood. The engine generates 190 horsepower at 7,800 rpm. Apart from the sporty 2 door look, the car offers premium handling and an acceleration of 0 to 60 km/h in 4.4 seconds.
20. 2008 Maserati Quattroporte
Average Price: $22,000
2008 Maserati Quattroporte is a full-size 4-door luxury sedan that ranks 20th on our list of 25 cheap cars that will make you look rich. The rear wheel drive 2008 Maserati Quattroporte competes with Audi A8, BMW 7, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class in performance and shape. On the inside, you get handcrafted leather components with premium wooden trims. In terms of engine capacity, the car holds a 4.2 liter V8 engine that produces approximately 400 horsepower and 333 pounds-feet of torque.
19. 2011 Cadillac CTS-V
Average Price: $19,875
The 2011 Cadillac CTS-V was a cornerstone of the Cadillac lineup in 2011 and competes with the BMW 5 series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The athletic outer body characterized by fenders and a double sunroof gives it a premium look. The 2011 Cadillac CTS-V is powered by a 3-liter V6 engine that generates 270 horsepower. The car comes with a direct injection technology that reduces emissions by up to 25%.
18. 2000 BMW M5
Average Price: $19,300
The 2000 BMW M5 is another cheap car that will make you look rich. The BMW M5 comes with a 4.9 liter V8 engine, with 6-speed transmission that generates 400 horsepower at 6,600 rpm. The car features a tilting glass sunroof heated cushioning and front seats as premium features. It ranks 18th on our list and you can buy the used 2000 BMW M5 for an average price of $19,300.
17. 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR
Average Price: $19,225
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR ranks 17th on our list of 25 cheap cars that will make you look rich. Under the hood, the car features a 5-speed manual 2-liter engine that generates 291 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR also gives you sporty seats on the inside with lots of safety features, heavy-duty brakes, and premium performance.
16. 1996 Bentley Turbo R
Average Price: $16,600
Another Bentley that makes it to our list of 25 cheap cars that will make you look rich is the 1996 Bentley Turbo R. Apart from the luxury that comes with the classic British elegance style design, leather seats, rich wood veneers, and hand-crafted attention to detail. The car hides a powerhouse under the hood, the 6.75 liter V8 engine produces more than 350 horsepower and provides an acceleration of 0 to 60 km/h in 6.6 seconds.
15. 2017 Chrysler 200
Average Price: $16,048
The 2017 Chrysler 200 is a mid-size sedan that drives like a premium car. The car is equipped with a 2.4-liter engine that produces 295 horsepower and goes from 0 to 60 km/h in just 6 seconds. The interior of the car has heated leather seats, which are adjustable, real wood dashboards, and an overall refined yet luxurious feel. The car ranks 15th on our list of 25 cars that will make you look rich.
14. 2017 Jaguar XE
Average Price: $15,848
The 2017 Jaguar XE is a luxury midsize sedan that ranks 14th on our list of 25 cars that will make you look rich. The car came in competition with the BMW 3 series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and Lexus IS. Under the hood the car holds a 2-liter diesel engine that generates an acceleration of 0 to 60 kmh in 7 seconds You can buy the used 2017 Jaguar XE for an average price of $15,848.
13. 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth
Average Price: $14,075
The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth ranks 13th on our list of 25 cheap cars that will make you look rich. The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth is a roadster 2-seater sports car that comes with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine under the hood. The premium build quality, comfortable ride, and convertible roof make it a luxurious sports car. You can buy a used 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth for an average price of $14,065.
12. 2008 Mercedes S600
Average Price: $11,375
The 2008 Mercedes S600 is a 4-door luxury sedan car that ranks 12th on our list of 25 cheap cars that will make you look rich. Some of the prominent features that add luxury to the car include a panoramic roof, keyless start, remote trunk release, heated exterior driver mirror, passenger windows, rear seat heat ducts, and much more. Under the hood, the 2008 Mercedes S600 holds a 12-cylinder 5.5-liter engine that generates 510 horsepower at 5,000 rpm.
11. 2007 Jaguar XK8
Average Price: $9,375
The 2007 Jaguar XK8 is a 2 two-door sporty-looking Coupe with a seating capacity of up to 4 people. The interior of the car gives premium comfort with its leather seats, instrument panel, keyless entry, and seven-inch touchscreen with a navigation system. Under the hood, the Jaguar XK8 holds a 4.2-liter V8 engine that generates 300 horsepower at 6000 rpm.
10. 2008 Cadillac Escalade-V8-AWD
Average Price: $8,063
The 2008 Cadillac Escalade-V8-AWD is a truck-shaped SUV with a classy interior, a powerful V8 engine, a comfortable leather seat, and a large, tilting touchscreen that comes with the optional navigation system. The 2008 Cadillac Escalade-V8-AWD ranks 10th on our list of 25 cheap cars that will make you look rich.
9. 1986 Maserati BiTurbo
Average Price: $7,625
The 1986 Maserati BiTurbo is a classic sporty coupe that comes with a compact 90-degree V6 engine and a luxurious interior. The Maserati BiTurbo can go up to a top speed of 215 km/h and ranks 9th on our list of 25 cheap cars that will make you look rich.
8. 2011 Jaguar XJ40
Average Price: $7,104
The 2011 Jaguar XJ40 is a luxurious 4-door sedan that ranks 8th on our list. Under the hood, the car hides a powerful Gas V8, 5.0-liter engine that comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, the sunroof, air vents, the pop-up transmission controller, and wide bands of wood on the doors make the interior look stylish and youthful. You can buy used 2011 Jaguar XJ40 for an average price of $7,104
7. 2008 Chrysler 300
Average Price: $7,050
The 2008 Chrysler 300 is a family sedan that offers luxury and a powerful engine under the hood. Features such as faux tortoise shell steering, a wide instrument panel, and a luxury interior add style to the interior. Moreover, the aggressive grill styling on the front and smooth rear adds style to the exterior of the car. Under the hood, the car hides a 5.7 liter V8 engine that delivers top performance.
6. 2007 Nissan 350Z
Average Price: $6,975
The 2007 Nissan 350Z is a convertible sports car that ranks 6th on our list of 25 cheap cars that will make you look rich. It is a rear-wheel drive car with a stylish exterior and a great-sounding exhaust. Under the hood, the Nissan 350Z holds a powerful 3.5 liter V6 engine that pumps out 6,800 rpm. You can buy a used Nissan 350Z 2007 model for an average price of $6,975.
