Best cars for looking rich (2024)

The cost of cars is creeping up, and it's not uncommon to spend more than £70,000 on top-of-the-range models from household names like Audi, BMW and Mercedes. With the cost of petrol, diesel and electricity following that upward trend, running a car can prove expensive.

Fortunately, you don't need to spend a fortune to drive a posh-looking car and there are plenty of options to choose from. Buying used is the best way to look rich on a budget, because a new car typically loses the most value in the first year.

Buying a luxury car that's a couple of years old could potentially save you tens of thousands, and it could still look fresh for years to come with manufacturers typically updating their cars every seven or so years. Even a nearly new or pre-registered car can offer a healthy saving over a brand-new equivalent.

If you like the idea of driving a high-end car for a relatively affordable monthly payment, you might want to find out more aboutPCP finance. PCP offers lower monthly payments thanHire Purchaseor a traditional car loan, meaning that you could afford to get into a better car for your monthly budget than you might think. Just be aware that you won't own the car at the end of the contract unless you make the largeoptional final payment.

Best cars for rich people

  • Aston Martin
  • Range Rover
  • Audi RS6 Avant
  • Mini Hatchback
  • Mercedes GLS
  • Porsche Cayenne
  • BMW i8
  • Jaguar F-Type

1. Aston Martin

Best cars for looking rich (1)

Used deals from £69,950
Monthly finance from £0*

James Bond's supercar of choice, Aston Martin, makes hand-built luxury supercars that are well out of reach of most pockets. However, while they’re droolingly desirable, most Aston Martin models are as susceptible to depreciation - loss of their original value - as any of their rivals.

As a result, you could be driving off into the sunset in your dream Aston Martin for a fraction of its initial purchase price. Most people will never notice that you're driving an older model - especially if you get an inexpensive private number plate, so the age of the car isn't obvious.

The fabulous four-door Rapide is the height of luxurious family motoring with its sophisticated leather interior, glamorous aluminium curves and mighty V12 engine. If you're after a sportier ride, a DB11 or a Vantage could fit the bill, though don't expect the last word in fuel economy.

2. Range Rover

Best cars for looking rich (2)

Used deals from £29,499
Monthly finance from £0*

The Range Rover is another of those iconic rich people’s cars that drop in value like a stone the moment they’re driven home by the first owner. Again, that's great news if you want the look for less. A range-topping V8-powered model could cost well in excess of £150,000, but a used model could cost half that.

Diesel models should help cut the running costs, while a plug-in hybrid model makes a lot of sense for those able to plug in regularly. There's little need to upgrade to a more expensive trim level with even the cheapest models coming lavishly equipped with leather seats, cruise control, climate control and sat-nav.

Remember to put a little aside for servicing and maintenance; tyres can be particularly expensive as SUVs tend to wear through their tyres quite quickly. The fact that the Range Rover's wheels are rather large adds to the cost.

RANGE ROVER BUYERS' GUIDE

3. Audi RS6 Avant

Best cars for looking rich (3)

Used deals from £48,999
Monthly finance from £0*

Rich people often have a selection of cars and when their ‘workhorse’ isn’t a Range Rover or another luxury SUV, it could be an upmarket estate car parked on the gravel drive.

High on the list of desirable models is the supremely rapid Audi RS6 Avant, which combines a mighty 600hp engine with four-wheel drive for strong grip when accelerating, and a massive boot - perfect for family skiing trips to the continent.

The latest version was introduced in 2020 and costs around £100,000. It looks more aggressive than the previous-generation model, though both versions get blistering performance to rival many supercars.

AUDI A6 AVANT BUYERS' GUIDE

4. Mini Hatchback

Best cars for looking rich (4)

Used deals from £8,499
Monthly finance from £0*

Rich people buy small cars too, whether as a family runabout or something for the kids to drive when they’ve passed their tests, and a Mini will be the model that often fits the bill.

The model has a classless appeal and a premium quality that appeals to people of every income group, and although there are regular updates to the Mini range, the basic retro-inspired design has become a familiar sight after years in production.

The timeless nature of the design means you can make the right sort of impression with a Mini that’s been well-maintained and looked after, even if it’s a few years old. That’s especially true of more expensive and sportier models and in particular, the speedy Cooper S, which has a bit more appeal than the standard car on quite a few levels.

MINI HATCHBACK BUYERS' GUIDE

5. Mercedes GLS

Best cars for looking rich (5)

Used deals from £36,500
Monthly finance from £0*

If you’re looking for a statement SUV, then the flagship model from Mercedes is another top choice for looking wealthy. A new version was launched in 2020 but, true to form, the previous-generation GLS looks very similar and thus is good for presenting the ‘right impression’.

It’s vast for starters, while the showy three-pointed star adorning the radiator grille leaves other drivers in no doubt about what brand of car is bearing down in their rearview mirror. Onboard the GLS, you get seven seats as standard and more space than many studio flats offer, not to mention all the toys and gadgets you’d expect in a luxury flagship model.

While the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 is quick, it's far from efficient. The six-cylinder diesel models are better suited to the car's heavy weight, and they aren't slow either.

6. Porsche Cayenne

Best cars for looking rich (6)

Used deals from £26,990
Monthly finance from £0*

Porsche created the concept of the truly sporty SUV when it launched the Cayenne all the way back in 2010. It not only looked the part with its swoopy sportscar-like front end, but a powerful petrol engine ensured performance was sufficient to warrant the use of the Porsche badge.

More impressive, perhaps, was the way that Porsche engineers managed to fettle the Cayenne’s suspension to provide a rewarding driving experience that made this big SUV feel more like a sports saloon. The Turbo model brought really extreme performance, and since its introduction, the Cayenne in all forms has been a firm favourite with wealthy buyers.

Drivers looking to cut their running costs could consider a hybrid model, while those looking to make a lasting impression may want to shortlist the Cayenne Coupe with its sleek sloping roofline.

PORSCHE CAYENNE BUYERS' GUIDE

7. BMW i8

Best cars for looking rich (7)

Used deals Limited stock

The Tesla Model S could have represented the rich eco-warrior’s choice of luxury motor here, but we’ve opted for the BMW’s plug-in hybrid i8 instead, which allows you to travel short distances on electric power alone, if you charge it up, with the back up of a petrol engine for longer trips.

The exotic carbon fibre supercar with its front-mounted electric motor and rear-mounted three-cylinder engine was discontinued in 2020, so finding a used bargain shouldn't be a problem.

Don't be put off by the small 1.5-litre engine that the i8 uses, though. The electric assistance from its additional motor means 0-62mph happens in 4.4 seconds.

BMW I8 BUYERS' GUIDE

8. Jaguar F-Type R

Best cars for looking rich (8)

Used deals from £38,295
Monthly finance from £0*

The outrageously desirable Jaguar F-Type R is the hottest version of Jaguar’s latest sports car, and boasts startling performance from its mighty supercharged engine and four-wheel-drive setup. It puts out a whopping 550hp which is enough to propel the F-Type R to 60mph in a mere 4.1 seconds, and on to a maximum speed of 186mph.

With drop-dead gorgeous looks and a luxurious leather-clad interior featuring all the toys, the F-Type R commands a steep price tag when new of around £100,000. So naturally, it appeals to drivers with plenty of spare cash, but even they might baulk at signing on the dotted line if they knew that low-mileage F-Type Rs start at around half that.

Super-quick SVR models are worth checking out for ultimate performance, but if efficiency is your game there are 2.0-litre engines to choose from, too.

JAGUAR F-TYPE BUYERS' GUIDE

*Representative PCP finance - Ford Fiesta:

48 monthly payments of £192
Deposit: £0
Mileage limit: 8,000 per year
Optional final payment to buy car: £2,923
Total amount payable to buy car: £11,926
Total cost of credit: £2,426
Amount borrowed: £9,500
APR: 9.9%

BuyaCar is a credit broker, not a lender. Our rates start from 6.9% APR. The rate you are offered will depend on your individual circ*mstances.

Best cars for looking rich (2024)

FAQs

What vehicles make you look rich? ›

What Cars Make You Look Rich
  • Bentley Continental GT… The Bentley Continental GT is the epitome of luxury and refinement, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their image. ...
  • Lamborghini Aventador… ...
  • Ferrari 488… ...
  • Porsche 911 Turbo… ...
  • Range Rover Autobiography… ...
  • Maserati GranTurismo… ...
  • Audi R8…
May 4, 2023

What car do most rich people drive? ›

For those with a household income above $250,000, 61% choose to drive non-luxury brands like Toyotas, Fords, and Hondas. Other research, such as a study by MaritzCX, found that the Ford F-150 pickup truck was the top vehicle in the U.S. for folks earning more than $200,000 annually.

What kind of cars do you think millionaires drive? ›

According to a 2022 study by Experian Automotive, a lot of wealthy folks simply don't drive fancy cars. The study found that for people with household income of more than $250,000, 61% don't drive luxury brands. They drive Toyotas, Fords and Hondas like the rest of us. Other studies show similar results.

Why do some rich people drive cheap cars? ›

Perhaps because driving expensive cars would attract unwanted attention. Many wealthy individuals become wary of showing their worth with a high-end car after becoming the focus of fraud, theft, or frivolous lawsuits.

What makes a man look rich? ›

Rich men wear bespoke – or at the very least, made-to-measure. What sets them apart most visibly, even at a distance, is how well their clothes fit. Mid-range, off-the-rack clothing can and will look high-end if you nail the fit. Many department stores and big-box men's retailers have in-store sewing services.

What car does Jeff Bezos drive? ›

This MKT Stretch Limousine is a luxurious car that Jeff Bezos owns and drives for both business and pleasure. Bezos spent around $50,000 on purchasing this symbol of wealth. It was once reported that Bezos arrived at the set of the movie Star Trek Beyond in his MKT Stretch Limousine to play the role of an alien.

What cars do upper class drive? ›

What the Wealthy Are Driving
  • Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
  • Lexus RX. ...
  • Toyota Prius. ...
  • Volkswagen Jetta. ...
  • Honda CR-V. ...
  • Honda Accord. ...
  • Toyota Camry. The Toyota Camry has been Americans' reasonably-priced midsize car of choice for 30 years. ...
  • BMW X5. It's not surprising to find a BMW or two on a list of cars owned by the wealthy. ...
Aug 10, 2012

What cars do smart people drive? ›

The most intelligent drivers include those that own MINIs, Mazdas and Toyotas. White and grey cars are driven by smarter people. MINI and Mazda drivers scored highest on the IQ test, followed by Toyota, Mercedes Benz and Nissan drivers.

What is the poor man's car? ›

Corvettes were referred to as the poor man's sports car because they were placed in a category alongside exotics such as Lamborghini, Ferrari and Porsche but didn't cost nearly as much to buy or maintain.

What car should I drive based on income? ›

Financial experts say your car-related expenses shouldn't exceed 20% of your monthly take-home pay. So, let's say you bring home about $2,500 each month. The total amount you should spend on your car — including loan payment, gas, insurance and maintenance — is right around $500.

What is running rich on a car? ›

So, what does “running rich” mean, and how does it occur? Running rich only occurs if there is an issue with your engine's combustion process. The cause of this is your engine receiving too much fuel. Conversely, “running lean” refers to your car receiving too much air and not enough fuel.

What does Bill Gates drive? ›

Bill Gates just loves Porsche sports cars be they classic or modern, gas-powered or electric. Apart from that, he has other cars in which he is chauffeured most of the time. That said, the most expensive set of wheels he has ever purchased is his two Gulfstream G650ERs and two Bombardier Challenger 350s.

How long do rich people keep cars? ›

The authors make a big deal about the fact that 25.2 percent of millionaires have not purchased a car in four or more years, but if you look at the chart, this also shows that roughly three-quarters of millionaires drive cars that are three or fewer years old.

What colors make you look rich? ›

Color combinations of black, beige, brown, gray, white and pastel colors. We believe that the colors listed above can be the easiest way to instantly change your outfit so that it looks more expensive.

What is quiet luxury? ›

What is quiet luxury? Marked by expensive materials in muted tones, quiet luxury, also known as stealth wealth, is “the complete lack of logos and anything too conspicuous,” said Thomaï Serdari, professor of marketing and director of the fashion and luxury program at NYU's Stern School of Business.

What brands to wear to look rich? ›

8 Clothing Brands That Look Expensive But Aren't
  • H&M. You might be shocked to know that even royals shop at H&M! ...
  • Zara. Is a fashion brand list ever complete without mentioning Zara? ...
  • & Other Stories. & Other Stories is the rich aunt to H&M. ...
  • Mango. ...
  • Topshop. ...
  • Pull & Bear. ...
  • Uniqlo. ...
  • FashionNova.
Jan 14, 2021

What are the signs of being rich? ›

9 Signs of Wealth to Look Out For
  • You're an Overachiever. It's hard to be modest when you're an overachiever. ...
  • You Started Making Money At a Young Age. ...
  • You Take Action. ...
  • You Are Outspoken. ...
  • You Possess a Sense of Urgency. ...
  • You're Focused More on Saving Than Earning. ...
  • You Know The Difference Between Needs & Wants.
Oct 13, 2022

How do you tell if a person is rich? ›

15 Subtle Signs a Person is Wealthy. How to Tell When Someone is Rich
  1. 15) They Work for Different Reasons. Most of us work in order to make money and pay our bills, right? ...
  2. 10) They Know Privacy Beats Fame Every Time. People who have become rich really prioritize privacy. ...
  3. 6) They Know Just How to Accessorize.

What is the secret of rich people? ›

One of the biggest secrets of the rich is that they invest in themselves first. They understand that their success depends on their effort and ability, so they always look for ways to improve their skills and knowledge. As business owners, you should be doing the same thing.

Which car is best for rich family? ›

The top Luxury cars in India include Toyota Fortuner (Rs. 41.21 Lakh), Land Rover Defender (Rs. 93.55 Lakh) and Toyota Fortuner Legender (Rs. 42.82 Lakh).

Which car is big daddy? ›

The Toyota Camry is a popular sedan that is manufactured by the Japanese car manufacturer and sold in Nigeria. It comes in two variants: the Big Daddy and the Big Daddy Tokunbo. Toyota has been manufacturing this vehicle since 2011, so it's not surprising if you have heard of it before.

What SUV do rich people drive? ›

It was found that apart from catering status symbols, most of the wealthy people prefer practical SUVs, something like a 2021 BMW X5or a pick-up truck over high-performance sports cars. Driving a Ford F-150 pick-up wagon is more preferable to the Audi R8 Coupe or a Lamborghini Huracan.

What car does Mark Zuckerberg drive? ›

Which car does Mark Zuckerberg use on a daily basis? The Facebook founder finds his daily comfort inside a Honda Fit or an Acura TSX.

What car Bill Gates has? ›

Question: How many cars does Bill Gates have in his collection? Answer: Bill Gates owns several high-end cars. Chief of these are include Ferrari 348, a Porsche 959, a Porsche 911 and a Porsche Taycan, which was the latest addition to his garage.

What cars do Bill Gates have? ›

Bill Gates has at least 10 cars as of 2023. His collection includes everything from an ultra-rare Porsche 959 to a Jaguar XJ6. All things considered, Gates' collection is conservative compared to other vehicle collectors.

Which is the No 1 luxury car? ›

Top 5 Luxury Cars in India
MODELPRICE
BMW M2 (4 Seater)₹ 98.00 Lakh
Mercedes-Benz G-Class (5 Seater)₹ 2.55 Crore
BMW Z4 (2 Seater)₹ 89.30 Lakh
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine (5 Seater)₹ 45.80 - 47.00 Lakh
1 more row

What do everyday millionaires drive? ›

And as far as the wealthy zip codes in California, the Toyota Prius was the top pick.

What car is called Smart? ›

Smart is a division of Daimler AG, the parent corporation of Mercedes-Benz. The Smart cars are no longer sold in the U.S. The primary models was the ForTwo, a two-door car designed primarily for urban use. It has tiny dimensions and a small turning radius that make it a breeze to park.

What is smarter cars? ›

(1) An umbrella term for an automobile with advanced electronics. Microprocessors have been used in car engines since the late 1960s and have steadily increased in usage throughout the engine and drivetrain to improve stability, braking and general comfort. There can be a hundred or more microprocessors in a car today.

What kind of car is Smart? ›

The Smart Fortwo (stylized as "smart fortwo") is a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger city car manufactured and marketed by the Smart division of the Mercedes-Benz Group. Introduced in 1998, it is now in its third generation.

What is a humble car? ›

A humble car is one that: a) Has performance underpinnings but doesn't tout them. Think a debadged AMG Mercedes or SS Chevrolet. Bonus points for non-flashy colors like white. or.

What is the king of the road in cars? ›

Rolls-Royce Cullinan: The king of the road.

What cars do bad boys drive? ›

The Bad Boys Double Blast pairs the Porsche 911 Turbo II with the Shelby Cobra, icons of the Bad Boys movie franchise, so you can experience the vehicles made famous by Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in the mid-'90s.

What car can I afford with a 100k salary? ›

How much car can I afford based on salary?
Annual salary (pre-tax)Estimated monthly car payment should not exceed
$50,000$416 per month
$75,000$625 per month
$100,000$833 per month
$125,000$1,042 per month
2 more rows
Apr 4, 2023

How much should I spend on a car if I make $60000? ›

How much should I spend on a car if I make $60,000? If your take-home pay is $60,000 per year, you should pay no more than $750 per month for a car, which totals 15% of your monthly take-home pay.

What car can I afford with 50K salary? ›

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is one of the midsize cars you can afford if you pull down a $50K salary. With good credit, the $390 monthly payments are affordable for those in that salary range.

How do you know if car is running rich? ›

If your car is running rich, you'll likely experience these symptoms:
  1. Low gas mileage.
  2. A strong smell of gasoline, especially when idling.
  3. Check engine light warning.
  4. Engine performance problems.
  5. Emissions test failure.
  6. Ruined or sooty spark plugs.
  7. Black smoke from your exhaust.
  8. High carbon monoxide content.
Sep 24, 2018

Will running rich hurt engine? ›

Fuel wash: The excess fuel can wash the cylinder walls, wiping away essential engine oil. This causes friction to built up between the pistons and cylinder walls, leading to damage.

Will running rich cause backfire? ›

Rich Air/Fuel Mixture

If too much fuel is added to the engine, it may not all burn up before the exhaust valves open -- letting unburned gasoline into the red-hot exhaust headers, where it can combust and lead to a backfire.

What kind of car does Donald Trump drive? ›

Donald Trump two Rolls-Royce models in his car collection: a 1956 Silver Cloud and a 2010 Phantom. Both cars are designed for passengers in the rear seat.

What kind of car does Tom Brady drive? ›

Brady's Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, the most costly car in his garage and valued at $3 million, is the crème of the crop. The vehicle reaches 60 mph in about 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of 268 mph. Its 8.0-liter W16 engine produces 1200 horsepower, which is where the power originates from.

What car does Warren Buffett drive? ›

Warren Buffett's choice of vehicle has become a topic of interest among many people. Renowned for his frugal and simple lifestyle, the billionaire investor drives a 2014 Cadillac XTS.

What do most wealthy people drive? ›

A 2022 study by Experian Automotive discovered that many wealthy individuals don't actually drive fancy cars. For those with a household income above $250,000, 61% choose to drive non-luxury brands like Toyotas, Fords, and Hondas.

Do rich people buy cars for cash? ›

The Wealthiest Buyers Have Cash to Spend

“But, now, when you look at the actual percentage of our customers and how many lease, finance, or pay cash, it comes down to 20% leasing, 20% financing, and the rest (60%) making a cash purchase.”

Do millionaires have car payments? ›

Millionaires Avoid Car Payments

And more importantly, 8 out of 10 millionaires buy their cars with cash and don't have a car payment to worry about. In fact, research done by Ramsey Solutions found that non-millionaires are twice as likely as millionaires to have outstanding car loans.

What are the symptoms of a car running rich? ›

If your car is running rich, you'll likely experience these symptoms:
  • Low gas mileage.
  • A strong smell of gasoline, especially when idling.
  • Check engine light warning.
  • Engine performance problems.
  • Emissions test failure.
  • Ruined or sooty spark plugs.
  • Black smoke from your exhaust.
  • High carbon monoxide content.
Sep 24, 2018

Do rich people spend money on cars? ›

Millionaires spending and budgeting isn't just limited to clothing and groceries but also to automobiles. While it's easy to think that millionaires all drive sports cars and live in huge mansions it's just not true. 81% of millionaires purchase their vehicle and only 23.5 percent actually buy new cars.

Can you get rich flipping cars? ›

How Much Can a Car Flipper Make? On average, you could make about $1,200 per car, but the amount varies based on your success. Most entrepreneurs who flip vehicles do so alongside their full-time job. If you only flip a few vehicles annually, you may not have a considerable overhead cost.

Which car does Mark Zuckerberg drive? ›

Which car does Mark Zuckerberg use on a daily basis? The Facebook founder finds his daily comfort inside a Honda Fit or an Acura TSX. He has been spotted in these cars on multiple occasions.

Which car Bill Gates drive? ›

Bill Gates just loves Porsche sports cars be they classic or modern, gas-powered or electric. Apart from that, he has other cars in which he is chauffeured most of the time. That said, the most expensive set of wheels he has ever purchased is his two Gulfstream G650ERs and two Bombardier Challenger 350s.

What does a car running rich smell like? ›

The other indicator was the colour of the tailpipe and the smell of the exhaust gas. If there's black smoke and residue around the tailpipe, then you could be running rich and the smell will also be like fuel.

Will running rich cause smoke? ›

Black Smoke

Billowing black smoke is generally a sign that the fuel-air ratio in your engine is too rich. This means that the fuel injectors are either adding too much fuel or that the intake valves aren't letting enough air in.

How much should I spend on a car if I make $100000? ›

How much car can I afford based on salary?
Annual salary (pre-tax)Estimated monthly car payment should not exceed
$50,000$416 per month
$75,000$625 per month
$100,000$833 per month
$125,000$1,042 per month
2 more rows
Apr 4, 2023

What vehicle flips the most? ›

Vehicles Commonly Involved in Rollover Collisions

Pickup trucks, commercial trucks, SUVs, and full-size vans are narrower and taller than other vehicles. Their designs make them more prone to rollovers. Heavily-loaded vans or trucks are also more likely to roll over in a collision.

What is profitable to flip? ›

Wooden, upholstered, and outdoor furniture are some of the most valuable items you can flip for profit. However, some of these items might require a bit of work to get the most out of them. Wooden furniture can be re-finished and upholstered furniture can be cleaned or reupholstered.

Is selling cars a good side hustle? ›

As competitive as the used car market can be, it's a reliable money maker for entrepreneurs that do their homework. In the United States alone, the industry is worth at least $115 billion annually and employs at least 280,000 people. Obviously, there's plenty of money to be made buying and selling used automobiles.

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