Affordable Cars That Can Make Anybody Look Rich
The price of a car is always way higher than the components making it. That is because making a car takes more than bolting a few pieces of metal, plastic, and rubber together. A lot of research and development goes into making a car roadworthy.
However, sometimes, cars look like they are too good for their price tag or too cheap for the features they offer. The reasons for this are often unknown. In this article, we will analyze 40 such cars. Some have become cheap over time, others have an original price tag unmatched by what they have to offer...
Toyota GR86
If this car had the name of a German manufacturer's name on it, the price would never start under $30,000. This Japanese gem of a car has a 228-hp flat-four engine.
The Toyota GR86 is the perfect car for those who need a fun daily driver that they can take to the track. It has sharp steering and handling and was named one of the best cars of 2024 by Car and Driver.
Cadillac CTS-V
It's a Caddy, it has a lot of power, and it does not have camshafts. Yes, it has a pushrod LS6 V8 that displaces 5.7 liters and converts them into 400 raw horsepower. All that and the luxury Caddy is known for are the highlights of this car.
However, despite all that, you can buy one of these amazing machines for under $20,000. That's mainly because the big honking V8 is a gas guzzler, and no one wants those in their lives. Chevrolet stopped making the CTS in 2019 and replaced it with the pricier CT5.
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Third-Gen BMW 650i Convertible
This BMW from 2012 came with a price tag of $88,000. One of the very few convertibles with usable rear seats, this car had all that made it worth that price. That included the innovations for safety and a big honking V8 spitting out 445 bhp.
Today, one of these can be yours for as low as $30,000. There is no concrete reason why the price of these cars has plummeted so much. It seems like a simple demand and supply situation where the demand for these things has dropped causing prices to go down.
First-Gen Aston Martin Rapide
This was the first 4-door Aston Martin and one of the first high-performance Saloon cars. It had a formidable 5.9L V8 under the hood producing 470hp that rotated a carbon-fiber driveshaft via a 6-speed automatic transmission to rocket this thing to 188mph.
All that could not save this car and there was next to no market demand for this marvel of engineering, driving the cost down to $30,000 from the initial $200k+ price tag.
Bentley Arnage
This was another ambitious Bentley that was launched with a price tag of $200,000. That price might look like too much even today but this car came out in 1998, so just imagine. BMW blessed this 5-meter-long machine with a V8 and the most modern tech of the time.
However, today, all that tech is antiquated and these cars are available for as low as $20,000. The main reason these cars are so cheap today is the widespread availability of the, once premium, features on economy cars.
1999 Chevrolet Camaro SS
With a V6 producing 305hp and suspension tuned for sports, this is one of the best American cars of its time. While it should be a modern classic, in reality, you can get your hands on a fine example for under $5,000.
The reason for this car's price going down is probably that there was not enough demand for it on the market and people now have better options than this antique if they have to spend $30,000 on a car.
2003 Bentley Arnage R
When this car debuted, it was valued at $199,999. That's more than $300,000 in today's money. The Arnage was on the bleeding edge of technology for its time. It had a DVD navigation system and radical new features like parking assist.
However, even the 6.75L 400hp, 612lb-ft V8 could not save this car from going down in value and now you can get one of these for under $35,000. Part of the reason for this is the introduction of the same features and ride quality in cheaper cars.
Maserati Quattroporte V
Other than looking upscale and being loaded with the most luxurious materials, this car is also a good performer.
It has a 4.7L V8 that produces 395hp and can take this car to 60 mph from a standstill in just over 5 seconds. However, as everyone knows Maseratis are not the most reliable cars out there, so no one is paying a premium price for these. Used models of this car can start as low as $7,000.
Lexus SC Convertible
The pre-LFA Lexus models didn't get the appreciation they deserved. As a matter of fact, people did not take this Japanese luxury car brand seriously before the LFA made its debut. The SC convertible, a memory of that era is a car that's nothing short of perfection.
It has a 4.7L V8 with 300hp, a double-wishbone suspension, a retractable roof, and all the touches of luxury you can ask for. Still, this reliable Japanese performance luxury car can be yours for approximately $10,000-$25,000.
Fifth-Gen Chevy Corvette Convertible
Not all cheap cars are ancient. This Corvette is from the early 2000s and will cost you just under $20,000. It does not have antiquated technology either. Powered by a 5.7L V8, this car has 360hp on the wheels.
It is available with a manual or automatic transmission with pretty respectable handling and the inside is fairly comfortable. If you don't worry about poor gas mileage and want a fun daily driver that turns heads, this is the one.
Mercedes CLS 63 AMG
It has the performance, it has the looks, and it has the luxury, but most important of all, it can be yours for just under $20,000. Yes, a top-of-the-line 5.5L twin-turbo Mercedes with 18-way adjustable seats. a heated steering wheel, and everything in between.
Even though the low price is an insult to the great car that the CLS is, it has made it possible for an average man to own a Mercedes. The maintenance is, however, a whole different story.
Third-Gen Cadillac DeVille Coupe
This is a pure classic, reminiscent of the glorious 1970s. The fact that examples of this are changing hands for under $30,000 is an insult to this car, but it is what it is.
This classic has more than just looks. It was loaded with luxury, technology, and innovations unheard of in the 1970s. Things like headrests, FM/AM radio, and heated seats were just the beginning of the spec sheet of this car.
Honda S2000 AP-2
This small Japanese convertible from the mid-2000s is one of the most fun small cars that you can own. All that you need to get one of these is about $30,000. What you'll get is a 2.0L I4 engine that pumps out 237hp.
Not the most powerful car out there but the S2000 is a good sports car for starters and is great for the ones who want an inexpensive first car for high school.
Lincoln Corsair
Another luxury car under the 40 grand mark is the Lincoln Corsair. It comes from one of the oldest and most well-reputed American car brands. Powering the car is a 2.0L turbocharged I4 but you can get up to 2.5L motors engines and a hybrid motor.
Lincoln overhauled the Corsair in 2020 to give it the touches of luxury associated with the Lincoln name. If American luxury cars are your type, this is a good point of entry.
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Let's be clear, the CLA class introduced by Mercedes was nothing like a Mercedes. It had a mediocre interior with unrefined driving characteristics and manufacturing defects. The GLA Class is a real Mercedes, just in a smaller package.
You can get this car for starting under $40,000. Mercedes has probably priced the car so low to compete with the likes of Civic TypeR, Toyota GR Yaris, and other hot hatches.
Genesis G70
Hyundai's luxury motor division, Genesis, has made this car compete with the BMW 3-series, and it has proven to be a worthy enemy. The 2024 has a 300-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
The G70 is luxurious and fun to drive, starting at $43,000.
Cadillac XT4
This entry-level Cadillac crossover is a nice way to step into the luxury car market. The base price is $37,895, but if you can spare more, you can configure it to be a real luxury car on the inside.
Under the hood is a four-cylinder engine that makes 235 horsepower. All in all, it gives you the prestige of driving an American luxury brand for a steal of a deal.
Cadillac CT4
For people who want to buy an original American sedan for a good price, the CT4 can be one of the best options. The price starts under $40,000 and comes standard with a 237hp 2.0L turbocharged engine that can be upgraded to a 2.7L version with more than 325hp.
This Cadillac sedan is characterized by sharp exterior styling, a balanced chassis, and a luxurious and comfortable interior.
BMW 2-Series Grand Coupe
BMW is offering the Grand Coupe in a front-wheel-drive configuration for approximately $40,000.
The car still has a 228hp four-cylinder motor and is comfortable for long and short journeys. Unlike many other coupes, it also offers a reasonable trunk.
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