5 Best Cars To Buy on a $100K Salary
Written by
Chris Adam
Edited by
T. Woods
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No matter how much money you make, affording a new car can be a challenge. That’s especially true since you’ll hear lots of different advice about how much of your salary should go toward your vehicle.
According to financial advisor Dave Ramsey, all of your vehicles combined should not be worth more than 50% of your take-home pay. Keeping that in mind, here are some vehicles to check out if you have around a $100,000 annual salary.
1. Genesis G70
Have you seen the 2025 Genesis G70? It might be a good car to check out if your salary is around $100,000 a year.
It’s among the best sedan picks from Car and Driver, and starts at about $43,000. C&D noted that “The G70 delivers a polished presence and sports-sedan performance at a very attractive price.”
2. Audi A3
If you want an Audi, but don’t want to spend at the brand’s higher end, check out the 2025 Audi A3. It starts at about $37,000.
Along with a good price, you’ll find features similar to more pricey Audi options. According to Car and Driver, “The 2025 A3 sedan is the smallest car Audi sells in North America but despite its diminutive size this compact four-door delivers a lively driving experience, one that’s reminiscent of what you’ll find in the brand’s larger sports sedans.”
3. 2024 Honda Ridgeline
If you like Honda cars, you may want to consider the Honda Ridgeline. The 2024 Honda Ridgeline is ranked among the best pickups by Road & Track: “In a sea of fuel-guzzling, middleweight-class muscle trucks, the Honda Ridgeline is a fuel-efficient, highly competent, well-mannered truck.”
The base price is around $41,000. Another great thing about the Ridgeline? It’s very practical, yet has the truck feeling and look.
4. 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia
This might be a great sports sedan option for you. It starts around $43,000 and offers a great design and excellent handling.
In fact, according to Car and Driver, “A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission to provide brisk acceleration, but the Giulia’s expertly tuned chassis is what really takes center stage.”
5. Tesla Model 3
If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the 2024 Tesla Model 3. It’s been called a great vehicle if you’re looking to switch to electric vehicle motoring.
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 offers good handling and speedy acceleration. It’s also in a good price range for EVs, with the price starting around $41,000.
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