8 Cheap Cars That Make You Look Rich, According to Car Expert Doug DeMuro
Written by
Chris Ozarowski
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Molly Sullivan
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Some expensive cars can depreciate dramatically. While that can be a negative for the unfortunate owner trying to sell it, it can also mean an opportunity to buy a premium vehicle for a fraction of the original cost. YouTube car reviewer Doug DeMuro recently singled out eight used models that look good but sell for relatively cheap.
However, be warned — sometimes these cars are cheap for a reason. Repair costs for luxury vehicles can be brutal, especially if the previous owner neglected routine maintenance.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Volvo V70 Wagon
- Price: From about $5,000 to $12,000
Why it looks rich: Old-money families drove these wagons long before crossovers took over. Pull up at a prep school carpool, and parents will assume you own a horse farm.
Pros
- Classic, understated styling never screams for attention.
- Genuine Mercedes or Volvo build quality
Cons
- Aging air-suspension parts can leak and cost more than the car to fix.
- Fuel economy hovers in the teens, and early infotainment is primitive.
DeMuro recommended skipping aftermarket wheels and keeping the body stock so the wagon retains its “old-money” aura.
Maserati GranTurismo (2008-2012)
- Price: $15,000 to $20,000
Why it looks rich: To 95% of passersby, the first-gen GranTurismo still resembles the 2025 model that lists north of six figures.
Pros
- Pininfarina lines and a Ferrari-derived V8 soundtrack
- Cabin trims feel bespoke.
Cons
- Early cars often have deferred maintenance and stretched dash tops.
- Maserati’s brand cachet has slipped, so the badge is no longer as premium as it used to be.
DeMuro noted running costs are manageable if you buy carefully, but skip any models that look like they were neglected.
BMW 5 Series F10 (2011-2015)
- Price: $6,000 to $11,000
Why it looks rich: The conservative shape whispers “regional vice president” even when the car has 130,000 miles and three warning lights.
Pros
- The optional twin-turbo V8 in the 550i offers real speed.
- Spacious cabin and a proper business-class driving position
Cons
- N-series engines can leak oil like a sieve.
- Cheap coil-over kits, black wheels and tinted lights from the previous owners may kill the upscale vibe.
Buy one that hasn’t been lowered or wrapped, DeMuro said, and the neighbors will never guess it cost less than a new Kia Rio.
Jaguar XK (2007-2010)
- Price: $10,000 to $15,000
Why it looks rich: Ian Callum’s aluminum-bodied coupe has aged well. Even in traffic, it passes as a country club toy.
Pros
- Long hood, short deck and real V8 burble
- Convertible top drops in 18 seconds for summer drives.
Cons
- Infotainment system lags by a decade.
- Timing-chain tensioners and cooling pipes can ruin your savings plan.
DeMuro called the XK an “irrational car” but said the beauty-to-dollar ratio is unbeatable.
Mercedes-Benz SL (R230, 2003-2006)
- Price: $7,000 to $10,000
Why it looks rich: A power hard-top convertible bearing the three-pointed star still shouts “success.”
Pros
- Stout 5.0-liter V8 is more reliable than you’d expect.
- Roof folds at the push of a button.
Cons
- ABC hydraulic suspension and body control modules fail expensively.
- Many cars wear gaudy wheels or cheap chrome grilles — avoid them.
DeMuro advised choosing a silver model on factory alloys to keep the car impressive.
Hyundai Equus (2011-2016)
- Price: $10,000 to $20,000
Why it looks rich: No Hyundai badges — just a winged emblem on a limo-length hood. Most onlookers think it is a bespoke Korean Maybach.
Pros
- 429-horsepower V8 and pillow-soft rear seats with leg rests
- Proven reliability compared with German rivals
Cons
- Parts availability can mean dealer-only orders and long waits.
- Resale value keeps falling, so buy only if you plan to keep it.
DeMuro rented one on Turo and calls it “wafting, smooth and legitimately nice.”
Audi A8 D3 (2004-2010)
- Price: $9,000 to $14,000
Why it looks rich: The understated aluminum flagship says “architect” rather than “Instagram influencer.”
Pros
- Quattro all-wheel drive and a torquey 4.2-liter 8
- Exterior design still mirrors today’s A8.
Cons
- Complex air suspension and MMI electronics age poorly.
- Ride lacks the pillowy softness of an S-Class of the same year.
The connoisseur image endures because, as DeMuro put it, “The thinking man chose the A8.”
Tesla Model X (2016-2017)
- Price: $20,000 to $30,000
Why it looks rich: Falcon-wing doors draw a crowd, and the silhouette hasn’t changed in nine years, so most people confuse a 2016 with a $100,000 2025 Plaid.
Pros
- Instant torque and a 200-plus-mile real-world range
- Over-the-air updates keep software current.
Cons
- Battery replacement can top $14,000.
- Early build quality issues include misaligned seals and drive-unit failures.
Skip the cheaper Model S or Model 3, DeMuro said — the X is the one that still looks the most premium.
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