<p>-
- 8 Cheap Cars That Make You Look Rich, According to Car Expert Doug DeMuro</p>
<p>Chris OzarowskiAugust 14, 2025 at 11:17 PM</p>
<p>Maserati / Maserati</p>
<p>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.</p>
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<p>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.</p>
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<p>Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Volvo V70 Wagon -</p>
<p>Price: From about $5,000 to $12,000</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Pros</p>
<p>Classic, understated styling never screams for attention.</p>
<p>Genuine Mercedes or Volvo build quality</p>
<p>Cons</p>
<p>Aging air-suspension parts can leak and cost more than the car to fix.</p>
<p>Fuel economy hovers in the teens, and early infotainment is primitive.</p>
<p>DeMuro recommended skipping aftermarket wheels and keeping the body stock so the wagon retains its "old-money" aura.</p>
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<p>Maserati GranTurismo (2008-2012) -</p>
<p>Price: $15,000 to $20,000</p>
<p>Why it looks rich: To 95% of passersby, the first-gen GranTurismo still resembles the 2025 model that lists north of six figures.</p>
<p>Pros</p>
<p>Pininfarina lines and a Ferrari-derived V8 soundtrack</p>
<p>Cabin trims feel bespoke.</p>
<p>Cons</p>
<p>Early cars often have deferred maintenance and stretched dash tops.</p>
<p>Maserati's brand cachet has slipped, so the badge is no longer as premium as it used to be.</p>
<p>DeMuro noted running costs are manageable if you buy carefully, but skip any models that look like they were neglected.</p>
<p>BMW 5 Series F10 (2011-2015) -</p>
<p>Price: $6,000 to $11,000</p>
<p>Why it looks rich: The conservative shape whispers "regional vice president" even when the car has 130,000 miles and three warning lights.</p>
<p>Pros</p>
<p>The optional twin-turbo V8 in the 550i offers real speed.</p>
<p>Spacious cabin and a proper business-class driving position</p>
<p>Cons</p>
<p>N-series engines can leak oil like a sieve.</p>
<p>Cheap coil-over kits, black wheels and tinted lights from the previous owners may kill the upscale vibe.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Jaguar XK (2007-2010) -</p>
<p>Price: $10,000 to $15,000</p>
<p>Why it looks rich: Ian Callum's aluminum-bodied coupe has aged well. Even in traffic, it passes as a country club toy.</p>
<p>Pros</p>
<p>Long hood, short deck and real V8 burble</p>
<p>Convertible top drops in 18 seconds for summer drives.</p>
<p>Cons</p>
<p>Infotainment system lags by a decade.</p>
<p>Timing-chain tensioners and cooling pipes can ruin your savings plan.</p>
<p>DeMuro called the XK an "irrational car" but said the beauty-to-dollar ratio is unbeatable.</p>
<p>Mercedes-Benz SL (R230, 2003-2006) -</p>
<p>Price: $7,000 to $10,000</p>
<p>Why it looks rich: A power hard-top convertible bearing the three-pointed star still shouts "success."</p>
<p>Pros</p>
<p>Stout 5.0-liter V8 is more reliable than you'd expect.</p>
<p>Roof folds at the push of a button.</p>
<p>Cons</p>
<p>ABC hydraulic suspension and body control modules fail expensively.</p>
<p>Many cars wear gaudy wheels or cheap chrome grilles — avoid them.</p>
<p>DeMuro advised choosing a silver model on factory alloys to keep the car impressive.</p>
<p>Hyundai Equus (2011-2016) -</p>
<p>Price: $10,000 to $20,000</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Pros</p>
<p>429-horsepower V8 and pillow-soft rear seats with leg rests</p>
<p>Proven reliability compared with German rivals</p>
<p>Cons</p>
<p>Parts availability can mean dealer-only orders and long waits.</p>
<p>Resale value keeps falling, so buy only if you plan to keep it.</p>
<p>DeMuro rented one on Turo and calls it "wafting, smooth and legitimately nice."</p>
<p>Audi A8 D3 (2004-2010) -</p>
<p>Price: $9,000 to $14,000</p>
<p>Why it looks rich: The understated aluminum flagship says "architect" rather than "Instagram influencer."</p>
<p>Pros</p>
<p>Quattro all-wheel drive and a torquey 4.2-liter 8</p>
<p>Exterior design still mirrors today's A8.</p>
<p>Cons</p>
<p>Complex air suspension and MMI electronics age poorly.</p>
<p>Ride lacks the pillowy softness of an S-Class of the same year.</p>
<p>The connoisseur image endures because, as DeMuro put it, "The thinking man chose the A8."</p>
<p>Tesla Model X (2016-2017) -</p>
<p>Price: $20,000 to $30,000</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Pros</p>
<p>Instant torque and a 200-plus-mile real-world range</p>
<p>Over-the-air updates keep software current.</p>
<p>Cons</p>
<p>Battery replacement can top $14,000.</p>
<p>Early build quality issues include misaligned seals and drive-unit failures.</p>
<p>Skip the cheaper Model S or Model 3, DeMuro said — the X is the one that still looks the most premium.</p>
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<p>This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Cheap Cars That Make You Look Rich, According to Car Expert Doug DeMuro</p>
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