Rare and luxurious cars are status symbols for us. But shopping for costly vehicles isn’t easy for most Americans. However, there are some cheap cars that look expensive and offer a classy look and luxurious ride.
A car can be a fantastic way to express yourself. But many of the sleek, high-quality motors for sale today come with staggering price tags that are out of the budget for most people.
However, some cars pass as high-end luxury or exotic cars that can be bought cheaply which may surprise you. Just because these cars don’t break the bank doesn’t mean they aren’t beautiful, and they can certainly look expensive.
Many of them also have good gas mileage, which helps keep running costs down for as long as you own one. From the perfect car of a great villain to the sounds of cheap supercars, these best-used cars will look like they are worth ten times what they cost.
So what are the best inexpensive cars that look expensive? We have compiled this list of cheap cars that look expensive in 2023 currently available in the auto market.
These sophisticated-looking vehicles will be the envy of others without burning a hole in your pocket.
List Of Cars That Look Expensive But Are Cheap For You
Noble cars speak for themselves, however, buying them you don’t always have to be expensive. Some cars seem costly or luxurious but are cheap. And they’re guaranteed to turn heads as you drive down the street and make you feel even better when you think about how little you spent.
Check out these used cars that look expensive but are cheap to belong to the average American and are worth buying as an option for anyone.
- 2017 Audi A3
- 2017 Lincoln MKZ
- 2017 BMW X1
- 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA
- 2011 Jaguar XE
- 2015 Cadillac ATS
- 2020 Ford Mustang
- 2020 Mazda3
- 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
9 Top Rated Expensive-Looking Affordable Cars In 2023
When it comes to driving, we all want a vehicle that we feel comfortable with. Still, there are some who love to look rich in those cars.
While the type of vehicles is very nice, especially for the price, they look even better than they are. To help you find costly-looking affordable cars, we’ve rounded up the top cheap cars that look expensive.
1. 2017 Audi A3
- Used Price: $16526
- Engine: 2.0 Liter 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 292 hp
- MPG: 26 City / 35 Highway
- Seating Capacity: 5
The 2017 Audi A3 is Audi’s entry-level model, but it still has all the qualities the company is known for, including cool interior and exterior design, and quality construction and materials.
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The Audi S3 offers good performance value, is fun to drive, and competes with the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG. It’s a decent option if you’re looking for cheap cars that look expensive to buy.
It features a range of powerful turbocharged engines that allow for quick acceleration and good fuel economy. The A3 feels light and snappy in the corners without sacrificing its smoothness. Also, its interior is elegantly designed and packed with features. On the other hand, the A3’s rear seats are pretty narrow.
2. 2017 Lincoln MKZ
- Used Price: $21,500
- Engine: 3.0 Liter 6-cylinder
- Horsepower: 400 hp
- MPG: 21 City / 31 Highway
- Seating Capacity: 5
With 400 available hp, all-wheel drive, a new face, and more features, the 2017 MKZ is a great choice for a luxury car. The car offers the choice of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine and front or four-wheel drive.
Adding to its styling, the MKZ’s cabin features a new infotainment system and a Revel audio system designed to deliver great sound. The car is also available with a retractable panoramic glass roof so you can feel the breeze in your hair during the colder valley months.
However, if fuel economy is what you’re looking for, there’s the MKZ Hybrid, which offers a combined 40 mpg for the same price as the regular MKZ.
3. 2017 BMW X1
- Used Price: $17,995
- Engine: 2.0 Liter 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 228 hp
- MPG: 23 City / 32 Highway
- Seating Capacity: 5
The BMW X1 is the smallest and most affordable BMW luxury car you can buy. It offers BMW brand quality inside and out, and while the X1 has less power than previous versions, it still accelerates and drives better than most in its class.
It is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that offers plenty of power and decent mileage thanks to a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox. Four-wheel drive is also available for those who need extra traction in winter weather.
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The X1 has all the cornering characteristics you could want in cars that look expensive but are cheap for shopping. It is very responsive and fun to ride, with plenty of power and satisfying athleticism in the corners.
4. 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA
- Used Price: $15,595
- Engine: 2.0 Liter 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 355 hp
- MPG: 25 City / 35 Highway
- Seating Capacity: 5
A list of luxury cars is not complete without a Mercedes vehicle. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a blend of hatchback and small crossover attributes to give you a sporty ride, a well-designed cabin, and increased ride height.
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It offers an impressive 355 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque from the same 2.0-liter engine. It has driver drowsiness monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and an infotainment system with a 5.8-inch screen, Bluetooth, and a USB port.
On the road, the GLA is a lot of fun, if not downright sporty: the handling is precise, and the chassis can take being rocked. All of this is balanced by a suspension that favors comfort but never feels too soft.
5. 2011 Jaguar XJ
- Used Price: $19,700
- Engine: 5.0 Liter 8-cylinder
- Horsepower: 510 hp
- MPG: 16 City / 23 Highway
- Seating Capacity: 5
The Jaguar XJ boasts one of the most iconic and enduring designs in automotive history or anything else. As elegant as it is on the outside, the 2011 Jaguar XJ is truly defined by its distinctively styled, luxurious passenger cabin.
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It’s a thoroughly contemporary luxury version, but with a perfect dose of sport and heritage befitting the Jaguar name. The 2010 Jaguar XJ is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 385 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. As with all XJ models, six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift controls is standard.
Beautiful from most angles, and impressive from the rest, its appearance makes it a winner on the show floor. Against the more brutal BMW 7 Series and the rather boring Audi A8, the XJ has an alluring, flowing shape that still offers plenty of room for rear passengers and a large trunk.
6. 2015 Cadillac ATS
- Used Price: $17,200
- Engine: 3.6 Liter 6-cylinder
- Horsepower: 321 hp
- MPG: 21 City / 33 Highway
- Seating Capacity: 5
The ATS looks good, packs cutting-edge technology, and offers handling as sharp or sharper than rival BMW and Audi compact luxury sedans. The 2015 Cadillac ATS sedan gets a very subtle styling update that includes a new grille texture, a more comprehensive lower front air intake, and a restyled Cadillac badging.
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The 2015 Cadillac ATS has three distinct personalities, each related to its choice of engine. On a practical level, the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder in base sedan models get the job done with 202 hp, but it’s not for the enthusiast driver.
At the high-performance end is the 3.6-liter V6 with 321 hp. Overall, the powerful engine options and nimble handling make for an enjoyable ride, and the interior of this Cadillac is stylish and upscale.
7. 2020 Ford Mustang
- Used Price: $25,290
- Engine: 5.0 Liter 8-cylinder
- Horsepower: 480 hp
- MPG: 21 City / 32 Highway
- Seating Capacity: 5
Possibly one of the most recognizable cars of all time, the 2020 Ford Mustang continues to offer eye-catching design and driving pleasure. The 2020 Ford Mustang has rear-wheel drive, an available 5.0-liter V8 under the hood, and all sorts of factory options to make it faster, louder, and more distinctive.
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Inside, the Mustang is pretty much the same as it has been in recent years. Highlights include a lovely retro design that comes with the latest tech options like Ford’s Sync infotainment system and adaptive cruise control. It is really a great cheap sports car that looks expensive yet has all features that you want.
The modern Mustang takes many stylistic cues from the original Mustangs of the 1960s, for example, the fastback body style comes straight from those cars. On the front, the look is similar but more modern, with sleek, horizontal headlights, a bold grille, and a lower, wider front fascia.
8. 2020 Mazda3
- Used Price: $18,000
- Engine: 2.5 Liter 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 186 hp
- MPG: 27 City / 36 highway
- Seating Capacity: 5
The 2020 Mazda3 is attractively designed inside and out. It looks refined and premium and many of the interior materials and controls have a premium feel and vibe. If you own a Mazda 3, chances are your friends think you spent more than you did.
It’s always agile when the asphalt is winding and comfortable when the road turns bumpy. An excellent infotainment system and standard driver assistance systems make the 2020 Mazda 3 one of the best compact cars on the market.
Thanks to its dynamic handling, it is one of the sportiest compact cars and also offers a smooth ride. Inside, this Mazda is upscale with many user-friendly standards and available features. The front seats are comfortable and roomy, but the rear seats don’t offer as much room.
9. 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
- Used Price: $26,600
- Engine: 2.0 Liter 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 228 hp
- MPG: 30 City / 40 highway
- Seating Capacity: 5
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a favorite among all car enthusiasts and there are many aspects of the car that make it a great choice. For one, this sporty sedan comes with a manual transmission option, making it a fun option for more traditional drivers looking for an affordable, modern design.
It has a bigger rear seat and a bigger trunk. Its 228hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is just as fast, and its manual and automatic transmissions are just as responsive. VW’s compact sedan also earns its performance claim with a voluptuous chassis that delivers sharp responses and refined qualities.
Designed for Americans, the Jetta comes from a European brand, so it has a certain sophistication that permeates every aspect. Meanwhile, GLI models offer more performance and driver involvement than some competitors can match.
Top FAQs About Cars That Look Expensive But Are Cheap
What are the cheap cars that look expensive?
There are many vehicles that look very elegant and sophisticated so many of us think that these are costly but they are very affordable. Check out the top cheap cars that look expensive
- 2017 Kia Cadenza
- 2014 Mercedes S-Class
- 2013 Cadillac ATS
- 2011 Porsche Cayman
- 2008 Jaguar XK
- 2002 Maserati Spyder
- Genesis G70
- 2020 Audi A3
What cheap cars look sporty?
There are four-seater and even five-seater cars that give that sporty touch that you are looking for. They are even equipped with the latest technology. Check out the list of affordable sports cars for 2022 buyers
- Nissan 370Z
- Volkswagen Jetta GLI
- Subaru BRZ
- Mini Cooper Countryman
- Volkswagen GTI
- Mazda MX-5 Miata
What is the cheapest luxury sports car?
In a used car market, it’s still possible to find great, affordable sports cars that can bring some excitement back to life. To get you started, here are luxury sports cars that prove it can be done.
- 2014 BMW M235i
- 2013 Audi TT
- 2021 Ford Mustang
- 2008 Cadillac XLR
- 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL 550
- 2017 Jaguar F-Type Convertible
Is an Audi A3 a good first car?
The Audi A3 is a great first car for new drivers who want to jump right into the luxury segment. It’s a classic compact with a well-designed interior and stylish exterior. Beautifully built and hard-hitting to ride, its modest size makes it perfect for commuters and city riders.
It’s also surprisingly efficient, offering attractive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions, as well as reasonably affordable insurance premiums.
Is Mercedes GLA worth buying?
Mercedes-Benz GLA is a good luxury subcompact SUV. It’s easy to drive on an everyday basis, thanks in part to the satisfying acceleration, good fuel economy, and balanced handling.
Offering a nifty infotainment system and comfortable seats, it turns out to be an excellent overall package.
Are 2011 Jaguars XF a good car?
Yes, with great handling and powerful muscular performance, the 2011 Jaguar XF is the best choice for those looking for a luxury sports sedan. Of course, it also drives exceptionally well, with staggering V8 power and an excellent balance of handling and comfort.
A more powerful engine for the entry-level XF is a worthy third act for a car that has already established itself as the preeminent vehicle in its class.
Final Thought
Well, if you prefer a slightly expensive-looking car yet affordable one that will make you look instantly rich, then this list will help you find the ultimate luxury car. We hope you enjoy these cars that look expensive but aren’t.
However, you should first determine the type of car you want to buy, an SUV, sedan, convertible, station wagon, or coupe, and then explore the list.
