The 2000s were an interesting decade for both the automotive industry and consumers. Many amazing new vehicles were freshly introduced to the world. However, a lot has changed on the planet since the year 2000. For instance, the high-class, expensive luxury cars of days barely gone by can now be purchased in many cases for only a fraction of the original price, hence the quotations used in the title of the article, when referring to the term "cheap." It's all relative to how the value of the car changed over time, how it performs, and it takes style into consideration as well since these are the qualities possessed by expensive cars. Due to the luxurious nature of many cars on this list, without knowing the sales price, it's only fair to assume their drivers are rich as pigs in mud. However, this list is all about bringing light to the fact that there are plenty of great automobiles produced in the previous decade that provide top quality on the road and are consistent conversation starters for friends to gossip about how deep each one's wallet is. There's no doubt that purchasing a ride on this list is the best way to pretend to be rich; no one will question the wealth of someone hopping out of either a 2003 G35, a 2001 S2000, or even a 2005 Mustang. Whether or not there's truth behind one's riches, this list will supply a group of cars ready to show you the good life—and fast.

25 2003 Cadillac CTS

Via Supercars.net

Driving the Cadillac of cars is arguably a more accurate depiction of one’s wealth than even a monthly credit card statement. Cadillacs are a lot like khakis; both are usually filled by rich people. As well, you can snag a good deal on them if you know where to look. The 2003 Cadillac CTS base model originally sold for $30,000 off the lot but, according to Motortrend, has a current fair market value of only $3,114! That’s a very small price to pay for a car that looks like it wears cologne.

Speaking of macho, the 2003 CTS is fitted with a 3.2-liter, 220 hp-yielding V6 engine.

When factoring in the engine it possesses, the Caddy’s 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time doesn’t seem particularly impressive. Conversely, it’s hard to care about fractions of a second when the potential of someone noticing and maybe thinking about how rich you must be, even for just one second, is what’s on the line here. Not too mention, it'll cost only $3,114. For this price, it becomes the perfect car to show off to the parents while dodging questions about your unsuccessful entrepreneurial endeavours. The verdict on the 2003 CTS: absolutely one of the cheapest vehicles on the road that's affiliated with such a high profession brand. It’s like driving a briefcase.

24 2006 Pontiac Solstice

Via Bestcarmag.com

The 2006 Pontiac Solstice is a car that'll definitely make you look rich—emphasis on look rich. But this might be the most redeeming aspect of the car. Before Pontiac was scrapped in 2010, the Solstice was easily the most unique vehicle in Pontiac’s line up. An eye-catching ride for an even more attractive price, the Solstice was sold with the intent of creating an affordable roadster, targeting a base price of only $20,000. According to Car And Driver, the Solstice puts out 177 hp with its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. As well as this, the 5-speed manual option, interestingly enough, borrows the same gearbox as the Chevrolet Colorado. However, the gearbox in the Solstice was adapted to make sure the throws weren't Colorado sized and felt more fitting for a small roadster.

The Solstice comes only in a two-door model. That means if you have kids, they’ll have to stay home—an important trait of looking rich.

Money might not be able to buy happiness, but this car will sure put a smile on your face. Whether you’re smiling from the feeling of your hair in the wind or simply at the savings this car gave you, people are only going to see a happy person behind the wheel of a hot roadster.

23 2007 Mazda Rx-8

Via Grassrootsautosports

There simply isn’t an aspect of the 2007 Mazda RX-8 that isn’t cool. Saying it's stylish would be an understatement. It's a beautifully designed car that even looks like it wants to drive fast. For starters, the RX-8 is equipped with a 1.3-liter rotary engine, giving it a total of 212 hp. As if this isn’t enough, the only offered drivetrain is rear-wheel drive. I’m no mathematician, mind you, but if you were to punch all of these factors into a calculator, I believe the answer will simply equate to “fun.”

But that’s not where the fun ends on the RX-8. Motor Trend lists the suggested retail price of the coupé at $26,435. Though this can already be seen as a fair price for the car you’re getting, once the RX-8 hits the used market is where the real fun begins. Motor Trend goes on to list $4,766 as the used value of the car, and that’s specifically referencing when the car is in top condition. Not only is the RX-8 going to make you look rich, but for a price like such, it’s also practically bad business to not purchase one of these. The RX-8 is unique due to its rotary engine and is nothing short of thrilling to drive.

22 2005 Chrysler 300

Via Topspeed.com

The 2005 Chrysler 300 is a car that says to the world, “I like to have fun, and I also have hefty retirement savings in the bank already, so what?” It's a car with a professional look that's also ready to take care of business when it comes to providing an enjoying drive. What more can you ask for from a Chrysler? How about making it fairly priced? Well, Chrysler thought of this, too. The 300 has a starting MSRP of $23,405. The boxy design of the 300 is an expression of what can be found under the hood.

Edmunds claims the 300 to be sporting a heavy 2.7-liter V6 engine, giving it a horsepower total of 190.

This engine plays a substantial role in giving the 300 a curb weight of a solid 3,712 pounds. If your friends don’t believe you’re rich after you purchase a Chrysler 300, your local gas station attendants sure will from the sheer amount of gas you'll be burning through—largely from the specs of the vehicle but also from how you won’t want to stop driving this beast of a machine. The 300 is comfortable but has an attitude—think the likes of waking up too early in the morning. Much like you don't want to get off your bed, you won’t want to leave the Chrysler 300 anytime soon.

21 2008 Volkswagen R32

Via Bestcarmag.com

Conventionally, The Volkswagen R32, at first, might not make people believe you’re rich, but a closer inspection of the car will have people lined up at your door looking for a loan. The Volkswagen R32 is a reminder of why a book shouldn’t be judged on its cover. At first glance, you might believe you're looking at an ordinary VW Golf, but just one blink, and it’s gone. That’s right—one might be pleasantly surprised once looking under the hood of one of these bad boys.

Car And Driver states that the R32 boasts 250 hp thanks to its 3.2-liter V6 engine.

The R32 can even be tamed around corners with ease despite its power due to its all-wheel drivetrain. While this car costs a penny more than some others on this list, an extra penny is easy to spend when your return is a full dollar. With a base price of $33,630, the hot hatch remains affordable, even when comparing it to the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit—the rough draft of the R32 masterpiece. The R32 might not be the flashiest vehicle out there, but people will get a rich and responsible vibe from its owners—sort of an “I bet they know how to invest their money wisely” vibe. This, of course, is assuming they're unaware the owner had previously spent thirty thousand dollars on a hatchback.

20 2006 Honda Civic Si

Blue 2006 Honda Civic Si Parked
via Honda

Pulling up in a 2006 Honda Civic Si was a quick way for everyone to know you were the richest person in the high school parking lot in the previous decade. In all seriousness, a spoiler and the Si badge do a good job spicing up the conformed look of the standard Honda Civic. But if, for some reason, you still don’t have a prom date, then maybe it’s time to pop the hood on this baby. The Civic Si carries a 2-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, according to Edmonds. Nice. There’s no doubt you'll be the envy of every other student, as they likely only own the base Civic model. The area the Civic Si deserves the most praise in, however, would be the base price. The MSRP of the Si is roughly only $20,000—not a bad ballpark to be the talk of the town in.

The Civic Si comes at a cheap price while being able to easily demonstrate its dominance over not just the base Civic model but many of its competitors as well. It's safe to say the Civic Si has a firm place among the most reliable and versatile cars out there.

19 2005 Porsche Cayman

Via Autoevolution.com

The 2005 Porsche Cayman is the perfect figurehead to represent the entry-level luxury class it finds itself in. Though the off-the-shelf price on these more-than-capable machines can be a bit intimidating for those specifically attempting to look rich, the used market is perfect at the moment to grab one. Autocar states, however, that oddly enough, the Cayman costs more than its roadster counterpart, the Boxster. Usually, it's the other way around, but Porsche justifies this by giving the coupé a power boost.

The 2005 Cayman offers a 2.7 liter flat-6 that gives 237 hp. This level of power for an entry-level luxury vehicle is rare to find.

And the beauty attached to the Cayman is its timelessness. Porsche has always kept their style professional and clean-looking. This keeps their cars looking as valuable as the day they rolled of the lot. Whether you were to purchase a brand-new Porsche of any model or picked up a 2005 Cayman, people will be turning their heads. One guarantee is that no one dropping his or her jaw at your 2005 Cayman will be caught saying, “Oh never mind... it's an old Porsche”. This is thanks to Porsche's agelessness.

18 2007 Dodge Charger

Via Bestcarmag.com

The Dodge Charger has an old history. The car made a name for itself by becoming one of the most predominant names in the American muscle class. Skipping forward to the 2007 Dodge Charger, we have the trust fund baby of cars. According to Edmunds, the Charger produces 190 horsepower provided by its 2.7-liter V6 engine. This doesn’t quite live up to the Charger family name; however, it's still a Charger, and people will take notice regardless. As well, this fierce-looking ride is still certain to send its driver to the back of his or her seat when the time is right. To add continuity to the Charger name, the 2007 Charger remains rear-wheel drive but also evolves by adding an all-wheel option.

To look rich, you only need to play the part. The 2007 Charger provides this with ease thanks to its low MSRP of only $22,225. Whether or not the car is sought out for its family name, purchasing one of these bulls gives you a lot of car to play with for its price. The Charger will surely make you look rich, and for its price, there’s a good chance you won’t be breaking the bank for one.

17 2003 BMW 330i

Via supercars.net

You could cover the Chevy badge on a 2003 Cavalier with a BMW logo, and people will already think you’re rich. Pulling up in a BMW 330i means you only have days before people start recognizing you every time you leave the house. Despite not being a part of the M series, the 330i provides enough power to enjoy.

Car and Driver states the 330i runs a 3.0-liter straight-6 that can produce 225 horsepower.

M series or not, the entire BMW 3 Series lineup consistently produce some of the top overall sport sedans in the world. They do this while even including a four-door option. One foolproof way to convince people into thinking you have money in the bank is to have kids. They’re not cheap, however, and neither is the 330i, having an original MSRP of $35,295. While this is a relatively good price when considering the quality put into the 3 Series, the real deals are on the used market. The value of the cars has diminished over time, while their ability to give drivers a thrilling ride hasn't changed in the slightest. And don’t forget you can tell people you drive a BMW.

16 2001 Honda s2000

Via Fuelinfection.com

If you don’t look rich while driving a 2001 Honda s2000, then you either need to change your clothes or your attitude because this car is one of the hottest roadsters out there. You might remember this car from the original “Fast and Furious” movie; the antagonist owns one! But remain calm—the only thing evil about this ride is the fact that you don’t own one yourself. Well, that and the demon engine Honda put in this ride. A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder VTEC engine is all it takes to give the S2000 240 horsepower, according to Motortrend.

Motortrend also goes on to give the s2000 a fair market value of only $9,488. Even wearing a fake Gucci shirt every day of your life isn’t as persuasive as fooling people into thinking you’re rich because of owning an S2000. Another great aspect of this car is the mileage. With a standard MPG of 20/26, the s2000 will keep your wallet full without all the excessive stops at the pump. You can even use that extra cash to purchase a loud pair of Ray-Bans to sport while out driving this roadster. That way, no one will assume you almost went broke after buying your own 2001 Honda s2000.

15 2003 Infiniti G35

Via Topspeed.com

Pulling up in a 2003 Infiniti G35 is a sure way for you to get people to think you possess infinite cash. In all honesty, the car looks like a Rolex on wheels. The G35 combines beauty and poise with performance to measure up to the world’s best in the sports sedan class. It’s no wonder why either; under the hood lies a 260 hp 3.5-liter V6 that's ready to propel the G35 to 100 km/h in only 6.2 seconds—not a bad time for a Sedan with a curb weight of 3,480 pounds. For a brand synonymous with luxury, the G35 came at a base price of only $27,645, reported Car and Driver.

Though this price is by no means cheap, the possibility that people will think you paid much more for it would be too exciting to pass on.

Interestingly enough, the 2003 model of the G35 didn't yet offer a manual-transmission option. This can work out for the better, though, if you’re aiming to look rich. People will just assume you were too busy making all kinds of money to even have the time to learn how. There’s nothing more satisfying than having “Sorry, I don’t have time for that” money.

14 2005 Ford Mustang

Via Seriouswheels.com

There’s no way to tell the world, “Hey, I’ve got more than enough disposable income” any faster than buying a Ford Mustang. The 2005 Mustang is no exception. The first inducted into its generation, this Mustang had a lot to prove, much like the way one might when trying to exaggerate his or her own net worth. The Mustang was invented to prove itself as the best in its class, though, and did so by running on a 4.0-liter V6, Car and Driver confirms. The pony car produces a lot of horse at 210 hp and a roar so exciting, anyone within an audible distance might as well be hearing the sound of a cash register opening. Thanks to its original MSRP, you too can buy the American dream for only $26,580.

With the 2005 Mustang, you can own the keys to freedom as well as the freedom to relax, knowing everyone thinks you’re richer than they are. In all seriousness, with a 0-100 km/h time of only 6.9 seconds, you can be on the open road in no time on the pursuit of freedom in the ultimate pony car. A final note to always remember: not only do strips make you go faster; they also scream high class.

13 2007 Audi A3

Via Autoevoluation.com

The 2007 Audi A3 is truly a master of disguise. It's mechanically quite similar to its cousin, the MKV Volkswagen GTI, though it seems to have cleaned up quite nicely. Longer than its Volkswagen counterpart, the A3 metaphorically presents its drivers as people who can stretch their money and, therefore, are rich. Edmunds claims that the A3, like the 2007 GTI, also has a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 under the hood. Not only will the sleek profile of the A3 make you look richer by the day, but when you casually mention you own an Audi in every social situation you’re ever in, people will also start to get a hunch that you might be rich. Compare that to driving a mere peasant’s GTI, and you’ll see yourself receiving even less respect than Rodney Dangerfield himself. The A3 is like the weekend warriors of cars. It'll take care of business when it needs to, but once work is over, it’s time to let loose. To add on to this, everyone knows a weekend warrior with a legitimate 9-5 job can spend like there’s no tomorrow, so of course, they’ll think you can easily afford to drive an Audi, maybe even two! Luckily for your bank account, the MSRP of the Audi A3 was $26,820. Sure, it might not be cheap for a GTI, but luxury has never been so affordable.

12 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

Via Cargurus.com

If people don’t think you own a thick wallet after seeing you hop out of a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, it’s only because they'd have to assume the ride costs at least a life savings or two. The Eclipse Spyder can make anyone look like he breaks bands on breakfast alone. It’s by no coincidence either; the Eclipse Spyder is one of the most unique yet surprisingly affordable roadsters out there. Performance-wise, the Eclipse Spyder is lacking, and there’s no way around it. But there’s a silver lining to this; people can’t snap a picture with the wealthiest person in town if he's driving too fast!

Lucky for you, the Eclipse Spyder’s base model rocks a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that, according to Top Speed, produces 162 hp.

However, if you’re not just pretending to be rich, the GT edition delivers all the power one could possibly desire, boasting a mighty 3.8-liter SOHC MIVEC V6. This much bigger engine dishes out nearly a whopping 100 extra horsepower for a total of 260 hp. Of course, this isn’t something to worry about for those simply attempting to appear rich. When it comes to helping boost one's social status, there are few roadsters that can do what the 2007 Eclipse Spyder can for its price.

11 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
Via: Caranddriver

Nothing says “I got my first adult paycheck” like buying a Subaru Impreza WRX. While a brand-new one is always nice, for those attempting to ball on a budget, the 2008 Impreza is the WRX to flex! Car and Driver describes the car as “Less exciting, more mature,” which also happens to describe those who are spending their first real paychecks on this ride. Six months out of the parent’s basement can really change a person—for the better, obviously. After only six months later, you're ready to put a fairly sizeable downpayment on one of these babies, but you might as well tell everyone you paid cash. The 2008 WRX is no joke, though. Under the hood lies the Impreza’s impressive turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-4 engine generating 224 hp. Car and Driver reported a 0-100 km/h time of a quick 5.4 seconds. The most important takeaway from this would clearly be that the 2008 Impreza WRX should be fast enough to outrun debt collectors—the only people who know if you’re rich or not regardless of your car.

10 2001 Jaguar x-type

Via Gumtree.com

The 2001 Jaguar X-type is a unique item on this list. It entered the scene with a base MSRP of $29,950, Car and Driver reports. While the X-type visibly stands out on a list of “cheap” cars, it remains relatively inexpensive for the community in need of it. This is the retired community, of course. Nothing makes you look confident in your accounting than reaching right into your retirement fund to tame the Jaguar.

The 2001 X-type has a certain importance to it that might just be captivating enough to distract the inevitable onlookers from any potential diminishing driving skills many Jag drivers start to experience.

Young or old, this car provides enough of a kick to please everyone—that is, if 194 hp delivered from a 2.5-liter V6 is enough for you to meet the breakfast crew at the diner at 6:30 AM and be back home for dinner at 3:30 PM. The main point to get to here is that the 2001 X-type has a respected look to it that can be obtained on the used market for an easy chance to look wise beyond your years and filthy rich beyond your own means. At the end of the day, going 0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds is quick—yet gradual enough to calm back down after getting home and still make your 8:15 bedtime.

9 2000 Toyota Supra

Via Autoevolution.com

There’s no doubt about it—the 2000 Toyota Supra will make you look rich. In fact, good luck avoiding an audit with one of these in your driveway. Seriously, people will assume you’ve found success in the world by using a 2000 Supra as a daily driver. In fact, the Supra name has kept great value over the majority of the past two decades and has become more expensive than its original MSRP total of $29,920.

At the time, a 3.0-liter inline-6 justified such a price in order to experience the drive and, more importantly, look richer than all your friends.

In the rare case of the 2000 Supra, if you were gifted one that was essentially brand new, you'd actually be better off telling people you had bought a used one. Despite the lack of legitimacy to your claims, everyone you know will certainly be convinced you could end up being this generation's Bill Gates. Another interesting aspect of the 2000 Supra is the availability of right-hand-drive models. Owning a right-hand drive is the last step necessary in forging proof that you’re actually a very rich person. Simply lie and attempt to fit in by claiming you only did it out of boredom.

8 2005 Hyundai Tiburon

Via Autoevolution.cpm

This subcompact car is none other than the 2005 Hyundai Tiburon. "Rich" might be a slight overstatement when guessing what people would think about you in this car. However, if "rich" is an overstatement in this case, then the 2005 Tiburon can be considered dirt cheap. The fact that people would bring this car up during their day to discuss it anyway is already a win for the owner. Motortrend lists the vehicle as wielding a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine just capable of reaching a monster 140 hp, making the Tiburon feel more like a go-cart than high quality, but at the end of the day, Hyundai took the 2005 model and produced a car sporty enough to at least generate some buzz about what exactly the value of it is. Motortrend declares a fair market price of the car to be $2,573 or, in other words, cheaper than a single semester spent at a post-secondary institution. One thing you'll never need a degree to confirm is that if you drive a 2005 Tiburon around long enough, you’ll pass a few people who'd be willing to bet you might be rich—or even cool.

7 2004 Nissan 350Z

Via Topspeed.com

The 2004 Nissan 350Z has a very comfortable home on this list. This 287 hp ride, from a full stop, will break 100 km/h in only 5.3 seconds. To add to this, it reaches its top speed at 249 km/h. A little help from its 3.5-liter V6 is all it takes to make the magic happen. And to think, Motortrend states the fair market price to be $6,538. Sports cars like the 2004 350Z are rare in the semi-exclusive world of cheap cars that look expensive. It presents such a unique design that, much like a great work of art, entrances those who are willing to appreciate it. And another great aspect about the three-door hatchback is it’s very likely to make some of the people in your life think you’re very wealthy—or even rich—despite the encouraging current market value.

The only thing people will ever argue about if you decide to purchase a 2004 350Z is if you come from old money or new money.

The most amusing aspect of the car is you don’t even have to be rich to own one! Overall, the 2004 Nissan 350Z is sure to provide a thrill to anyone who owns one each day he hops in for a spin.

6 2005 Toyota Celica GT-S

Via Zombiedrive.com

Despite being classified by Motortrend as just simply a “base sports car,” this elongated hot hatch will make any driver look rich as can be. This base sports car is none other than the 2005 Toyota GT-S. A 180 hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine is all it takes to power the sports car-influenced hatchback. While its performance doesn’t stand out in the slightest, its fuel mileage is worth the purchase on its own. With a standard MPG of 22/28, this car is basically like having a buddy by your side ready to spot you some change at the pumps whenever you need it. Of course, however, you won’t look like you need to be asking for change anytime soon when you’re driving this car. This is due to the fact once in possession of this car, it’s safe to assume people—even strangers—are going to start assuming you might be rich. The best part of all this is the car is actually decently cheap. The 2005 Celica GT-S fair market price reads just $5,373. For wealthy bonus points, consider thinking about investing in a tight leather jacket to wield when behind the wheel of a cheap 2005 Celica GT-S.