One of the greatest blessings and simultaneously one of the worst curses in the car world is the concept of depreciation. It's a virtually inevitable event that almost every single car will fall prey to in its time. For those who buy their cars brand new, this is the greatest curse, as any money put into their car is virtually down the drain, especially with certain models of cars that depreciate with breathtaking speed. There are a few exceptions to that rule, because some cars end up becoming collector's cars, and skyrocket in value year after year. That is quite rare, though.

For those who can't always afford to buy their cars new, this can be one of the greatest blessings, as many cars that cost way too much new to be affordable, after a few years are suddenly within their price range. That concept there is the crux of this article, as there are a lot of cars that still look, seem, and feel expensive. Most people might not ever even know that these cars are so affordable now, and that means that they get the impression you are driving an expensive car. There are car owners in the world who live for this concept, putting on the greatest airs of wealth merely because they know how to work the depreciation system. And that may be you, in fact. So, in light of that, let's take a look at 20 cars that will make anyone look rich, but won't break the bank.

20 BMW Alpina B7

There aren't really any cars that are quite like a big, fancy, European performance sedan. It's almost an icon of wealth and prosperity. Especially here in America, where they have a certain exotic air about them.

The best part about it, though, is that they often tend to depreciate very quickly.

Which means you can find these for pretty cheap, and in no time you'll be wowing your friends with your luxury, and wooing your potential dates. This Alpina B7 is an incredible car with amazing performance, and well worth the relatively low price.

19 Cadillac CTS-V

There's nothing more iconic than the refined, luxurious Cadillac CTS-V, coming straight from Detroit. It's classy, homey, stately, and makes a big statement. These cars are ritzy, and powerful, and fast. You can buy them aftermarket, less than five years old, for well under 50 grand. And it'll look like you spared no expense on your car, never settling for anything but the finest, no matter the cost. Of course, you don't have to tell them you got it at a bargain. That would defeat the point of pretending to be wealthy, right?

18 Jaguar XKR

So you want a sports car to show off your plenteous wealth. You don't want a sedan, you don't want an SUV, or anything else. And you love Jaguar. Cue the XKR, one of the finest sports cars produced by Jaguar.

Two doors, massive engine and incredible performance, it means it's got some serious punch from across the pond.

Everyone knows Jaguars are expensive, so you'll look rich driving this thing. But, the good news is that it's not expensive anymore, not like these were new. Which means it's within your reach to drive a dream car.

17 Corvette ZR1

There's a lot of mettle behind the Corvette name, and anyone who has one is admired for having all their financial ducks in a row. Driving a Corvette is equatable to driving in luxury, living the American dream to the absolute fullest as you pull into your three story palace in an endless suburban sprawl. You'll garner a lot more attention if you've got a higher performance Corvette, like the ZR1. There's nothing like top of the line to impress upon your peers how wealthy you are. They'll never know you can buy a used model for less than 30,000 bucks in some cases. Nice.

16 Chrysler 300

Another opulent choice from the glowing motorists diamond that is Detroit, the Chrysler 300 oozes wealth from its every feature.

The pinnacle of refinement from the Motoring capital of America, this car is made to dazzle, and it has an undeniable image of success.

People who have money have this car. And people know it's expensive new, so when they see you rolling in with your ritzy 300, they'll assume you have a lot of money, with a car like that. Little do they know, though, that it's depreciation has brought it well within your little means.

15 Jaguar S-Type R

If you want to show how classy you are, how refined, gentlemanly, and tasteful you are, and of course, how rich you are, buying a Jaguar is a really good bet. The Jaguar S-type R is a great option, because the R is also very sporty. Since you're buying secondhand on the cheap, you can afford a little extra for the racing version. It'll still  be cheap, but you'll get a lot more power out of it. Besides, people will think you spent almost 6 figures on it, but only you have to know the secret.

14 Porsche Cayman S

Buying a Porsche is a fabulous way to broadcast your financial success to anyone and everyone who bothers to look.

There's no doubt that every person will drool over the fact that a driver has a sleek Porsche.

Wow, he must have a lot of money. Right? Right, most Porsche's cost quite a lot of money, but wrong, because you can buy a used Cayman, especially the older models, for quite cheap, as they weren't nearly as popular as other models when they sold new. Working the system, that's what you're about.

13 Alfa Romeo 4C

Living in luxury isn't always about doing everything you can to appear well off to your friends. Yes, that's the driving force behind it all. But if you're a discerning car buyer, or someone who also has a passion for cars, and not just a passion for impressing their friends, family, and pointless strangers, you might want to buy an Alfa Romeo 4C. This thing is an absolutely amazing car, and while you might spend a bit more money than comfortable to buy it, it'll still be a lot cheaper than it looks to all those people without money.

12 VW Phaeton W12

While it may not look like the ideal image of pure, unadulterated luxury that's indicative of true wealth, the Volkswagen Phaeton is still a very unique car, which means nobody you know will have it. That paired with the fact this thing has twelve cylinders under its hood and you've got quite the party piece of a car. A W-configured twelve cylinders, which basically means you've got two V6 engines slapped and welded together, not just one. What tells people that your rich more than buying a car with two engines? Exactly.

11 BMW E39 M5

For a more tuner oriented declaration of your affluence, it would be a pretty smart move to purchase an E39 M5.

For the same reasons as the last BMW on our list, nothing quite screams luxury like a powerful European luxury sedan.

The best part about these insanely powerful and performance oriented sedans is that they are just that, track ready beasts, but also want for not in practicality, lush wealth, and eminent status. Which is what you want everyone to think of you when you drive by them.

10 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

The Mercedes Benz S65 AMG fits into the same category as the last, although it truly is the the image, the set bar, the set standard, top of the line, true essence of wealth, opulence and luxury for the averagely affluent person. Mercedes Benz makes a car that has every cutting edge luxury feature imaginable, and people know it. Not as many know about their truly astronomical depreciation rates, which is why you can have an S65 AMG on that tiny budget you have. Regardless of your reason, buying a second hand Mercedes is only logical.

9 Bentley Arnage

This Bentley has quite a ritzy, classy, timeless look about it. While it's clear that it's dated, it's also clear that it emanates glorious wealth. Business men of the highest class drive Bentleys, only those with sweet status roll through their streets in a Bentley. You'd be the king of the road in this car. Everyone would turn their heads to watch you drive by. You, the person who drives a Bentley. He must be rich. And discerning, too. He's got taste. Plus you can tell this car cost at least 6 figures new.

8 Alfa Romeo Giulia

If you want to pull looks, there's no other car to do it in than an Alfa. It's really a true driver's car. But if you're not interested in anything but status, most people only recognize Alfa Romeo as exotic, Italian, and expensive. Though the fact of the matter is that they are quite affordable, even new.

They only get more and more affordable second hand, due to depreciation.

So if you're really stringent with your limited funds, it's still achievable to be the wealthiest looking car owner around. Besides, almost nobody has an Alfa, and how cool is that?

7 Porsche Cayenne Turbo

Due to the fact that this car is an SUV, it has been subject to, in my opinion, rather unfair depreciation rates. This is one of the best SUV's money can buy. To purchase a new one of these, with all additional features, turbocharged, et cetera, you're looking at a hefty price tag of almost $100,000. That's way too much for you, obviously, but this marvelously engineered German powerhouse wrapped in pure luxury can be bought for quite significantly cheaper these days. Boom, you've got a performance car wrapped in family oriented practicality, and airs of wealth.

6 Supercharged Range Rover

So you want to look tough, manly, refined, and capable, yet you want to look rich doing it. You can't settle for something so lowly as a Jeep, or a 4-Runner. No way, you want to look very rich as you drive your off-road capable SUV through the winding streets of your subdivision on your way home from the strip-mall grocery store. This is the way to do it, and when you buy the supercharged version, you can rest easy that no one doubts your vast reserves of money. Of course, the secret here is that this car isn't expensive anymore.

5 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG

If you're looking for a luxury sports car to proclaim your status, look no further than the Mercedes Benz SL55 AMG, a slick, fast, powerful coupe that is actually pretty cheap second hand.

Most Mercedes Benz cars are susceptible to rather aggressive depreciation, which is a good thing if one wants an affordable car that looks expensive.

The best part about this car is that, despite the depreciation, it's a really great car to own and drive. Especially as an AMG. Cue the awe from your friends, because you've got an insanely fast European sports car.

4 Maserati Quattroporte

Talk about an urban sports car statement that will impress all your friends as you drive through the streets of downtown. Maserati: a symbol of wealth, of money, and speed. This is undeniably an exotic sports car in everybody's mind, and for good reason. This is a great car, through and through. They'll need no convincing of your status as loaded, because that triton badge is more than enough. The Quattroporte still looks brand new, relevant, and luxurious. Yet, it's surprisingly affordable to buy second hand. Working the system has never been so full of luxury.

3 Aston Martin DB7

Driving around in utterly rich class is quite attainable for even the most frugal, discerning person. Some people have dreams of grandeur, and thanks to depreciation, they don't have to be delusions.

If one doesn't have the money but wants to look like they do, there's scarcely a more refined choice than an Aston Martin DB7 from 1997.

This car looks timeless, classy, refined, and exudes wealth from every curve. Besides, how cool will people look at you, in complete envy, when they know you drive the car that James Bond drives. Car goals.

2 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit

Okay, this may look a little bit dated, but there's some huge pluses to buying a retro car like this. Benefit number one: it's a Rolls Royce. Literally the epitome of wealth, money, and luxury. So much so these cars are fit for royalty. Benefit number two: you can tell people that this car cost over $200,000 new. If you want to calculate the price in today's dollars to account for inflation, be my guest. It's a lot. But, you don't want to risk looking like a braggart, not with so refined and classy a car as a Rolls.

1 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

There really isn't a way to go wrong in buying a Mercedes to broadcast your status. As long as you buy smart, you'll get a reliable car that has a lot of practical features, is good on gas, et cetera, et cetera. And you'll get the most value for you money, due to the completely ridiculous depreciation rates that plague Mercedes relentlessly. Nothing will convince your peers and strangers alike that your pockets are lined with gold quite like your side mirrors projecting the Mercedes symbol onto the ground around your chariot of wealth.

Sources: caranddriver.com, cars.com, motortrend.com