Some car brands exude prestige and high status, and brand-new they can cost a fortune. Luckily, there is a lovely thing called depreciation, which makes it possible to buy high-end cars at low prices. The only real trick is being willing to buy used which doesn't necessarily translate to a big risk.
As long as the car has a decorated history of consistent maintenance, high-end car engines can last for several years. Customers hoping to look rich on a budget shouldn't limit themselves to German cars. American car companies also offer plenty of high-end options. Let's take a look at these $10,000 cars that can make you look rich.
8 2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
Once the fastest sedan in the world, the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG boasts 470 horsepower from a supercharged 5.5-liter V8, which gets the car to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The E55 AMG welcomes drivers with a plush leather interior and wooden trim scattered tastefully throughout the cabin.
Punching the throttle delivers smooth and ample power to a sporty yet soft suspension that makes the car light as a feather while cornering. It's one of the most versatile cars ever made, capable of handling corners with agility and accelerating fast enough to win drag races, all while providing a comfortable and cushy ride.
7 2012 BMW 528i
The BMW 5 Series is a classic executive sedan. Though the 528i isn't the most powerful example, it still provides substantial comfort and a well-tuned suspension. The BMW 528i from 2012 uses a turbocharged 2-liter inline-four that sends 240 horsepower to the rear wheels.
BMWs tend to have sportier suspension than Mercedes-Benz, which means the ride can be a little stiff, but it corners with the agility of a sports car. Bear in mind that BMWs start to present problems around 100,000 miles, so buying a BMW of this vintage can be a little risky.
6 2007 Mercedes-Benz S 550
Mercedes-Benz cars fall victim to depreciation more than most brands, but that doesn't mean they aren't exquisite cars. The S550 lands among the low-tier S-class Mercedes, but it still impresses with a 5.5-liter V8 mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, delivering 382 horsepower to the rear wheels.
According to Car and Driver, the S550 boasts rapid acceleration and a comfortable, accommodating interior. Interior noise is an underdog feature present in just about every Mercedes-Benz, which the S550 has in spades. With one of the biggest depreciation rates on this list, the S550 is an absolute bargain. What once was a $90,000 car is now $10,000.
5 2005 BMW 645Ci
If you're looking for a BMW sportier than a 5 Series, the 645Ci has a lot to offer. It's a proper sports car, with a 4.4-liter V8 pushing 325 horsepower to the rear wheels, mated to either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. BMW also managed to pack lots of technology into the 645, including active sway bars and variable-ratio steering.
The 645Ci borrowed its suspension from the 5 Series according to Car and Driver, so it should feel comparable to the 528i. All of this pays off handsomely, as the 645 stays flat through corners and accelerates easily down straightaways thanks to its powerplant.
4 1995 Jaguar XJS Cabriolet
As a much older entry, the 1995 Jaguar XJS Cabriolet offers the allure of classic elegance and luxury. With a choice of either a 4-liter inline-six or a 6-liter V12, the XJS offered customers a silky-smooth ride. If you can get your hands on a V12 it's the obvious choice. It delivers 300 horsepower to the rear wheels which may not sound like much, but it also provides 351 ft-lbs of torque.
At just over 4,000 pounds curb weight, the XJS gets plenty of power from the V12. Being it's a relatively old Jaguar, prospective buyers should prepare for an extended maintenance period. Some owners allocate $1,000 per year for maintenance including oil changes and brakes.
3 2009 Cadillac CTS
While you're not finding a Cadillac CTS-V for $10,000 without something horribly wrong with it, you can find a base CTS well within range. It won't have the mighty supercharged 6.2-liter V8, but it'll keep the same smooth Cadillac ride. Customers could choose a base Cadillac CTS with either a 3.6-liter V6 pushing 263 horsepower or a 3.6-liter V6 with direct injection producing 304 horsepower.
CTS engines could mate to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Cadillac CTS provides a solid platform that glides effortlessly across tarmac without compromise. Passengers can enjoy a lush cabin with soft leather, lots of legroom, and plenty of space.
2 2003 GMC Yukon Denali
For those who want a nice SUV for a low price, the 2003 GMC Yukon Denali is a solid option. The Yukon is a massive SUV, and its Denali package includes a 6-liter V8 pumping 320 horsepower via a 4-speed automatic to all four wheels.
GMC made many improvements for the 2003 model year, including faster throttle response, a new airbag system, and an overhauled wiring harness. Driving a Yukon can be an adjustment at first, but after a short, while operating such a big vehicle becomes second nature. The biggest problem is going to be the parking.
1 2008 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro
Audis face some of the steepest depreciation rates on the market, and that means variety. A budget of $10,000 gets many different Audis, so if the 2008 A6 doesn't hold your interest, there are plenty of other options. Don't be so quick to turn away from the A6, however, as it provides a healthy dose of German AWD excellence.
The 2008 A6 uses a 4.2-liter V8 with 350 horsepower. It's a big sedan, but Audis provide comfortable seating with ample interior space, as well as manic acceleration once the turbo kicks in.