5 Cars of the Rather Well To Do

"Collin" (coliin) 09/06/2013 at 19:43 • Filed to: Audi, Kia, Hyundai, Tesla, Model S, Nissan Leaf, E39, BMW, 5 Series

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The cars of the ultra wealthy are boring. I get it. You decided to have your Rolls cooled with orphan tears, and your Bentley's roof is lined with Chinchilla. That's cool enough, I guess, but I'm never ever going to be remotely as rich as you.

What about doctors, lawyers, traders, and bankers? Those are people who have money to burn but not in a way that's inconceivable to achieve. What do they drive? Lucky for you, if you found yourself asking that question, I've been working in just such an area. The median income in Alpharetta is around $110,000/year, and the people definitely have money to burn. They're rarely from Money, but they're usually at least one step above new money trash (although I do have some interesting stories about the ones who are).

So what do the Rather Well To Do like to drive?

1. Audis

More specifically, the S4 and the A7. The A6 and Q7 are extremely popular too, but these people sure do love their S4s and A7s. I remember one time I saw four S4s on top of the handful of A4s during my drive home. Even better, two of them passed me while I was sitting at one intersection. It's kind of ridiculous. I think there are two that park in my building's parking lot too.

BMW and Mercedes get their fair share of representation here, but when it comes to brand new cars on the road, Audi is definitely the favorite for those with money to burn. If you think about it, they're gorgeous, and their interiors are the standard everyone else would like to meet. Why wouldn't Audis be popular?

2. The Sonata/Optima Twins

Just because you have money and want to look good doesn't mean you want to spend a ton of money on a new car. This is where the Sonoptima comes in. I've seen people who could buy my whole family walk up to one of these Koreans and proceed to drive away like it's no big deal. Heck, the COO of my company drives a Genesis.

The badge on the nose may not be as prestigious as some of the others on this list, but don't let that fool you. When people with money want a new, sensibly priced car, they're not all heading for Hondota.

3. Teslas

I used to think the Tesla Model S was kind of like the Fisker Karma. You'd see one around every once in a blue moon, but it would be a long time before they caught on. Boy was I wrong. By all accounts, they're great cars, so it only makes sense that they would sell, but I'm still surprised how commonplace they are. Boys love their toys, and the Model S sure is a cool toy for boys who have grown up.

If you're going to be stuck in hellish commuter traffic, an electric car makes a lot of sense. If you're comfortably wealthy, an expensive electric car that's stupid fast is the only logical choice here. I've seen some Roadsters around, but the Model S is clearly the Tesla of choice.

4. The Nissan Leaf

For those who hate driving or can't quite afford a Model S, there's always the Nissan Leaf. It's not exciting, but let's be honest here. There's nothing exciting about spending an hour or more driving 15 miles. The Leaf can make that commute just as well as every other gas guzzler on the road, but it costs you next to nothing after you look at the gas savings.

For a lot of commuters in North Atlanta, gas can easily pass $300/month. Why not lease a Leaf and save your Porsche for weekends and having fun? After all, you don't stay rich by spending all your money.

5. The E39 BMW 5 series

I didn't notice this until I bought one, but the 525i and 530i from the early 2000s are still extremely popular. I see several every time I drive somewhere, whether I'm commuting to work, driving home, or just going to the store. You don't really see too many Audis and Mercs from the same era, but it's no surprise for men worth just as much as the Sonata-driving guy who could buy my family to drive by in a 15 year old Bimmer that's still in great condition.

The E39 was the best 5 series. If you already own the best, why would you buy another one that isn't the best? Your neighbor eventually had to stop the bleeding and ditch his old E-class for a new one, but your 5 series is still running strong. You may be well off, but you're not quite, "Drop $60,000 like it's nothing," rich. Just keep driving the best. Maybe in a couple years you can pick up a Tesla.

POD > Collin 09/06/2013 at 20:06

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My Chinchilla is pissed, and she is going to eat the owner of Bentley! Just you wait!

That aside, the rather well to do drive these 5? Hmm, I guess I'm the odd ball out. The Audi's interest me, but only the smaller ones. The A3, the S4 wagon, and the like.

I'm not quite at 110K a year yet though (and I don't live in GA). But I'd rather live modestly and save that money for travel, retirement, and going out to eat. There are lots of fun cars to be had for a lot less. I guess it all depends on where you want to spend that disposable income.

BTW, "Hondota" love it, I'm using that from now on.

EDIT:

Can we add Kiyundai to the list too?

Collin > POD 09/06/2013 at 20:42

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I guess it would be more accurate to title it, "5 Cars Popular With People Who Have Money to Burn that You Might Not Expect," but that doesn't roll off the tongue as well. Most people would expect a sea of new Bimmers, Range Rovers, and Mercedes, but I've noticed that's not as common as the stereotype would suggest.

As for you not being the typical upper middle class/lower upper class car buyer, you're on Jalopnik. Are car enthusiasts of our ilk ever really normal?

POD > Collin 09/06/2013 at 20:52

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You make a very valid points, I can't disagree at all.

Actually, if my parents are any indication, then your list is highly accurate (it's just missing Volvo).

Mom (Director of Dental Hygiene at a college I shan't mention) drives a Hyundai Geneses sedan with the 4.6l Tau V8.

Dad (not sure what he does really, he's been a president of a few companies here and there, plays a lot of golf, seems more just a "people person"... I think he facilitates sales?? Maybe?) has driven a series of Volvo S70's and S80's over the last few years.

As for me, no, I'm not a typical upper middle class buyer (I haven't reached the lower upper class yet). I'm just a lowly OT that wants to import an Autozam.

Overall I do like your article. Other than the Chinchilla part, but that had nothing to do with you.... fucking Bentley....

Doug DeMuro > Collin 09/07/2013 at 16:08

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Leaf is a good one. Kind of replacing the Prius in the world of 'I'm rich but I only drive this.' Another good one: E-Class Wagon. (not the AMG - the regular one)

Loping Camshaft > Doug DeMuro 09/07/2013 at 16:48

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Matt Farah has the theory that people who had Continental GT's and/or Prii traded those in for a Tesla which is the best of both worlds. And that fall's in line with the"I'm rich, but I care about the environment" angle.

Collin > Doug DeMuro 09/07/2013 at 16:48

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Do you really see a lot of E-Class wagons? I hardly see any.

Doug DeMuro > Collin 09/07/2013 at 18:43

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Totally. Super rare car. But apparently it has the highest income of ANY Mercedes owner, crazy stuff included.

Collin > Doug DeMuro 09/08/2013 at 12:20

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I'd believe it. There's a reason it's called an, "Estate," in Europe, right?

DoubleU > Collin 09/09/2013 at 17:33

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Looks like I'm doing it wrong....

Acura TL

Subaru Outback

Honda Odyssey

Although, I really wanted an E-wagon instead of the Outback and a 5-series instead of the TL till I drove the manual TL. I couldn't get away from the living room on wheels...nothing else does what a minivan does (except the MB Sprinter that my wife vetoed).