What Car Under $30K Makes You Look Successful?

This is a matter of utmost importance. Just about any youngster, grown man or woman with love for everything that has four wheels has thought about it.

"I've worked my fingers to the bone and made myself a name, but I don't wanna run with the supercar pack or other stereotypical car buyers. So what is there for me to choose from, but doesn't cost as much as a house?"

Even those among us that didn't quite make it big (just yet) have imagined what to do if that Powerball or Mega Millions lotto ticket would be money in a bag on a very lucky day. The human condition and this rat race we're living in these days are two elements that make us want to be more special, more successful, more rich than others. Even the wealthy compete against their own kin with bigger yachts, faster cars and more expensive champagne bottles. Ever wondered if more is actually more?

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MattDarringer - 8/28/2014 8:52:05 PM

-1 Boost

CLA...assuming base models exist...they don't

chewy - 8/28/2014 9:21:22 PM

+3 Boost

Something like a used E55 AMG, depending on how old you are it could look like you bought it new for 75,000.

USNA1999 - 8/28/2014 9:35:16 PM

-4 Boost

VW GTI

Car4Life - 8/28/2014 9:59:24 PM

-4 Boost

The CLA of course, hence the 3 month wait list and ridiculously scarce inventory in the states

CarCrazedinCali - 8/28/2014 10:17:17 PM

+4 Boost

that car isn't fooling anyone

Car4Life - 8/29/2014 9:36:38 AM

-1 Boost

Tell that to the 100kplus ppl already driving one and guess what the vast majority was sold in the U.S., one of the most image conscious countries on earth lol

CarCrazedinCali - 8/30/2014 4:13:04 PM

+2 Boost

I will gladly tell them how toolish they are, give me their contact info! Sheep! Keep defending though!

JDMUSMuscle - 8/29/2014 1:32:21 AM

-6 Boost

Lexus IS, of course.

jeffgall - 8/29/2014 9:21:10 AM

+6 Boost

IS starts at $36,550

USNA1999 - 8/29/2014 5:02:37 PM

0 Boost

You can get an IS very close to $30K, they are giving them away down here in FL for $299/month leases.

carsnyc - 8/29/2014 10:35:24 AM

+2 Boost

Wow, Mercedes hits a home-run with the CLA and it gets all this backlash! I wonder if there's actually some desire for the car hidden in those comments.

Other I-am-on-the-right-track-to successful cars are (besides CLA): Acura ILX, slightly used 3's, IS's and C's, Mazda 6, and A3

HughJass - 8/30/2014 9:04:30 PM

0 Boost

Saw a CLA in person earlier this week, the new design actually makes me think MB had some inspiration from Buick. The saggy butt design doesn't do it for me.

Why do all the new MB sedans have droopy bootys?

autobroker - 8/29/2014 10:37:06 AM

+2 Boost

You can pickup a used Porsche Boxter easily for $30K or less depending on year and miles. People wouldn't know if it's your toy or daily driver. You can look like a million bucks having fun driving it, and barely make your rent payment! lol. Just hope there's no major repair bills, that's another subject without a warranty. Oil change? Not cheap either. But getting in the car, $30K is doable.

TomM - 8/29/2014 12:23:54 PM

+1 Boost

There are LOTS of cars out there that can do that - Not just a USED Boxter - but Used S and E class Mercedes - Bmw 5 and 7 series - and even a second generation CTS would do as well. Audi is doing its best to make all its cars look the same - and that means that they all are only as good as a cheap one - so they won't be as good as other possibilities.

randy3023 - 8/29/2014 1:03:06 PM

+1 Boost

1990s Honda or Chevy will do the trick.
The windows are un-tinted.

bw5011 - 8/30/2014 8:15:02 AM

+1 Boost

This question should have been narrowed to only new cars. Buying an expensive used car with a bunch of miles doesn't make you look successful. I would rather see you in a brand new civic than a German car with over 100k miles if you can't afford to take it to the dealer for maintenance. A successful person will feel comfortable in any car (except a Prius) and it will show.

HughJass - 8/30/2014 9:02:34 PM

0 Boost

Anything used and German. Sure as hell isn't going to an imitation BMW/Audi from Korea.