For the average car buyer who earns $80,000 per year, spending more than $40,000 on a flashy set of wheels hardly seems justified. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available for relatively affordable yet expensive-looking cars and SUVs. These models may not surpass the Lamborghini Gallardo’s cult status, but they can turn heads just the same.
If you’re looking for a stylish vehicle that fits your budget, take a look at our top picks below:
2021 Toyota Camry
MSRP Base Range: $22,045 – $35,620
Toyota’s iconic sedan returns with a snazzier redesign. The front end of the SE features a honeycomb grille reminiscent of the Toyota Avalon, while the LE and XLE trims have a wider fascia. However, there are significant differences in performance and safety features that go beyond a simple preference for body kits. While all trims have improved fuel efficiency and nimbler handling than previous generations, the TRD stands alone as the sportiest variant due to its DOHC V6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission as well as its built-in blind-spot monitoring and heated mirrors. If you’re a fan of midsize sedans with a lot of features, the 2021 Camry is the ideal ride for you. You can find Camry performance parts and accessories here if you want to tune up your Camry.
2021 Mazda CX-30
MSRP Base Range: $22,050 – $34,050
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 delivers a refined finish to the subcompact SUV category that’s hard to overlook. The CX-30 shares a vague resemblance with the Mazda 3 Sportback because of its car-like silhouette that abandons the bulkier build of its larger brother, the CX-5. The angled headlights and honeycomb grille on the front end easily make the CX-30 one of the nicest-looking SUVs in its price range. Under the hood, the CX-30 comes equipped with a turbocharged engine, which performs well at high speeds. You’ll have no issues making sharp turns or going up to 60 mph with this SUV. This is a prime example of a car that looks more expensive than it actually is.For the family man with a penchant for precise steering and comfort, there’s simply no other choice. Browse our CX-30 replacement parts and accessories here for your maintenance and repair needs.
2022 Subaru BRZ
MSRP Base Range: $28,845 – $31,495
The Subaru BRZ was an instant favorite when it debuted in North America back in 2012. The first BRZ had a sharp driving feel that complemented its lightweight body. The 2022 model brings a renewed focus on performance with its 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that supplies 23 additional horsepower and 28 lb-ft of torque. The 4-flat engine layout creates a lower center of gravity for the vehicle, giving you better precision on the road. The 2022 Subaru BRZ proves that you don’t need to stretch your budget to experience the power of a quality sports coupe. If you’re single and you don’t need much trunk space, then there’s certainly room in your garage for the 2022 Subaru BRZ. You can get your Subaru BRZ replacement parts and accessories here.
2021 Volkswagen GTI
MSRP Base Range: $28,695 – $37,745
Many love the 2021 Volkswagen GTI for its performance-oriented design. The GTI improves the standard Golf model with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Those who have had the pleasure of driving the new GTI claim that it stays quiet and comfortable during long drives. However, as with any model that carries the Volkswagen emblem, you can expect to pay a little more for the GTI. It’s not exactly cheap, but it’s worth the extra cash. If you already own this high-performance hatchback, you can find quality replacement parts and accessories here.
2021 Nissan Sentra
MSRP Base Range: $19,460 – $21,000
You’d be forgiven for confusing the redesigned Nissan Sentra for the Nissan Maxima, as they both have similar profiles. The Sentra is the more affordable of the two, but it’s not far behind its full-sized counterpart. Driving feels responsive and smooth. It might not accelerate at higher speeds as well as other compact sedans, but it’s a decent compromise for the sportier edge. The 2021 Nissan Sentra also comes with a built-in smartphone integrated system, which may come in handy for those undeniable bouts of carpool karaoke. It’s an economical choice for buyers who are searching for a respectable, entry-level sedan. Need upgrades for your Sentra? Check out our performance parts here.
2021 Audi Q3
MSRP Base Range: $34,000 – $36,000
Can something luxurious also be practical? Audi seems to think so. The newest Q3 toes the line pretty well with premium interiors and safety features that can make Q5 owners green with envy. However, there’s a caveat to the lower price range. The 2021 Audi Q3 has a slower acceleration compared to other subcompact SUVs in its class. But if you aren’t concerned about horsepower, there’s a lot to love about the Audi Q3. Just like any other vehicle, you can prolong the health of your 2021 Audi Q3 by replacing its components when they get damaged. View our replacement parts here.
2021 BMW X1
MSRP Base Range: $35,400 – $37,400
For those who want a taste of luxury without emptying their bank accounts, the 2021 BMW X1 is an excellent choice. The new X1 has all the features you’ve come to expect from an SUV of its class: voice control, wireless Apple Carplay, and navigation system. However, you won’t get a full sense of its quality until you take it out for a spin. The 2021 model stays true to BMW’s eternal slogan “Ultimate Driving Machine” with its superb steering and responsive brakes. You can navigate curves with ease and confidence, as if you were driving a hatchback instead of an SUV. CarParts.com has everything you need here to keep your 2021 BMW X1 in top shape.
2021 Chrysler 300
MSRP Base Range: $31,045 – $37, 995
The 2021 Chrysler 300 sports the classic sedan look with a spacious cabin, robust infotainment system, and a variety of custom packages to keep Chrysler fans invested. Many agree that the Touring L model provides the best comfort out of the three available trims. Its plush interiors look best with the Comfort Group package. The 300 also comes with an optional V8 muscle, but we only recommend it for the 300S model because of its sturdy suspension. If you have a soft spot for old-school cruisers, you won’t find a better pick than the 2021 Chrysler 300. Visit our online store here to shop for replacement parts and accessories.
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MSRP Base Range: $26,830 -$35,050
What happens when a charmingly eccentric British roadster is combined with Japanese reliability? You get the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata, a lightweight sports car with a competitively fast engine. The Miata is renowned for its light weight, reliability, and style. It’s one of the most engaging and fuel-efficient rides in its class. The reworked engine provides more power and torque, so you can lean into the experience. With some improvements on the suspension and exhaust, your Miata can be the best-sounding and best-driving machine in your garage. You can shop for high-quality performance parts here.
2020 Fiat 124 Spider
MSRP Base Range: $25,390 – $29,390
If you’re a fan of the Miata, you’ll love the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider. This gorgeous, lightweight convertible began as a joint venture between Mazda and the struggling Italian brand. The Fiat 124 Spider was created alongside the Mazda Miata, which would explain why the two have similar parts. However, the Spider has some major differences from the Japanese roadster it’s based on. The longer body harkens back to Fiat’s 1960s and 1970s lineup with a few modern touches. The Miata also uses a different engine, transmission, and suspension tuning than the Miata, and performs well on winding roads. If you ever need to boost your 2020 Fiat 124 Spider, you can grab replacement parts here.
Modern cars and SUVs may not be as affordable as they once were thirty years ago, but you can still score a good set of wheels if you know where to look. While not exactly cheap, these vehicles do look much more expensive than they actually are. As this list proves, you don’t need to spend more than $40,000 to own a brand-new ride. Whether you’re cruising down the street in your 2021 BMW X1 or zipping by in your 2021 Subaru BRZ, one thing’s for sure. These relatively cheap but expensive-looking cars and SUVs will get peoples’ attention.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
