5 Cheap Cars That Celebrities Drive
Just because one is filthy rich doesn’t mean he or she has to drive the most expensive vehicle in the market. There are a lot of wealthy personalities who travel by road in cheap cars. Most do it for environmental sustainability while others, for sentimental reasons. Whatever their cause, it’s encouraging to know that one doesn’t need too much money to own a car because there are many affordable options that even the elites are driving.
Some of the cheap celebrity cars that you can afford to buy include:
1. Volkswagen Jetta - Justin Timberlake
Base Price: $30,000 AUD (2020 model)
Car image source: drom.ru
The former N'Sync lead singer owns a 2002 VW Jetta among many other vehicles, including yacht and planes. Said to only cost $24,272 AUD at the time of its purchase, Timberlake has stayed mum about why he bought the cheap vehicle and decided to keep it amid so many of his other, better rides. Reports have it though that it’s been his go-to car for running errands and just riding around the town.
Manufactured by Volkswagen since 1979, the company's smallest sedan has been marketed over seven generations. The 2002 model comes with powerful 1.8T and VR6 engines, fuel-efficient TDI power plant, and loads of standard features that make it a popular car for young, first-time drivers.
Meanwhile, the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta comes standard with a 1.4-litre turbocharged inline-four, 147 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque. It offers hybrid levels of fuel efficiency, proficient cargo-carrying capacity, and comfortable and quiet ride. It is also laden with a slick infotainment system and driver-assistance technology.
2. Toyota Prius - Leonardo DiCaprio
Base Price: $36,984 AUD (2020 model)
Car image source: cargurus.com
There have been many celebrities spotted driving a Toyota Prius but none of them is more notable than Leonardo DiCaprio. The A-list Hollywood actor and long-time environment activist has a 2016 Prius, which is part of the fourth generation of the model that featured sportier design and lighter weight of around 3,000 and 3,100 pounds, and ability to be plugged into an outlet to conserve fuel.
"I own a Toyota Prius; it’s a step in the right direction. It’s a gasoline-electric midsize car that gets about 50 miles per gallon. We have the technology to make every car produced in America today just as clean, cheap and efficient," says the eco-warrior of Hollywood.
The car's lighter weight is due to its new battery with a lithium-ion core and lack of a spare tire. Despite the fuel efficiency, the vehicle is strong enough to haul heavy equipment with its towing capacity of around 1,600 pounds.
What makes Toyota Prius special is its Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. Defined as a "full hybrid system," it is capable of operating in gas or electric modes or with gas and electric power together. HSD also combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 76 hp and 82 lb-foot of torque with an electric motor producing its maximum power of 67 hp from 1,200 to 1,540 rpm, and peak torque of 295 lb-foot from 0 to 1,200 rpm. Getting around 50 miles per gallon, it is also one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the road.
3. Ford F-150 - Shia Labeouf, Angelina Jolie, Dwayne Johnson, John Goodman, George W. Bush, Alice Walton
Base Price: $43,228 AUD (2020 model)
Car image source: ford.com
First introduced in 1975, F-150 has remained one of the best-selling vehicles in the world in contemporary times, thanks to its continuous upgrades and innovations over the years.
Popular among celebrities and ordinary people alike, this light-duty ute is both versatile and powerful. It is one of the utes with the most towing capacity. With millions of colour and style combinations that allow buyers to customise, it offers something for everyone. Aside from plenty of styles to choose from, it boasts a 5-star safety rating and intuitive technology.
It’s no wonder that this car attracts people from all walks of life, including wealthy Hollywood actors Shia Labeouf, Angelina Jolie, Dwayne Johnson, and John Goodman. Meanwhile, former US president George W. Bush and Walmart heiress Alice Walton prefer the F-150 King Ranch. The former POTUS drives the 2014 model while Walton owns a 2006 model. It’s also the car of choice of her late father and founder of Walmart, Sam Walton, who drove a 1979 version.
The 2020 Ford F-150 is available at a starting price of $43,228 AUD and comes with a 3.0-litre Power Stroke V6 turbo-diesel option. In Australia, the car is available as Ford F-150 Raptor, which is powered by a high-output 3.5L EcoBoost® kicking out 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque. It features FOX Live Valve monotube shocks with electronic solenoid valve allowing for continuously variable compression damping and automatic adjustment to changing terrain conditions.
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4. Acura TSX - Mark Zuckerberg
Base Price: $50,000 AUD (2020 Acura TLX)
Car image source: cartype.com
Although the Facebook CEO owned several other vehicles, he’s been seen on the wheels of a black Acura TSX since 2010. The medium-sized entry-level luxury sedan was worth about $45,000 AUD when he bought it. He was quoted as saying that the vehicle is “safe, comfortable and not ostentatious” that’s why he loved driving it.
When Zuckerberg had the car though, it was laden with various luxury features that may be standard today were remarkable during the time. These include the power moonroof, automatic climate control, a seven-speaker sound system, Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth and HandsFreeLink.
With badge engineered from the CL-series Accord, the Acura TSX was a recipient of several motoring awards, including “Best Resale Value Car” in 2006 by CNN and Best Upscale Small Car for Families in 2011 by US News and World Report. luxury features such as leather interior, power moonroof, automatic climate control, a seven-speaker sound system, Satellite Radio, Bluetooth and HandsFreeLink.
Acura TSX was discontinued in 2014 when the brand focused on developing the performance-focused entry-level luxury vehicle Acura TLX, which came with new engines, an improved transmission, and a new look.
The latest 2020 Acura TLX retails for $50,000 AUD. Its standard features include a four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a front-wheel-drive.
5. Cadillac XTS - Warren Buffett
Base Price: $78,800 AUD (2019 model)
Car image source: carbuzz.com
Warren Buffett bought the 2014 model for a retail price of around $68,267 AUD. At present, used cars of this model sell for only around $15,388 to $38,720 AUD. Known for his frugal ways, the billionaire investor bought the newer car after getting rid of his 2006 Cadillac DTS.
The roomier, softer-riding 2014 Cadillac XTS was powered by a twin-turbo V-6 engine. The largest car in Cadillac's lineup, it has a seating capacity of 5 and a large truck space of 18 cubic feet. The car also has an average mileage of 22.8 mpg at approx. 8000 miles, which provides Intuitive transmission on open roads. However, it shifts refinement in heavy traffic. The CUE also lacked a physical knob and its backup camera is not standard.
The latest Cadillac XTS model now comes with the standard 304-hp 3.6L V6 engine featuring direct injection for power and efficiency and the optional V-Sport Platinum 410-hp Twin Turbo 3.6L V6 that commanded an exhilarating performance. A host of modern comforts are also added, such as the standard 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot, larger and higher-powered wireless device charging pad, standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, and Several available active safety systems.
Own your very own vehicle now with a car loan! At Positive Lending Solutions, we can help you find the best deal that’s ideal for your situation. Call us on 1300 722 210 or complete the online Loan Pre-Approval.
See also:
The Best Utes in Australia Today
Buying a Used Car: 10 Mistakes to Avoid
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Tom Caesar is the Managing Director of The Positive Group, a group of Australian financial services companies offering a broad range of finance to clients Australia wide. The Positive Group assist clients in the areas of car finance, mortgages, insurance & wealth management. Tom has been in car & asset finance for over 10 years. Tom regularly contributes articles on car finance, insurance, technology and business growth, drawing on his experience of starting his own brokerage in 2009.