TheaterFire

what’s the car that looks consumer but is crazy expensive?

Posted by ImBoredLord7@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 201 comments

i’ve heard about it before but i have no idea what the car name is. i pretty sure it has phantom in the name but i could be wrong

Reply to Post

201 Comments

Present_Operation866@reddit

also new untouched 2025 mdx type s. like almost 80 grand for that.
View on Reddit #59987485

Present_Operation866@reddit

that one range rover longbase thats like 200k
View on Reddit #59987466

BrilliantTruck8813@reddit

All trucks, especially the heavy duty ones
View on Reddit #59453135

bialetti808@reddit

Unsurprising American car manufacturers haven't focused on sedans or hatches 
View on Reddit #59692773

BrilliantTruck8813@reddit

They have had some amazing hatches and sedans over the last decade or so. But yeah they stopped making cars because small SUVs sell so much better
View on Reddit #59874790

bialetti808@reddit

The profit margin on these trucks is apparently through the roof. Why would they care about the Ford Focus?
View on Reddit #59897534

BrilliantTruck8813@reddit

Exactly. The margins in the small SUVs are pretty high too since the ‘justification’ is that it’s bigger and ‘nicer’ or something
View on Reddit #59929638

bialetti808@reddit

Also trucks don't have to fulfil the same safety features that cars do, so presumably they are cheaper to produce 
View on Reddit #59933829

DodgeDaytona@reddit

Gr Corolla. Average person probably wouldn't even know its unique and here in Canada they can be 70k
View on Reddit #59440330

nonoriginal85@reddit

Canadian or US?
View on Reddit #59461519

xkmackx@reddit

I imagine they are referring to CAD. And at 70k, they must mean including tax. The highest trim is around 61k. There were two at my local dealer discounted to around 50k recently, though.
View on Reddit #59806417

nonoriginal85@reddit

That was a dumb question on my part. Thank you for answering.
View on Reddit #59896919

pungalactus@reddit

LOL, I just bought a Corolla Hybrid, and I saw your comment and instantly thought, “There’s no way ANY Corolla could be so expensive.” I googled “Corolla GR,” and you are absolutely right. They are absurdly expensive.
View on Reddit #59445298

Vempyre@reddit

The top trim is a 2 seater with 4 doors (5 if you count the hatch?).
View on Reddit #59692856

willnxt@reddit

$38-$40k is not “absurdly expensive” for a car in 2025, albeit we are talking about a Corolla.
View on Reddit #59454621

TinuThomasTrain@reddit

Why is the argument always “it’s just a Corolla” but no one ever says “it’s just a Civic” when it’s about the Type R? 🤔
View on Reddit #59466086

Suck_it_Cheeto_Luvrs@reddit

The GR is a hopped up 3cyl on steroids. You can buy 2 civics for the price of a GR realistically because you can't find one that's not been marked up due to scarcity.
View on Reddit #59466690

TinuThomasTrain@reddit

Civics were marked up just as much, but I don’t think it’s that hard to find one like it used to be for either one. Ridiculous argument btw lol
View on Reddit #59614547

Current_Homework_143@reddit

No way a GR Corolla costs the same as two CTRs
View on Reddit #59468580

StringClear7478@reddit

well bc the Civic is a Superior car, GR or not
View on Reddit #59551866

TinuThomasTrain@reddit

They’re all commuter cars, same car in different fonts. That being said, I’d take the Corolla
View on Reddit #59614338

DodgeDaytona@reddit

The Type R has both aesthetic and mechanical differences where the GR is arguably all mechanical
View on Reddit #59472822

willnxt@reddit

What are you talking about? The exterior of the GR Corolla is way different.
View on Reddit #59475006

DodgeDaytona@reddit

It's really not though. The Type R has the huge wing so even non-car people know it's different. The GR is a slightly more aggressive bumber
View on Reddit #59475189

willnxt@reddit

GR is wide bodied, triple exhaust and the CTR gets a big ugly wing and triple exhaust. These are very similar aesthetic upgrades.
View on Reddit #59475662

pungalactus@reddit

$38-$40k might not be absurdly expensive for luxury cars or high performance sports cars or whatever, but c’mon. We’re talking about a god damn Toyota Corolla here. As I said, I Just bought one, so I know how much the normal ones cost. There’s not a single upgrade or engine modification or body kit or set of rims or tires or user interface that they could add to the Corolla that should boost the price by that much.
View on Reddit #59461139

Tallguystrongman@reddit

I mean 300hp with a 6spd and AWD in that little thing would scoot I imagine..
View on Reddit #59522039

Pahlevun@reddit

I mean you’re just making a false statement. You’re basically saying no matter what you do to a Corolla it cannot ever cost $40k. That’s just dumb. It performs as good as the other $40k cars in its category. You know, the “just a Golf” R, the “just a Civic” Type R. The price of components, for example higher performance powertrain, suspension, etc., is what determines a price. Not “but guys it’s just a Corolla, so we can’t increase the price!”.
View on Reddit #59490207

AKADriver@reddit

People have been making this same dumb argument forever. I dunno if it's just an American thing because people here are so used to German imports being exclusively high end models and modern American performance cars being "unique" body styles, but I remember when the WRX and Lancer Evo first came here there were people who knew what a rally homologation car was and "hurr durr who spends $30k on a Mitsubishi Mirage?!?! herp derp why is the interior so cheap for $30k"
View on Reddit #59510289

ionmyway@reddit

Wait till you hear about car prices in SG 🥲 And yet still seeing young peeps driving the Corolla GR
View on Reddit #59460573

pungalactus@reddit

Truly sorry that cars are unaffordable in your country, does not mean the slightest fucking difference to anything I said.
View on Reddit #59461464

ionmyway@reddit

Oh no man, not against it. Totally agree that the GR variant of the Corolla is way too expensive. (Would still want to drive it if i’m given the chance though, that thing sounds amazeballs stock)
View on Reddit #59464610

DORTx2@reddit

Don't worry about him, he has a tiny butthole.
View on Reddit #59493715

doc_55lk@reddit

40k for a Corolla *is* absurdly expensive. Performance or otherwise.
View on Reddit #59474681

willnxt@reddit

No it’s not
View on Reddit #59475684

doc_55lk@reddit

LOL, ok then. If you say so.
View on Reddit #59475877

willnxt@reddit

It’s almost like we can have different opinions. Wild right?
View on Reddit #59475915

doc_55lk@reddit

Real
View on Reddit #59476435

BRING_ME_THE_ENTROPY@reddit

They’re not supposed to be expensive. They’re supposed to be fairly priced and fun but it’s those markups
View on Reddit #59453505

xkmackx@reddit

Volvos. Golf R.
View on Reddit #59806508

superphage@reddit

There's a Ferrari that looks exactly like a cx30 lol
View on Reddit #59711309

speedyhemi@reddit

Hyundai says, "Hold my beer.." *Hyundai has confirmed plans to produce the N Vision 74, with some reports indicating a limited run of 100 units.* *Some speculate it could be priced around the cost of a Porsche 911 Turbo S. * *Estimates suggest it will be a halo car for the brand, with a price tag exceeding US$300,000 *
View on Reddit #59511431

bialetti808@reddit

That's going to be a super rare model, probably will sky-rocket in price 
View on Reddit #59692834

UppercaseBEEF@reddit

Lexus IS 500. Most people just think it’s another IS.
View on Reddit #59443243

best_samaritan@reddit

I was embarrassed the other day when I saw an Audi A8L from the front and thought it was an A6. A person who doesn’t know about cars wouldn’t think it can be so expensive.
View on Reddit #59466843

Tall-Spinach-4497@reddit

That’s why I love my A8, it’s the perfect level of understatement unless you know what you’re looking for
View on Reddit #59686461

willnxt@reddit

GSF
View on Reddit #59454646

ahsm@reddit

My dream car
View on Reddit #59467599

RSMark5@reddit

They do, and it’s fantastic.
View on Reddit #59448656

jeepsies@reddit

The LS also. People think its a ES.
View on Reddit #59447955

HDauthentic@reddit

Probably the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, MSRP on a 2021 (the final year) was over $90k. If you take the badges off it’s basically the same body as a regular Grand Cherokee. Which started at $38k.
View on Reddit #59443477

IBringTheHeat2@reddit

Take the badges and rip out the hellcat engine too
View on Reddit #59638117

HDauthentic@reddit

I said “the same body”
View on Reddit #59642711

nortonj3@reddit

I have a 2006 Audi A8L with the W12 12 cylinder engine. Basically, it's the same type as the VW Phaeton or the Bently continental GT and the Flying Spur.
View on Reddit #59601743

wickedcold@reddit

Perhaps not exactly in the spirit of this question since everyone knows they’re luxury vehicles, but I think it’s completely bonkers that Escalades and Navigators can get north of $150k now. In my head a Navigator is still a $60k gussied-up Expedition.
View on Reddit #59443191

B5_S4@reddit

Their fancier British cousin is over a quarter million dollars now 🫠🫠🫠
View on Reddit #59447778

wickedcold@reddit

You taking range rovers? Are they getting that high now?
View on Reddit #59449855

B5_S4@reddit

Yuuuuup.
View on Reddit #59458348

wickedcold@reddit

crazy. Does it come with its own wrecker that follows you around to tow it back to the dealer?
View on Reddit #59461085

kaotate@reddit

It’s weird seeing a Range Rover without a mechanic shop surrounding it.
View on Reddit #59594004

HDauthentic@reddit

The fact that the Escalade V exists at all is hilarious
View on Reddit #59443570

doc_55lk@reddit

And I love it for that. We need more "fuck you, this is funny" type cars. It's still ludicrously expensive though.
View on Reddit #59474798

STLrep@reddit

Fwiw the new navigators seem nicer then the Yukons I feel like
View on Reddit #59449741

Accomplished_Emu_198@reddit

The newer GTO’s (04-06) were pretty expensive and pedestrian looking
View on Reddit #59589569

SithSidious@reddit

GMC Yukon XL. $75k. For that.
View on Reddit #59438910

seattleJJFish@reddit

Oh Denali. Add another 20k. The f250s and silverados are similarly priced.
View on Reddit #59500164

banndi2@reddit

Similarly overpriced
View on Reddit #59565018

Alucard661@reddit

I just posted the same thing and they’re absolutely everywhere I swear a white Tahoe/yukon is the standard for morning drop offs here and I have no idea why anyone would pay that amount of money for a normal car
View on Reddit #59439575

yeeting_my_meat69@reddit

Because you can get an 8 year note to pay it off. Lots of families willing to pay $1000 a month to buy in to the bigger is better approach to occupant safety. Not saying I agree with this. It is what it is. American roads are an arms race of mass and energy physics. EVs are making it worse.
View on Reddit #59442944

Stedlieye@reddit

Also, name a big 3 carmaker family sized sedan. Some people strongly prefer domestic, and they’re just not making a sedan you’d want to buy.
View on Reddit #59443367

4RealzReddit@reddit

I want wagon. I am like one of 100 people who would buy one. Most likely Sienna instead.
View on Reddit #59458512

jerk1970@reddit

The wagon was replaced by the SUV. A 2wd honda crv is basically a wagon.
View on Reddit #59480422

4RealzReddit@reddit

I know. I am just not happy about it. I am thinking RAV4 plug in hybrid or hybrid. I don't know if I can do a minivan but it's so practical.
View on Reddit #59530046

CTMechE@reddit

I still balk at that equivalency. Yes, compact SUVs have taken the place of wagons but they're not the same. I have no desire for a short vehicle, and I don't prefer a tall one. Longer wheelbase and lower CG is my preference for handling and cruising. That said, I have a minivan, a wagon, and a sports car. Minivans are fantastic. We just got a new Sienna to replace our old Odyssey.
View on Reddit #59548084

STLrep@reddit

Bring back the panther platform!
View on Reddit #59449629

GeneralPuntox@reddit

I love when i find another crown vic guy 🙋🏻‍♂️
View on Reddit #59542244

bimmervschevy@reddit

Bring back big cars in general. I miss when everyone was making full-sized cars.
View on Reddit #59454538

doc_55lk@reddit

Tbf the market spoke a long time ago for that. It's not that they didn't try, it's just that nobody was buying them, and the laws around making and selling cars in the US greatly favour larger vehicles too, so they continued to push those. You don't have to go back very far in time to be able to answer your question, but the market did vote with their wallets on American family sedans unfortunately.
View on Reddit #59474479

Terrh@reddit

Tesla model s.
View on Reddit #59461232

phillyd32@reddit

You do not know what the big 3 are
View on Reddit #59469523

Holmesnight@reddit

I mean 90% of people who buy trucks don't need them. So same theory.
View on Reddit #59446207

AustinRhea@reddit

Facts, and the 90% that don’t need them drive like they are in a tank.
View on Reddit #59456385

NothingbutNetiPot@reddit

Can you expand on the role of EVs? Is it that people don’t have to worry about gas mileage and get bigger cars?
View on Reddit #59446172

seattleJJFish@reddit

Cheaper to run. I get 32 miles for 10kw =$1.40 ant 14 cents / kw
View on Reddit #59500280

doc_55lk@reddit

The average EV is heavier than its ICE counterpart. More mass = more danger in an accident, even if you consider all the safety shit they come with anyway. Consider that a Model Y weighs 4100ish lbs at its lightest. An equivalent ICE car is, at its heaviest, still 200-300 lbs less than that.
View on Reddit #59474638

abductee92@reddit

More mass.
View on Reddit #59446874

B5_S4@reddit

And faster acceleration. The new EV Escalade will do 0-60 in under 5 seconds, and the hummer will do it in 3. Each weigh nearly 5 tons.
View on Reddit #59447705

MeepMeeps88@reddit

In upper middle class in wealthy families, they registered under the family business LLC or s Corp, because you can completely write it off since it's over 6,000 lbs. Here in Atlanta, all the soccer moms drive them. It's also a status thing. Sure it's 75k, but if you're pulling in 320 annually a $1,000 car payment really that big of a deal. And I'll be perfectly honest, they are supremely comfortable when equipped with the magna ride suspension. They use reverse magnetic polarity instead of compressed air like most premium and luxury auto manufacturers use. My buddy has a white 24' Denali XL for his wife and three kids. It's pretty fucking awesome.
View on Reddit #59465957

AKADriver@reddit

yyyup that's why all the real estate agents have them.
View on Reddit #59509756

Cpolo88@reddit

In Miami it’s the white Tahoe/yukon or a black or weird blueish one. That’s it. 😂 I ask the people did you need a big suv to haul your huge family? They say no. But they needed a car with ample space for their groceries. I’m like what?? 😂
View on Reddit #59443718

chaliemon@reddit

That same guy will pull up to a 2016 E Class worth about $16k and say “whoa, Mercedes, must be nice!”
View on Reddit #59490398

RefinedAnalPalate@reddit

75? Maybe 5 years ago. Those things are easily over 100k
View on Reddit #59453383

DickBanks67@reddit

Hummer EV omega edition 198kCAD msrp (160k USD)
View on Reddit #59442259

Electrical_Ad_3143@reddit

Crab crawl
View on Reddit #59550947

RepeatUntilTheEnd@reddit

Dude those things look like moon rovers. There's no way anyone would assume they're cheap
View on Reddit #59443182

WordToYourMomma@reddit

Mercedes G wagon
View on Reddit #59468645

Electrical_Ad_3143@reddit

I posted the same. I just don't understand why.lol
View on Reddit #59550896

Electrical_Ad_3143@reddit

Mercedes G Wagon
View on Reddit #59550750

thelierama@reddit

Wagoneer
View on Reddit #59447031

DePlano@reddit

The Grand Wagoneer is $85,000- $110,000. I really want to see what is so special about them, but I doubt I would be $110,000 impressed
View on Reddit #59460571

themokah@reddit

You can do like 10 minutes of research and probably answer that question pretty easily but I guess randomly posting on Reddit is just as good
View on Reddit #59461941

matteooooooooooooo@reddit

Randomly? Are you lost?
View on Reddit #59544609

DePlano@reddit

That doesn't give you the feel of it
View on Reddit #59462193

PracticableSolution@reddit

Mustang. $80k? Really?
View on Reddit #59439759

fearthebuildingstorm@reddit

Mustang GTD stickers at $327,000. Insanity.
View on Reddit #59458763

Appalachian_Aioli@reddit

A Mustang GTD is a road legal GT3 race car It’s closer to a 911 GT3RS than a Darkhorse (in theory at least)
View on Reddit #59513788

supertoaster09@reddit

My uncle bought a 70 Boss 302 brand new for around $3800, also a road legal race car. Less than a thousand dollars more than the Mach 1. Not exactly apples to oranges, but it shows how out of whack the prices have gone.
View on Reddit #59543590

IS-2-OP@reddit

Maybe a fully optioned dark horse is 80K lol. Most can be had easily in the 30-low 40 for a 2.3 and 45-57 ish for a GT.
View on Reddit #59446822

PracticableSolution@reddit

That’s actually kind of the point. You’re paying double for what is at its bones a mediocre car.
View on Reddit #59495318

IS-2-OP@reddit

A base GT is honestly great performance for the money now a days. What else is that fast for that price new? Nothing that I know of.
View on Reddit #59501690

ChiefKraut@reddit

Every white suburban mom's favorite brick that GM makes
View on Reddit #59526006

Chance-Scratch-8804@reddit

The Honda Prologue. $60k for a car that looks like an EV HRV. Real answer is most cars in the market today. Price gouging and price increases due to “inflation” is how you get $47k Kia Carnivals and $50k Toyota Highlanders. Another good contender would be the VW ID Buzz. Less than 300 miles of range. A cheap and VERY sterile interior. Large as hell compared to the original. Starts at $60k. No, it has not been a hit.
View on Reddit #59523676

According-Fan5406@reddit

Audi S8
View on Reddit #59520796

59chevyguy@reddit

At this point? All of them.
View on Reddit #59515112

gweisberg@reddit

Audi a8 always surprised me when I see sticker pricing.
View on Reddit #59514008

rabbit__eater@reddit

Toyota Land Cruiser (LC200) is big bucks stealth wealth
View on Reddit #59446223

ZealousidealAnt111@reddit

Exactly. The average person thinks it’s a 4Runner or a Highlander so it stays under the radar.
View on Reddit #59508125

Expensive_Gain8076@reddit

Umm not really. When people see Land Cruiser or sequoia you know it’s an expensive car
View on Reddit #59509866

ZealousidealAnt111@reddit

I drove a Land Cruiser for 4 years. 9/10 people called it a 4Runner or a Highlander. I know from experience that people have no idea!
View on Reddit #59512078

Abd124efh568@reddit

I was on a waitlist for one when they ended production, the dealership I was working with had one of the last three to be sold in the US. I was super excited when they asked if I was interested, at MSRP it was going to be hard to swallow, then they told me they were taking offers, and the current best offer was $65k over MSRP… nope, I loved them and really wanted one, but my wife would have murdered me for that.
View on Reddit #59463912

Ars139@reddit

Tesla
View on Reddit #59502494

Alucard661@reddit

Chevy/GMC Tahoe/suburban/yukon starting at 65/75k made of plastic and just absolutely normal. 80k if you want anything comfort
View on Reddit #59439476

Alternative-Ad-2287@reddit

Cadillac fanboy here, own multiple and plan on buying a few more, but I’ll never buy a new Escalade. The GMC/Chevy are already overpriced so why would I pay more for not much more product?
View on Reddit #59501165

EjaculatedTobasco@reddit

Just insanity. GM just knows people will pay it.. They can make reasonably priced cars nice when they want to. Go sit in an Envista.
View on Reddit #59443315

BRING_ME_THE_ENTROPY@reddit

They’re also cheaper to produce because there’s less R&D to go into the chassis. It’s a truck frame and those haven’t really changed much in the last 100 years
View on Reddit #59453481

Alternative-Ad-2287@reddit

I’m saying this as a Cadillac fan boy, someone who will never get rid of the two I have and fully plan on owning multiple more, but an Escalade. It just isn’t too much better than a Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon/Denali. If I can find an older one for the same price as a GMC/Chevy then I’d gladly buy one just because I’m a fan, but newer? Nah I’m good.
View on Reddit #59501082

DeliciousMoments@reddit

Porsche Cayenne is a $95k vehicle that blends in perfectly in any suburban big box store parking lot.
View on Reddit #59478627

No-Reason-2822@reddit

And yet it saved a legendary brand from certain death.
View on Reddit #59496030

dst4life@reddit

Escalade V, newer BMW X6’s
View on Reddit #59453793

No-Reason-2822@reddit

The X6 is a very confused vehicle. Less cargo and head room than an X5, heavier and slower than a 5 series with a similar powertrain, and styling that only the designer could love.
View on Reddit #59495868

jeffcole44@reddit

Escalade Vs don’t look “consumer” lol I agree Escalades used to be attainable luxury, but saying the V looks like a consumer car is wild lol
View on Reddit #59457620

dst4life@reddit

To car guys they don’t. But to the average consumer they think it’s a regular 60-70k family hauler
View on Reddit #59457688

SlomoLowLow@reddit

GMC Sierra Denali 3500 diesel. Looks like a normal truck but costs 6 figures
View on Reddit #59492023

Mundane-Bumblebee-83@reddit

Everything that isn't a Citroen C3 YOU nowadays /s
View on Reddit #59488039

loddl3@reddit

Lancia Thema 8.32
View on Reddit #59483639

loddl3@reddit

Lotus Omega
View on Reddit #59483615

SonOfMotherlesssGoat@reddit

Maybachs now look like an S class but cost as much as an average home
View on Reddit #59480985

doc_55lk@reddit

You're probably thinking of the VW Phaeton. It was a really expensive car with insane engineering for the time, but it looked no different from your bog standard NPC spec VW Passat. Maybe it was a bit bigger and more bloated looking, but nobody would be able to tell the difference unless they looked close. As for other cars that are more expensive than they actually look, I'd put most pickup trucks and Toyotas under this label. There is absolutely no reason any current Toyota product costs as much as it does.
View on Reddit #59441642

Perth_R34@reddit

Because Toyota vehicles are bloody brilliant and have just the right amount of tech.
View on Reddit #59450325

doc_55lk@reddit

I disagree, but to each their own.
View on Reddit #59456396

themokah@reddit

You disagree based on what exactly? Your personal opinion that a car is worth less than MSRP? Hey, you know, I think Porsches are massively overpriced, everyone has a valid opinion apparently.
View on Reddit #59461906

doc_55lk@reddit

I don't think Toyota brings enough to the table to justify their MSRP. They were maybe worth it 10-15 years ago when you could justify them being in a different decade tech wise because they were that much more reliable than everybody else. Right now though, absolutely not. There is no reason anybody should be paying 50k for a Camry. Those aren't nice enough to drive to command that kind of money. They don't really have reliability on their side anymore either. Most other car companies are just as reliable now, while being magnitudes more characterful. For the record, I believe Porsches are massively overpriced too. They still at least give you an interesting car to drive though. Again, that's not worth MSRP, but I don't make the rules here sadly. I'm just saying, for the kind of money Toyota wants you to spend on their vehicle, I don't want a grandpa car that's still 10 years behind in tech from everybody else.
View on Reddit #59473480

Lapoon@reddit

I agree bro that other guy is a douche
View on Reddit #59480965

Jealous-Adeptness-16@reddit

They’re reliable, but other than that they’re not particularly good at anything. Their interior is the most dated of the major manufacturers . They have the least tech among the major manufacturers. Some people, like you, like the lack of tech, but you shouldn’t pay a premium for something that isn’t there. Their suspension is the worst of any major manufacturer. Their performance for non-GR cars is the worst of any major manufacturer at each of their car’s price points. Their handling is the worst among any of the major manufacturers. They’re quite literally dead last in just about every single metric… but their cars will last 300k miles with almost zero maintenance and that’s what sells Toyotas.
View on Reddit #59464832

Perth_R34@reddit

The tech in the new Camry, Prado, features everything one would need. Yes it’s not as feature rich as BYD, or other Chinese manufacturers, but how much does the average person use those extra features? Their cars handle perfectly fine and are quick enough for everyday driving. They are very comfortable for long distance driving, I spend hours in my Camry and LC driving in regional Australia. But yes, Pre-2018 Toyotas were boring. For context we have a BYD Seal Performance, BYD Shark, ‘25 Camry, ‘23 LC300, ‘00 GTR. Have had various BMWs and VWs in the past.
View on Reddit #59467125

themontajew@reddit

If the f250 had platinum on the tailgate it’s a 6 figure truck 
View on Reddit #59444723

CurvyJohnsonMilk@reddit

Wild they could be driving around in a c8 for less. When I bought my 2015 f150 all I could think was that i could be buying a mustang for less. Unfortunately I can't haul and enclosed trailer/dump/lumber with the mustang.
View on Reddit #59445312

beansandbagels28@reddit

Every car today is crazy expensive, ALL OF THEM! I remember cars starting less then 20k. Good luck finding a new car under 20k that isn’t a Kia or Hyundai. A lot of these cars mentioned are just normal cars that 15 years ago would be half the cost. The other cars mentioned are high priced “special editions” of standard cars. It’s still the same suburban or Corolla just with upgrades. Even 10yr old used cars are going for 20k plus. That’s expensive for something that needs constant maintenance and fees to drive.
View on Reddit #59479591

xsnyder@reddit

Fully loaded Silverado or Sierra 1500 trucks. My Silverado High Country with all the options, and the dreaded L87 engine, was $85k
View on Reddit #59478021

Natural_Ad_7183@reddit

Lucid?
View on Reddit #59438549

s1a1om@reddit

Disagree. They look expensive.
View on Reddit #59442266

Need4Speeeeeed@reddit

Sit in one. It feels unlike any other vehicle inside.
View on Reddit #59466273

doc_55lk@reddit

I wouldn't say it feels like a 100k+ car on the inside, but it does a much better job at it than a lot of other 100k+ cars. I'm not a fan of how high the floor is in the rear. That, and the excessive touchscreens (which is, tbf an industry wide problem) are my only real complaints about it. I really liked the rest of what I saw on the inside.
View on Reddit #59474913

Natural_Ad_7183@reddit

Whelp, disagree with your disagreement? They don’t look cheap, but they don’t look like quarter million dollar cars either. OP didn’t give a lot to go on.
View on Reddit #59455348

pm-me-racecars@reddit

I saw one the other day, and I pointed it out to my lady. She was surprised that it was an expensive car.
View on Reddit #59443640

rusted17@reddit

They look like they're trying to look expensive
View on Reddit #59443288

TowardsTheImplosion@reddit

VW Phaeton?
View on Reddit #59438599

ShatterProofDick@reddit

Especially the w12
View on Reddit #59439533

Whit-Batmobil@reddit

Don't forget the V10 TDI, which was offered only in the Phaton and Tourag (if I remember correctly).
View on Reddit #59468324

questioning_skeptic@reddit

I only clicked this post to say this. Well done.
View on Reddit #59458580

nakedpilsna@reddit

They're average like 9k on BAT. I was looking into one last week oddly. I know it's an absolute nightmare to own but man I bet when there's no issues that driving experience is pure glory.
View on Reddit #59460223

goatsinhats@reddit

Shared engines with a Bentley and if you really want to stretch it a Bugatti. If you want the kind of this market get a BMW M550i
View on Reddit #59443467

Important_Till_4898@reddit

Maybe, definitely. In 2004
View on Reddit #59439343

No_Potential1@reddit

Yeah probably this is my guess too. Because I'm sure he's not thinking of the Rolls Phantom lol
View on Reddit #59439131

bluecheeto13@reddit

Any of these new trucks. I worked for a Chevy dealer until recently and routinely saw the new Denali and High Country duramax’s move for $90-105k.
View on Reddit #59465821

obxhead@reddit

Toyota.
View on Reddit #59465085

flaming0-1@reddit

Lexus LFA
View on Reddit #59464917

theLogic1@reddit

Any US pickup truck
View on Reddit #59463399

Competitive-Hunt-517@reddit

Civic type r
View on Reddit #59462324

tnseltim@reddit

Audi s7 or maybe rs7. I know they’re badass vehicles but common folk would never guess they get up to $170,000.
View on Reddit #59453150

nero-the-cat@reddit

The S8 looks even more anonymous IMO.
View on Reddit #59459615

TableDowntown3082@reddit

Not exactly expensive, but I always liked how the Chevy SS's look like mostly like a basic 4 door sedan
View on Reddit #59459390

MrsMcGwire@reddit

Jeep Wrangler
View on Reddit #59459120

Uncle-Drunkle@reddit

Jeep Grand Wagoneer F150 in Platinum or Limited Trims
View on Reddit #59457700

Muglugmuckluck@reddit

The VW Phaeton! While plain looking was really nice for the time. It was S class levels of luxury and was bigger than the Audi a8. They were a steal 15 years ago because of how bad the depreciation hit was. Bentley level luxury with Honda civic prices.
View on Reddit #59442856

MdMooseMD@reddit

Cheapest new Phaetons were $64k, and went up to $94k for the fanciest/biggest engine. You could buy 2-3 civics for that price. Now used they may be similarly priced, because people don’t want to dish out for $xx,xxx repair bills. But they were definitely luxury cars at luxury prices.
View on Reddit #59449686

Muglugmuckluck@reddit

Yeah that’s why I said they were steals 15 years ago when they were no longer sold new (in the US at least). The VW badge combined with the maintenance costs made the value tank. If my memory serves me right you used to be able to buy a less than 50k mile car for under 20k.
View on Reddit #59450261

MdMooseMD@reddit

Oh yeah gotcha. I missed that 15 years ago they would have been used ones already.
View on Reddit #59456950

Notonfoodstamps@reddit

Pick up trucks. Top of the line models are pushing $90-100k fully loaded.
View on Reddit #59456536

ifallallthetime@reddit

Jeep Wagoneer Also every diesel 2500/3500 truck that’s not poverty spec
View on Reddit #59455200

bimmervschevy@reddit

Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, VW Phaeton, Audi A8, Hyundai Equus
View on Reddit #59454500

Impressive-Crab2251@reddit

Ford superduty king ranch can get up to $95,000
View on Reddit #59440620

CompilerBreak@reddit

Yeah, I think the F series fits this perfectly based on price range, starting in the high 30s for the work fleet variants then pushing 100k loaded.
View on Reddit #59454132

Lance8282@reddit

It’s crazy how back in the day, the most exotic option for a pickup truck might be power windows. Now they’re basically loaded like limousines.
View on Reddit #59448785

ShatterProofDick@reddit

Audi RS2 doesn't look like much to most people. It's actually a Porsche in Audi skin with a monster 5 cylinder turbo.
View on Reddit #59453006

NZBGSF@reddit

Mercedes E63 AMG
View on Reddit #59451083

MEMExplorer@reddit

Toyota Century
View on Reddit #59450144

SmallHeath555@reddit

going to throw out the CRV hybrid, saw one for $44k at the dealer. For a CRV!
View on Reddit #59448943

thatdevilyouknow@reddit

The 1969 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 Pininfarina Coupe (although not the phantom in question) has sold for $350,000 USD before and if anyone saw it they would think it’s just an old Mercedes. In its prime the retail price in today’s money would have been something around $897,000 USD or maybe even more.
View on Reddit #59448607

jonatroy@reddit

Tesla Model S Mercedes EQS sedan
View on Reddit #59447635

mmmmmyee@reddit

Lexus LX700h $115k usd starting price
View on Reddit #59447122

Business_Glove3192@reddit

VW Buzz GR Corolla High trim full sized trucks lmk
View on Reddit #59441694

IS-2-OP@reddit

The Buzz is way overpriced it’s not gonna sell.
View on Reddit #59446845

Samaraxmorgan26@reddit

Land Rover. The entire embarrassment of a brand.
View on Reddit #59446570

ColumbiaWahoo@reddit

Ford F150
View on Reddit #59446548

UnderwhelmingAF@reddit

Any upper level pickup truck. Platinum Plus F150’s are like $90K.
View on Reddit #59445778

Broad-Writing-5881@reddit

Toureg diesel
View on Reddit #59445093

mynameishuman42@reddit

Alfa-Romeo
View on Reddit #59444851

AphonicTX@reddit

Any of the GM full size SUVs. Chevy, GMC etc - all are north of 75-80k and they’re just meh. Engines don’t even work right.
View on Reddit #59443359

BRICH999@reddit

Maybach look mostly like any other mercedes suv
View on Reddit #59442874

isak99@reddit

Mercedes R 63. Bonkers minivan with a huge AMG V8 crammed into it.
View on Reddit #59441771