Do millionaires buy cars in cash?

Asked by: Janet Ruecker PhD  |  Last update: February 19, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (11 votes)

The average millionaire drives a nice, slightly used, two- or three-year-old car that they bought with cash, and they practically never drive a brand-new car off the lot.

How do millionaires buy cars?

The top two actions taken by millionaires to “get a good deal” when purchasing a motor vehicle are: 1. determine the dealer's cost prior to negotiating with him and 2. buy from a dealer [and its top sales professional] whom they have dealt with previously.

Is it smart to buy a car in full cash?

In most cases it will make the most financial sense to pay cash, even if it means buying a lesser car than you would like. Just remember that if you're not doing something productive with the money you save up-front by financing, you are simply spending more money and putting your real goals further out of reach.

Do rich people finance or pay cash?

Wealthy family borrows against its assets' growing value and uses the newly available cash to live off or invest in other assets, like rental properties. The family does NOT owe taxes on its asset-leveraged loans because the government doesn't tax borrowed money.

How much does the average millionaire pay for a car?

Also, I mention the median price paid for the most recent motor vehicle purchased by a millionaire was $31,367 [for decamillionaires-$41, 997]. It is understandable why so many people relate wealth with the price tag of a motor vehicle.

JRE: Why Rich People Drive CHEAP Cars!

16 related questions found

What is the most common car for millionaires?

What Cars Do the Wealthy Drive?
  • Toyota. The average price for a Toyota went up to $38,198 in the automaker's second quarter of its 2024 fiscal year, according to CarsDirect, citing Cox Automotive data.
  • Honda. ...
  • Ford. ...
  • Lexus. ...
  • Subaru. ...
  • BMW. ...
  • Acura.

How expensive should your car be if you make 100k?

To calculate an affordable car payment, use the recommended 20% down and 60-month maximum loan term. Based on those terms, a person making $100,000 a year can afford a $61,000 car, assuming their other expenses allow for a monthly payment of approximately $931.05.

How much cash in the bank is considered rich?

Someone who has $1 million in liquid assets, for instance, is usually considered to be a high net worth (HNW) individual. You might need $5 million to $10 million to qualify as having a very high net worth while it may take $30 million or more to be considered ultra-high net worth.

What loopholes do the rich use?

Others will object to taxing the wealthy unless they actually use their gains, but many of the wealthiest actually do use their gains through the borrowing loophole: They get rich, borrow against those gains, consume the borrowing, and do not pay any tax.

Do millionaires buy or lease cars?

But what about the acquisition methods employed by America's millionaires? According to my national survey database of millionaires, overall only 11.3% [about 1 in 9] leased their most recently acquired vehicle. Also, only 13.8% of millionaires indicated that they leased a Mercedes-Benz [Toyota 8.0%].

Do I have to report to the IRS if I buy a car in cash?

If the cash transaction is over $10,000, you'll need to produce certain forms of identification and the dealership will need to fill out a form to report it to the IRS (more on this later).

What not to say to a car dealer?

Let's look at some things to keep under your hat while you explore the lot.
  • "I Don't Know Much About Cars"
  • "My Current Car Is on Its Last Legs"
  • "My Lease Is Almost Up"
  • "I'm Going to Pay Cash!"
  • "I Already Have a Car Loan Lined Up"
  • "I Love This Car"
  • "I've Never Bought a New Car Before"

Should you tell a car salesman you are paying cash?

Most people assume that telling a car dealer that you're paying in cash is a negotiating tactic and will get you a better price. Here's the truth: it doesn't. Saying that you're paying with cash kills your negotiating power.

What car would a rich person drive?

Which car brand is driven most by millionaires? Though wealthy consumers are known for buying luxury car brands like Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, or Porsche, you might also find them driving mainstream brands such as Honda, Toyota, and Ford.

What is the average income of a luxury car buyer?

“Given the 10% guideline for car expenditure, a buyer should ideally be earning around $100,000 annually,” advised Scott Friedson, the multi-state licensed public adjusted CEO of Insurance Claim Recovery Support.

Where do millionaires keep their cars?

In a racetrack villa

The Thermal Club in La Quinta, California, is a V.I.P. racetrack country club that sells real estate on the track for super-rich buyers who want to build insane garages. In order to race supercars at this exclusive 4½-mile track, you need to be a Thermal Club member.

How do most millionaires go broke?

If a millionaire doesn't budget properly and starts spending on personal chefs, expensive cars, and other luxury amenities, they may quickly run out of money. Sometimes millionaires, especially new millionaires, feel they have so much money that they lose perspective on what they can afford.

What is the millionaires secret?

Millionaire's secret #4: Save (and invest) early, consistently and wisely. If you want to be a millionaire, start saving as soon as you start working to let the magic of time and compound interest work for you. “Pay yourself first” by saving a significant percentage of your income every month.

How to look rich without breaking the bank?

Match your outfits with tasteful accessories like bracelets and sunglasses. Use natural-looking makeup basics to enhance your look. Remember, you do not need to be wealthy to look like a million bucks. By following these tips, you can create a classy, expensive, and glamorous appearance without breaking the bank.

How many people have $3000000 in savings?

Probably 1 in every 20 families have a net worth exceeding $3 Million, but most people's net worth is their homes, cars, boats, and only 10% is in savings, so you would typically have to have a net worth of $30 million, which is 1 in every 1000 families.

How to tell if someone is rich?

Rich (or wealthy) people tend to have lots of free cash—and/or borrowing power—which they can spend on more goods and services. They can pay their bills easily, afford health care without worry, and often depend on a financially secure future. Their affluence can have different origins, of course.

What is the 50 30 20 rule?

Those will become part of your budget. The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.

Can you live comfortably with 100k?

The answer is yes. There's a city in every state where that much money allows for comfortable living. GOBankingRates analyzed data from several sources, including AreaVibes, Sperling's Best Places and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, to compile the best places to live on a $100,000 salary in each state.

How much should you spend on a house?

Many financial planners suggest you follow the 28/36% rule—housing, including insurance and taxes, should be no more than 28% of your total income and no more than 36% of your total monthly debt payments.