It may be a hard truth to swallow, but perception really is half the battle. Whether we blame it on the silver screen or social media influencers, we are frequently judged by how we look and the possessions we own.
The game of perception can lead to overspending and serious debt, but that doesn’t have to be the case. A look that says luxury and professionalism can be achieved without reaching outside your means, especially when it comes to cars.
The automotive market offers a number of luxury cars at affordable prices. Pair that reasonably priced car with auto insurance for doctors, and driving rich becomes a cheap endeavor.
Luxury Cars for Cheap
Luxury can be a subjective term. The definition may shift and change depending on who is asked. Some car shoppers are more enamored with the emblem on the car; the brand and manufacturer are viewed as most important.
Others look for high-end finishes and safety options, like a leather interior or backup cameras, to determine whether a car is “luxury” or not. However, not all car upgrades are necessary. Some people look for luxury under the hood of a car. These individuals want more power, performance, and endurance out of their vehicles.
Really, the definition of luxury should include some of all these aspects: make, finishes, safety options, and overall performance. A car that delivers consistently across these categories is often ranked among the industry’s luxury vehicles.
Even armed with these criteria, it can be a daunting task to weed through the large volume of listings for cars to find the right fit. To ease some of that fear and dread, consider the list below highlighting some of the top-rated, affordable luxury cars currently on the market.
Sedans
One of the most basic luxury automobiles available today is the 2019 Buick LaCrosse. Its biggest claim to fame in the luxury world is its price point. At only $29,000, this sedan provides modest features and abilities. The 2019 Buick LaCrosse comes equipped with rear parking sensors and a touchscreen with full smartphone integration.
These features may seem unimpressive or relatively standard, but coupled with the LaCrosse’s high reliability and four-cylinder engine, they provide a high level of comfort and performance. This is a great option for anyone looking for an incredibly affordable luxury vehicle.
If the Buick seems too affordable or too light on the features, then it might be time to consider the 2020 Audi A3. The first aspect to note is the manufacturer, Audi. Many people consider Audi to be a high-end, luxury producer of vehicles. The car emblem provides a level of luxury without venturing into the features and performance of the vehicle.
Luckily, this vehicle also delivers on features and performance. The A3 is the smallest sedan model offered by Audi, but it comes fully loaded with comfort, technology, and safety features. Outside of those features, the Audi A3 offers a four-cylinder engine capable of producing 184 horsepower. It’s a car that will keep any driver comfortable and excited to drive. At $33,000 it’s more than affordable for many doctors and physicians.
The 2019 BMW 2 Series is one of the more upscale but affordable sedans on the market today. This sporty 2 series offers a turbocharged engine and responsive handling. The sedan is fun to drive and incredibly comfortable with an upscale interior and impressive tech features. The BMW is the most expensive sedan on our list, but still very affordable priced at just about $35,000.
SUVs
The first and most affordable SUV on the market is the 2020 Buick Encore. The Encore is light on features but offers reasonable luxury at a very reasonable price. This SUV is highly reliable and comfortably stylish with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Starting at just $23,000, this is a reasonable luxury option for many doctors.
A second SUV option is the 2020 Volvo XC40. Volvo is another high-end vehicle manufacturer that offers the perception of luxury without the large price tag. The XC40 is a roomy and stylish vehicle with a top safety score. It comes fully equipped with advanced safety features like traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, and even driver drowsiness monitoring.
This is one of the best safety packages offered at this price point. At just $33,000, this SUV is a very appealing option for any physician.
The 2020 Audi Q3 is a luxury option with a slightly higher price tag. Once again, the Audi is safe, reliable, and stylish that offers a number of standard features.
Most impressive, however, is the power and performance offered by the Q3. This SUV comes with a turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower. Even with these advanced features and abilities, the 2020 Audi Q3 costs only $34,000 to drive home.
This list is not exhaustive, but it does provide some insight into some of the more affordable luxury models readily available today. If you’re still feeling unsure about whether or not to purchase a newer, nicer car check out a fellow white coat’s pros and cons on driving a nice car.
Next Comes Insurance
Regardless of the make or model, any car purchase should be quickly followed by the purchase of an insurance policy. Not all insurance policies are created equal, however. It’s important to shop around and understand all your options before partnering with an insurance company.
One of the financial incentives when insuring your car is the discounts. Many insurance companies offer discounts to clients who meet certain criteria: paid in full or even paperless billing. Even being a homeowner can save you money if you bundle your insurance coverages.
These discounts can add up to big savings, making it more affordable to drive that luxury car.
Discounts for Physicians
General insurance discounts are available to anyone who qualifies, but there are more specific discounts offered to those in the medical field. Several factors affect car insurance rates, even for doctors.
Many insurance providers take into account the level of education doctors must obtain. A high degree is often considered a sign of responsibility. This translates to a hefty discount on auto insurance.
Similarly, medical students who maintain a high grade point average may be eligible for an auto discount as well. Of course, these discounts will vary between insurance providers, so it’s important to ask questions and do your research.
Just like car shopping, it’s important to shop for insurance providers as well. Each provider will have specific details about the discounts offered to physicians and doctors. Some of the more well-known providers like Geico and Farmers Insurance have some discounts available.
There are other providers, however. The American Medical Association offers discounted auto insurance specifically for doctors.
Luxury doesn’t have to be outrageously expensive. With the right advice and mindset, luxury is obtainable without going broke. That’s why it’s important to shop smart for both your car and your car insurance.
Laura is an auto insurance expert who writes and researches for AutoInsurance.org. She is passionate about helping individuals find ways to save money but still enjoy life and luxury.
