Speedy Daddy8 Cars Rich People Drive
A new survey conducted by TrueCar, an online car buying service and auto industry data company, has determined which vehicles the people living in America’s 10 wealthiest zip codes most often purchase. Based on the TrueCar data published for each of those individual zip codes, we’ve compiled the following alphabetical list of the eight most popular models in America’s moneyed enclaves. If you’ve always wondered what the rich folks drive when they hit it big, either through hard work or inheritance, read on.
BMW 3 SERIES
2012 BMW 328i
The BMW 3 Series is not only among the most popular models in four of the 10 zip codes surveyed by TrueCar, it is the best-selling luxury model in the country, based on sales figures for the first half of 2012. Marketed as an Ultimate Driving Machine, but purchased more often than not for the cachet associated with the blue-and-white propeller badge, the 3 Series Sedan is redesigned for 2012, and a spiffy new wagon arrives for 2013.
BMW X5
In half of the 10 wealthy zip codes surveyed by TrueCar, the BMW X5 was among the five most popular models. Based on our experience, we think these buyers are making a good choice in a luxury SUV. That’s because the X5 remains largely unfettered by the electronics that are masking the joy historically associated with driving a BMW. Instead, the X5 drives like BMWs of old. And that’s a good thing.
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
The Jeep Grand Cherokee might not wear a luxury brand, but it is a luxury SUV in every sense. It’s also got serious off-road credentials, and that authenticity is undeniably appealing. Among the most popular models in three of the 10 surveyed zip codes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee can even be outfitted as a track-ready performance SUV, as seen here in SRT8 trim.
LEXUS RX
Wondering what the next best-selling luxury model in the land is, after the BMW 3 Series? Yep, it’s the Lexus RX, a crossover SUV that’s really popular with the ladies. It’s also popular in three of the 10 zip codes surveyed by TrueCar. For 2013, the RX is updated and upgraded, which should keep it on wealthy consumer shopping lists.
MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan
Here it is, the mack-daddy of Richville. In eight of the 10 surveyed zip codes, TrueCar lists the Mercedes-Benz E-Class as one of the most popular models. We can’t say we’re surprised, as this is the car that has traditionally announced to the world that one has, indeed, arrived. With a three-pointed star hood ornament twinkling out there in the sunlight and silhouetted against the headlight illumination at night, the E-Class always reminds its driver of his or her lofty station in society.
MERCEDES-BENZ GL-CLASS
If we’re surprised about any result in the TrueCar survey, it’s that the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is more popular than the M-Class, which didn’t even place. Wealthy buyers in three of the 10 surveyed zip codes put the GL among the five most popular vehicles in those geographic regions, a trend sure to continue given that this SUV is redesigned for 2013.
MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS
Go big or go home. That American willingness to risk it all for success – to go all in – and then reward oneself handsomely if that success is achieved, is clearly reflected in the fact that the $92,350 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is among the most popular models in three of the 10 surveyed zip codes. And that’s the starting price. Indeed, the S-Class is sublime, the flagship sedan we would buy if, say, traffic to Speedy Daddy increased 100 times over.
TOYOTA PRIUS
2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in
Californians love the Toyota Prius, and it is either the most popular or the second most popular vehicle in each of the three surveyed California zip codes. We’re betting the one that wealthier buyers choose is the imaginatively named Prius Five, equipped with all the upgrades, or the new Prius Plug-in, which makes an even greener statement than the standard model.
SPEEDY DADDY SAYS…
When people make it big, they want to buy a BMW, Lexus, or Mercedes – unless, apparently, they live in California. Hey. Speedy Daddy is based in California. And guess what? We’re going for that S-Class, baby.
Go big or go home, right?
– Christian Wardlaw
Photos Copyright 2012 Speedy Daddy Media, Inc.
