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Millionaires & Billionaires Who Still Drive Cheap Cars

Updated: Jan 27, 2024By Kate PrinceAutomotive
This article originally appeared on Investing.com. It has been republished here with permission.
©Tinseltown / Shutterstock | ©Denis Makarenko/Shutterstock.com ©Tinseltown / Shutterstock | ©Denis Makarenko/Shutterstock.com

Having a bank balance that extends into the millions and billions is something that most of us can only dream of. Having that much cash with zero financial worries is a blissful fantasy for the Average Joe – but for the world’s elite, it’s a hard-earned reality. One earned through years, or sometimes decades, of clever market awareness and investing. 

And while one might imagine that many of America’s richest elite use some of that capital to invest in a flashy sports car – a Lamborghini or a Ferrari – you might be surprised how many of them still drive completely normal, affordable cars. 

As they say, it’s not your money that makes you rich, but rather your spending habits. Perhaps these celebrities’ extreme wealth is partly due to their conservative spending choices when it comes to certain luxuries, or perhaps they simply prefer a more modest mode of transportation. Either way, read on to find out which millionaires, and billionaires, still drive cheap cars.

1. Leonardo DiCaprio

Car Model: Toyota Prius
Cost of Base Model: $32,500*
Net Worth: $198 million*

As far back as the early 2010’s, DiCaprio could be seen driving a run-of-the-mill Toyota Prius hybrid worth just $32,500. The car served him very well – though from time to time, Leo can also be spotted in his $100,000 Fisker Karma (also an environmentally-friendly choice). Considering he’s got close to $200 million in the bank, both cars are thrifty purchases. 

Leonardo DiCaprio Toyota Prius @strattonfinance | @DiscussingFilm / Twitter.com Leonardo DiCaprio Toyota Prius @strattonfinance | @DiscussingFilm / Twitter.com

Leonardo DiCaprio is one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Over the years, he’s made a fortune partnering with some gargantuan movie studios, from Paramount Pictures to Disney. When he’s not acting, DiCaprio invests millions in helping protect the environment. A choice mirrored in his lifestyle choices as well. 

DiCaprio also owns a Tesla Roadster which is not only the fastest car in the world, it’s also one of the most energy efficient. This is due to the lithium-ion battery cells which were used for the first time in a production car for this model. DiCaprio’s ideology  is clear: he puts the environment before his vanity, and looks great doing it too. 

2. Warren Buffett

Car Model: Cadillac XTS
Cost of Base Model: $44,440*
Net Worth: $68 billion*

When it comes to fame and fortune, Warren Buffett has both in spades. The multi-billionaire made a name for himself as the CEO and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. Fewer investors are as well known as this 89 year-old financial genius. 

Warren Buffett Cadillac XTS @PatrickCadIL | @justakevin77 / Twitter.com Warren Buffett Cadillac XTS @PatrickCadIL | @justakevin77 / Twitter.com

With a net worth of $68 billion, Buffett frequently tops global rich lists. But that doesn’t mean that he’s a big spender when it comes to his cars. On a recommendation from General Motors CEO Mary Barra, Buffet purchased a $44,000 Cadillac XTS back in 2014. According to CNN, he was “excited” to trade in his prior Cadillac for a new “smoother” ride.

Warren Buffet is known for being conservative with his spending, so it’s no surprise that he’s owned the same car for seven years. His old Cadillac was donated to a nonprofit called Girls, Inc which works to empower and inspire young girls and women. The nonprofit was able to auction the car off for $122,500, thanks to Mr Buffett and his frugality. 

3. Francois-Henri Pinault

Car Model: Lexus SUV
Cost of Base Model: $39,000*
Net Worth: $5 billion*

Francois-Henri Pinault is lucky on numerous levels. Not only is he the CEO of Kering and worth close to $5 billion, but he’s married to Hollywood superstar Salma Hayek, star of numerous hit films including the 1999 comedy hit Dogma.

Francois-Henri Pinault Lexus SUV @Zimbio / Pinterest.com | @KeringGroup / Twitter.com Francois-Henri Pinault Lexus SUV @Zimbio / Pinterest.com | @KeringGroup / Twitter.com

Pinault and Hayek tied the knot back in 2009. The couple chose a solid Lexus SUV as their family car. Although it comes in at a base price of $39,000 and they could certainly afford some lavish extras, this is one couple that didn’t want to break the bank for the sake of a flash car.

Hayek loves her Lexus Hybrid which is a self-charging, smooth and luxurious ride with premium interiors and zero emissions. The couple share the car despite owning many luxury homes across France and the US, several vineyards, a luxury yacht and a French soccer club.

4. Mel Gibson

Car Model: Smart Car ForTwo
Cost of Base Model: $12,000*
Net Worth: $324 million*

Mel Gibson hasn’t starred in many movies over the last few years, but at the peak of his career he was headlining some truly iconic hits. From Braveheart to What Women Want, Gibson oozed with talent both in front of and behind the camera. But believe it or not, instead of a flashy sports car, Gibson was first spotted driving a Smart Car ForTwo as of 2011. 

Mel Gibson Smart Car ForTwo @Emerald.com / Youtube.com | @Daily Mail / Pinterest.com Mel Gibson Smart Car ForTwo @Emerald.com / Youtube.com | @Daily Mail / Pinterest.com

Even though the car is sold for just $12,000 new (a truly tiny drop in the bucket against his $324 million net worth), clearly Gibson prefers this over other options on the market. He has certainly come a long way since starring in AT&T’s Warner Bros. feature Forever Young in 1992.

Despite making some conservative spending choices relative to his fortune, he still has a few other cars tucked away in his garage, including some of the well known cars that one would expect of a person with his wealth. Though his car of choice when popping out to lunch seems to be his little Smart Car.

5. Sergey Brin

Car Model: Toyota Prius
Cost of Base Model: $32,500*
Net Worth: $47 billion*

46 year-old Google co-founder Sergey Brin has more money at his disposal than most of us could ever hope to have, but there’s a reason for that. Brin doesn’t spend copious amounts of money on the finer things in life, although he does own some impressive property. 

Sergey Brin Toyota Prius @motortalk / Twitter.com | @Nonie De Camila / Pinterest.com Sergey Brin Toyota Prius @motortalk / Twitter.com | @Nonie De Camila / Pinterest.com

Sergei Brin’s previous car was the ever-popular Tesla Model S, and was the subject of a prank that went viral. Brin’s fellow employees redesigned his car on April Fool’s Day by turning it into a bright pink batmobile using vinyl paint, covering it with zebra stripes and brightly colored fuzz. He has since moved on from the Tesla. 

Just like Leonardo DiCaprio, Sergey drives a simple, affordable Toyota Prius. Brin has two children, one with his ex-wife Anne Wojcicki and another with his current wife, Nicole Shanahan. Toyota Prius has a reputation for being a good family car, not least because it’s a hybrid and incredibly efficient.

6. Laurene Powell Jobs

Car Model: Audi A5
Cost of Base Model: $37,000*
Net Worth: $21 billion*

When Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs passed away in 2011, his wife, Laurene Powell Jobs, became a very rich woman. As Jobs’ heir, Laurene inherited billions of dollars, instantly making her one of the richest people in the world. These days,she dedicates herself to her own business pursuits and philanthropic enterprises. 

Laurene Powell Jobs Audi A5 @AutoWeek / Twitter.com | @Town & Country Magazine / Pinterest.com Laurene Powell Jobs Audi A5 @AutoWeek / Twitter.com | @Town & Country Magazine / Pinterest.com

Powell Jobs can often be spotted out and about in Palo Alto in her totally affordable $37,000 Audi A5. To the average citizen it looks like a nice, reasonable car option. To a woman worth $21 billion, it’s probably a cheap (though dependable) runaround that’s easily replaceable. 

The late Apple founder took a slightly different approach to cars. He drove a Mercedes SL55 AMG which he replaced every six months to ensure he would never need a license plate. In January 2019 a law was passed that every new car needed a license plate, eliminating the ‘Steve Jobs loophole.’ 

7. LeBron James

Car Model: Chevy Impala
Cost of Base Model: $31,620*
Net Worth: $366 million*

LeBron James is more than just an NBA legend with years of experience on the court. He’s a straight-up icon. Alongside his lucrative basketball career, James has earned a pretty penny through sponsorships with brands like Nike. It all contributes to his $366 million fortune, but what does LeBron spend his money on? 

LeBron James Chevy Impala @borjitamasia131 / Twitter.com | @atibaphoto / Instagram.com LeBron James Chevy Impala @borjitamasia131 / Twitter.com | @atibaphoto / Instagram.com

James has million-dollar homes in Ohio and Los Angeles, but how does he get from A to B? In his cheap, reliable Chevy Impala. But make no mistake: James loves expensive cars and even has a million-dollar collection. But when it comes to his everyday ride, he keeps it simple with a Chevy. 

James restored the 1957 Chevrolet Impala, giving the classic a bright purple paint job with white accents, larger wheels and low-profile tires. While it is not the most expensive car in his collection by any means, it is certainly the most valued. And who can blame him? 

8. Samuel L. Jackson

Car Model: Toyota Camry
Cost of Base Model: $39,000*
Net Worth: $191 million*

Samuel L. Jackson is a recognizable star, so he’s easily spotted when out on his errands. Back in 2016 an eagle-eyed fan saw him driving a Toyota Camry in Beverly Hills. Jackson started in the acting industry relatively late, landing his breakout role in 1994’s Pulp Fiction at the age of 46.

Samuel L. Jackson Toyota Camry @PRESAUTOMOTORS / Twitter.com | @RetroWorldNews / Pinterest.com Samuel L. Jackson Toyota Camry @PRESAUTOMOTORS / Twitter.com | @RetroWorldNews / Pinterest.com

Over the past three decades he’s risen to the very top of Hollywood, amassing a nest egg of $191 million. He’s got the dough to splash out on lavish cars, but is more interested in spending his hard-earned cash elsewhere than a garage. 

The movie star did splash out on one fancy car, a Maybach 57 S. The powerful, luxury car comes with a powerful engine and can get to 60MPH in 4.8 seconds. Jackson also owns a Range Rover Sport which is also relatively affordable, though the Toyota Camry is his day to day car of choice. 

9. Larry Page

Car Model: Toyota Prius
Cost of Base Model: $32,500*
Net Worth: $49 billion*

Being a co-founder of a tech company as big as Google certainly has its perks. Larry Page has a net worth of around $49 billion dollars. At just 47, he still has plenty of life left to enjoy the spoils of his labor, but there was a time when Page was in the celebrity Prius club, too. 

Larry Page Toyota Prius @livescience.com | @Forbes / Pinterest.com Larry Page Toyota Prius @livescience.com | @Forbes / Pinterest.com

The Toyota Prius is the world’s first mainstream hybrid vehicle that has been sold to the public and as we can see it is immensely popular on this list, including Page’s colleague and partner Sergey, who also drives a Prius. It is also said that Page owns a Tesla roadster, which also seems to be a trend amongst the super rich. 

Despite his choice in budget vehicles, Page does love cars. In fact, his company Kitty Hawk unveiled plans for a new flying car back in 2018, inventively called The Flyer. Will this be Page’s new whip, or will he just trade up for a new Toyota? 

10. Mark Zuckerberg

Car Model: Acura TSX 
Cost of Base Model: $30,635*
Net Worth: $61 billion*

It’s difficult to imagine a world without Facebook now, but back in the early 2000s it was still a fledgling enterprise. These days of course, it’s a titan in the tech world. Its founder, Mark Zuckerberg, is one of the most powerful men in his industry with a fortune exceeding $61 billion. 

Mark Zuckerberg Acura TSX @TheRealBaozzer | @wolverneen / Twitter.com Mark Zuckerberg Acura TSX @TheRealBaozzer | @wolverneen / Twitter.com

Mark might be filthy rich for founding Facebook, but he’s also a strangely practical car-buyer. His go-to car is a black Acura TSX, a car worth just $30,000. He has been quoted as saying he loves it because it’s safe, comfortable, and most importantly, not too showy. 

Zuckerberg has a reputation for being a low key guy who doesn’t want to show off his wealth, which must be quite tricky when you are so recognizable. Along with his Acura TSX, he also owns a Honda FIT (Jazz) and a Volkswagen Golf. Yes, you read that correctly. 

11. Daniel Radcliffe

Car Model: Fiat Punto
Cost of Base Model: $11,000*
Net Worth: $84 million*

J.K. Rowling made herself millions as the writer of the Harry Potter series, but she also helped transform the life of Daniel Radcliffe. Radcliffe was plucked from obscurity as a child to play the lead role in the wildly successful screen adaptation by AT Warner Bros. 

Daniel Radcliffe Fiat Punto@iveridubbi | @1mikedena / Twitter.com Daniel Radcliffe Fiat Punto@iveridubbi | @1mikedena / Twitter.com

When Radccliffe finally got his fortune on his 18th birthday in 2007, he decided to splurge on his very first car. Most teenagers might have taken advantage of their newly-acquired millions, but not Daniel. He opted for an $11,000 Fiat Punto. At least it was magical to him, if no one else.

While most Harry Potter fans would expect the star to drive in a Ford Anglia, preferably one that flies, Radcliffe instead opts for cars which have solidified his reputation as a frugal spender. Before the Fiat Punto, he drove a Mitsubishi Palermo as well as the Punto Evo. 

12. Clint Eastwood

Car Model: GMC Typhoon
Cost of Base Model: $30,000*
Net Worth: $286 million*

Clint Eastwood has been in Hollywood before many of its current stars were even born. Some fans might think he’d drive a Gran Tarino, but alas, the iconic ride isn’t for the 90-year-old actor. He swears by his good ‘ol $30,000 GMC Typhoon. 

Clint Eastwood GMC Typhoon @barnfinds | @martin37725365 / Twitter.com Clint Eastwood GMC Typhoon @barnfinds | @martin37725365 / Twitter.com

In an interview with Jimmy Fallon in 2016, Eastwood confessed that he loves how fast the car is, even though many think he’s a muscle car fanatic. The veteran actor might have close to $300 million in the bank, but he’s not messing around when it comes to flashy cars. He’s in it for the engine. 

While the GMC Typhoon is his daily car of choice, the movie icon boasts quite a car collection. He owns a 1932 Ford Roadster which will make anyone feel lucky, a 1937 Lincoln K-Series Convertible which Eastwood purchased after the filming of Honkytonk Man and a racing green, 1966 Morris Mini ‘Cooper S’, among other classics. 

13. Steve Ballmer

Car Model: Ford Fusion Hybrid
Cost of Base Model: $28,000*
Net Worth: $39 billion*

Being the CEO of a company like Microsoft is a challenge, but someone has to do it. Ballmer kept the business on the straight and narrow from 2000 to 2014, but he got paid handsomely for his efforts. With a net worth of $39 billion, Ballmer can afford to get the odd luxury. 

Steve Ballmer Ford Fusion Hybrid @Yahoo Life | @Gregory Miles / Pinterest.com Steve Ballmer Ford Fusion Hybrid @Yahoo Life | @Gregory Miles / Pinterest.com

According to The Seattle Times, Ballmer was hand-delivered his Ford Fusion Hybrid in 2009 after talking at length with Ford CEO Alan Mulally about which car would be best for his family. Once the deal was made, Mulally delivered Bullmer’s inexpensive new ride personally. 

Ballmer has always been loyal to Ford, which originates from his hometown of Detroit. Not to mention that the vehicle is fitted with a Microsoft-based infotainment system called SYNC, so it’s no wonder why the Microsoft CEO is a fan.  

14. Justin Timberlake

Car Model: Volkswagen Jetta
Cost of Base Model: $16,000*
Net Worth: $191 million*

He may have been a member of N*Sync once upon a time, but Justin Timberlake didn’t say “Bye Bye Bye” to stardom once the band split. Quite the contrary. Since leaving the Sony band in 2002, Justin has gone on to be a solo superstar in his own right and a successful actor. 

Justin Timberlake Volkswagen Jetta @jtimberlakeco / Twitter.com | @POPSUGAR / Pinterest.com Justin Timberlake Volkswagen Jetta @jtimberlakeco / Twitter.com | @POPSUGAR / Pinterest.com

When he’s not taking his son, Silas, on a helicopter ride or obsessing over the 1967 Pontiac GTO after driving one in a Clint Eastwood film, the star chooses a simple VW for his daily drive. While this Jetta may not bring the sexy back, Timberlake sticks by his choice.

Despite being a bonafide movie star and a top-selling musician, he’s still seen running around in an affordable Volkswagen Jetta worth just $16,000. Don’t be fooled though: JT does sport an impressive car collection at home that includes an H3 and a Lamborghini. But for just driving around town, his Jetta is the perfect car for the job.