So the Cadillac SRX was produced between 2004 and 2016 – meaning that yep, it’s gone out of production. Sadness. But also happiness for savvy consumers looking for luxury on a budget! The SRX wasn’t retired because consumers didn’t love it, but actually, because Cadillac wanted to take advantage of a change in naming convention, replacing the SRX with the new model, the XT5. Mystery solved! In saying that, the SRX was priced on the higher end of the spectrum, which made it a bit of a stretch for consumers.
The car itself however was smart and sleek, with stylish features and a solid 265 HP engine. Cruising in a Cadillac. The dream, really. Due to the decision by Cadillac to change the name and update, it made the SRX a heck of a lot cheaper. These days, you can pick one up for just $15,000. That’s a lot of car for a little money.
Hyundai Sonata
The cutting-edge style and advanced technology are the key factors that make this car one o the best for road-tripping. It also has remote self-parking. The spacious cabin and ample trunk space are suitable for the whole family.
The Hybrid version boasts 54 mpg on the highway, which means you can go a long way before topping up on gas.
Chrysler Aspen
This SUV itself has aged quite well over the years despite being pulled from the market. It's built to last, so be prepared for a solid and durable machine when you're on the road. Aspen’s first release model was sold for around $40,000.
But again, as we’ve seen with the other cars on this list, depreciation kicks in pretty quickly, so for that reason you could pick one up for a mere $12,000! So for those looking for a tough SUV that’s great for off-road driving, you can’t go past this, especially at this price!
Mercedes-Benz C300
Family road trip? Yes, please! Mercedes Benz came out with its C300 model somewhere in the mid-'90s. The car was an instant success, and featured the same interior as its E-Class counterpart, but had a much more curved and sleek design. It’s also a relatively cheap Mercedes, and costs around $40,000, making it quite affordable for upper-middle-class Americans.
The main downside behind owning the C300 is the same as with any other Mercedes model. Maintenance and repairs are certainly not cheap, and you can expect to pay around $200 for a basic oil change but it’s definitely worth it if you’re a fan of the German luxury car brand.
Nissan Maxima
Nissan is widely viewed as a reliable automaker that sells affordable, family-friendly vehicles. The company also ventured into some luxury car brands, and who can forget it’s incredible GT-R. The Nissan Maxima is one of the brand’s most beloved luxury sedans.
The Maxima's combined style of sport and comfort serves as the perfect road trip companion. You can go over 1000 miles on this without hitting any problems.