Maybe the answer is exactly the same. We are all driving the most expensive vehicle we can justify which is inherently the least expensive vehicle we can tolerate.

I drove a 2000 model year Hyundai Elantra until 2015. Honestly, it became a bit of a professional liability.

I drove a 2013 Infiniti G37x from 2015 to 2023. I paid only $15k for it. It was super fun to drive, was very reliable, and was cool/nice enough. Sold it for $7,000 in 2023.

Since 2023, I've been driving a Land Rover LR4. Purchase price, $2k. Total Cost to get it in good condition, about $7k. I really like it. And people seem to think it is both a cool car and a cool story how I bought it and fixed it.

So, I guess I am under $15k as a maximum and as low as $7k for a minimum. But my wife's ride was way more ($60ish out the door), so where does that put me.