Top vehicles in the wealthiest ZIP codes

Just because you’re wealthy doesn’t mean you drive the flashiest car on the block, according to a recent TrueCar.com study that reviewed the top vehicles purchased in the wealthiest ZIP codes. While admittedly, luxury cars may fit into the stereotype lifestyles of these rich and famous, TrueCar data shows plenty of wealthy consumers opt to drive mainstream brands. TrueCar.com examined the car buying preferences of residents in the 10 wealthiest ZIP codes in the United States, as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. — PRNewswire

1. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Segment: Luxury car
MSRP: $51,365

Among the top 10 most popular vehicles in America’s wealthiest neighborhoods, half are non-luxury vehicles. And in a demographic where a car budget doesn’t seem to be much of a concern, all vehicles are priced less than $50,000 — with the exception of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW X5.

2. BMW 328

Segment: Luxury car
MSRP: $35,795

This car delivers 33 highway miles per gallon and 240 horsepower, according to BMW. It has a 2.0-liter, inline 4-cyliner engine.

3. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Segment: Luxury car
MSRP: $36,095

Manhattan represents the city with the wealthiest zip code and the most popular vehicle purchased was the Mercedes-Benz E-Class while the Honda CR-V rounds out the top five.

4. Lexus RX

Segment: Luxury SUV
MSRP: $39,950

The RX provides 18 city miles per gallon and 25 highway miles per gallon. It has 270 horsepower and a six-speed sequential-shift transmission, according to Lexus.

5. Toyota Prius

Segment: Small car
MSRP: $30,565

The Toyota Prius was the most popular vehicle in Ross and Century City, Calif. “For affluent buyers who live in places where environmental concerns reign supreme, the Toyota Prius is the ultimate status symbol in eco-luxury,’’ said Kristen Andersson, senior analyst at TrueCar.com.

6. Volkswagen Jetta

Segment: Small car
MSRP: $26,085

“The data demonstrates, that wealthy consumers of today make value a top priority as half the vehicles purchased are from mainstream brands including Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen that offer the best in vehicle amenities and comfort that near those of some luxury models,’’ Andersson said.

7. Honda CR-V

Segment: Midsize SUV
MSRP: $29,575

SUVs are popular in Greenwich, Conn., with four out of the top five. The CR-V provides 22 city miles per gallon and 30 highway miles per gallon.

8. Honda Accord

Segment: Midsize car
MSRP: $23,070

The least expensive car on the list, the Accord delivers 23 city miles per gallon and 34 highway miles per gallon.

9. Toyota Camry

Segment: Midsize car
MSRP: $25,535

The nation’s highest-selling car provides 25 city miles per gallon and 35 highway miles per gallon. The 2012 standard model comes with 10 airbags.

10. BMW X5

Segment: Luxury SUV
MSRP: $58,595

This list’s most expensive vehicle, the X5 has a 3.0 liter, 300 horsepower, six-cylinder engine with Twinpower Turbo technology, according to BMW. It provides 23 highway miles per gallon.