MoneyWatch

10 most popular vehicles in America's richest neighborhoods

By Jason McCormick

August 13, 2012 / 3:07 PM EDT / CBS News

America's fanciest neighborhoods are predictably full of luxury cars. But it's not Bentleys and Ferraris that rule the roads in tony zip codes -- considerably more modest rides also made the top 10 list. According to research by TrueCar.com, the 10 most popular vehicles in America's wealthiest zip codes consist of imports, mostly small and midsize cars, with an average retail price of $35,663. Though the list includes a few German-made luxury models, it also includes Japanese-built compact cars. Here's a look at the bestselling cars in America's most affluent neighborhoods.

1. Mercedez-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which is a luxury car, ranks first on TrueCar.com's list of the 10 most popular vehicles among America's wealthiest residents. Priced at $51,365, the E-Class is the second priciest ride on the top 10 list, according to TrueCar.com.

2. BMW 328i

BMW suggests a retail price of $35,795 for its 328i, the second-most common vehicle in America's richest neighborhoods, according to recent findings by TrueCar.com.

3. Mercedez-Benz C-Class

Ranked third on TrueCar.com's list of the 10 most popular vehicles among America's most affluent residents, the Mercedez-Benz C-Class is available for $36,950.

4. Lexus RX 350

Lexus, a division of Toyota, describes its RX 350 luxury utility vehicle (LUV) as "carefree, capable, versatile, active, stylish, luxurious, responsive and successful." At $39,950, the RX 350 ranks fourth on TrueCar.com's list of the most popular vehicles among America's richest residents.

5. Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius, which goes for roughly $30,565, ranks fourth on TrueCar.com's list of the 10 most popular vehicles in America's wealthiest zip codes. TrueCar.com Senior Analyst Kristen Andersson said in a statement that "for affluent buyers who live in places where environmental concerns reign supreme, the Toyota Prius is the ultimate status symbol in eco-luxury."

6. Volkswagen Jetta

German automaker Volkswagen made its new Jetta flashier than previous designs but, with a price of $26,085, it costs less than half as much as the BMW X5, the priciest ride on TrueCar.com's list of the 10 most popular cars in America's wealthiest zip codes. The Jetta ranks fifth on the list.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V, a midsize sport utility vehicle, is available for $29,575 and ranks as the fourth-most popular vehicle among America's wealthiest people, according to TrueCar.com.

8. Honda Accord

With a base price of $23,070, the Honda Accord ranks No. 8 on TrueCar.com's list of the 10 most popular vehicles in America's richest neighborhoods. The Accord is the most affordable car on the top 10 list.

9. Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry ranks No. 9 on the top 10 list of vehicles most popular among America's richest residents, according to TrueCar.com. The 2012 model is available for $25,535.

10. BMW X5

With a suggested retail price of $58,595, the BMW X5 is the priciest ride on the list of 10 most sought-after rides among the richest Americans, according to TrueCar.com.

Wealthiest zip codes in America

What are the richest neighborhoods in the United States? Click here to check out the zip codes of America's most affluent residents, according to Tax.com.

Jason McCormick

View all articles by Jason Henry McCormick on CBS MoneyWatch »

Jason is a producer with CBS MoneyWatch. Click here to contact him.

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