What Is Considered an Exotic Car?

There are many different types of cars, with some considered more luxurious than others. People often use the term “exotic” to refer to high-end cars that are either rare, expensive, or most likely, both. Please note that there aren’t set guidelines for what qualifies as exotic.

However, there are several factors that can affect whether a car is considered exotic. These factors include things like appearance, rarity, manufacturing qualities, and so on. Even typical cars can eventually become exotic due to availability and demand. So let’s discuss exotic cars in further detail to get a better understanding of their qualifications.

What Makes a Car Exotic?

Oftentimes, exotic cars fall under two categories: rare and expensive. The two tend to go hand-in-hand, but they aren’t mandatory properties to classify a car as exotic. A good rule of thumb is that if a car is seldom seen and costs a substantial amount of money, it’s likely exotic.

Moreover, there are typical production vehicles that manufacturers sometimes release as limited edition models. These are unique versions that boast special materials and options not found in the original model, thus making them exotic.

With that said, many people are under the false assumption that exotic cars have to be limited editions. Others, however, think the horsepower has to be above a certain threshold or that the vehicle must come from a specific country of origin.

At the end of the day, any car can become exotic under the right circumstances, whether it be the passage of time, societal changes, or a new generation of fans.

What Car Brands Are Known for Being Exotic?

While it’s true that any number of scenarios can affect a car’s designation as being exotic, there are some notable brands that are known for making predominately exotic vehicles. Let’s explore a few of these auto manufacturers and discuss what makes them superior to the average car.

McLaren

Drivers who want power and appeal turn to McLaren. These one-of-a-kind automobiles are some of the most beautiful ever created, featuring unparalleled styling and engineering. In terms of power, McLarens have been likened to a rocket ship on wheels.

Lamborghini

A Lamborghini is a popular exotic sports car that perfectly encapsulates the expression of the finest in automotive engineering. As such, it has been an icon since its inception and is currently one of the hottest and most coveted cars on the market.

Ferrari

A Ferrari is often considered the ultimate symbol of success in the automotive industry. They are seen as status symbols and prominent machines that evoke an aura of power and prestige. Ferraris are definitely the types of cars you want to park with care.

Porsche

The Porsche name has become synonymous with luxury, performance, and style. The German automaker’s stable of exotic cars includes the iconic 911. Porsche has a long history in motorsports, and it is the company’s racing legacy that makes it one of the most prestigious automaker names in the world.

Aston Martin

Known in the industry for its uncompromising standards in quality, precision engineering, and unique design, Aston Martin is an automotive icon. For more than 100 years, the automaker has been at the forefront of new developments in the exotic car market.

These are only a few of the many exotic automobile manufacturers of the world. Perhaps you have a make and model not listed above that you feel has reached exotic status. As we stated, there isn’t a set rule for what signifies an exotic car.

But there are some telltale signs that often equate to what is an exotic car. So let’s continue on and examine some of these signs to help you determine the prestige of your car.

How To Know if You Have an Exotic Car

If you’re questioning whether or not your vehicle is an exotic car, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, how rare is it? While not all exotic cars are rare, if your car is one-of-a-kind or difficult to come by, it may be considered an exotic car. 

Secondly, what’s the price tag? If you’ve invested in a high-end car that has a price tag of at least $250,000, it’s likely you have a rare and potentially exotic vehicle on your hands. 

Additionally, how easy is it to get parts for your vehicle? If parts for your car are difficult to come by because they’re either rare or too costly to produce, then it’s likely that your vehicle falls under the category of an exotic car.

So, in summary, you should factor in the following key points to determine if you have an exotic car:

• It costs $250,000 or more
• It is only available in limited numbers
• Obtaining parts is difficult

Please keep in mind that these aren’t hard and fast rules, but only common attributes among exotic cars. It’s possible to have an older make and model that flouts conventions due to the changing of the times or renewed interest in a rare vehicle.

Why Buy an Exotic Car?

There are many reasons why someone would want to buy an exotic car. For example, some people may buy such a car as a status symbol. A lot of the time, people will buy these cars for show and not for performance.

If you’re not interested in showing off your wealth and just want a high-performance machine, there are plenty of other options out there. You don’t necessarily have to spend a small fortune to enjoy quality craftsmanship and superior performance.

In most cases, an exotic car will prove to be an expensive purchase. As such, you’ll need to think about whether it’s worth the investment. You should also consider factors like how often you plan on driving the car and what type of features you’re looking for when making your buying decision.

Investing in an exotic car is a big decision that will require careful consideration before purchase. Our hope is that this guide helps with some of your questions about exotic cars.

If you are committed to investing in an exotic car, you might want to start by researching some of the more popular types of exotics on the market, such as:

• Lamborghini
• Ferrari
• Porsche
• Aston Martin
• McLaren

All of these cars are truly unique in their appearance and performance. You might also want to consider one of the more affordable exotics on the market, like Lotus or Maserati. You can find used models that cost a fraction of the MSRP when purchased new,  so keep that in mind throughout your journeys.

Summary

Exotic cars come in all makes and models. They bring something unique to the table that isn’t found in your average vehicle. This can be any number of key factors, as there isn’t a strict code that determines what’s exotic. 

Some people might think that any car worth over $250,000 is exotic. But an exotic car is more than just its price. A true exotic car is one that is rare, unusual, or different. So if you’re looking for a car that embodies qualities, you may want to consider renting a high-end vehicle to get a feel for the exotic. Advantage can help with your car rental when you’re ready! 

Sources:
2022 Porsche 911 Review, Pricing, and Specs | Car & Driver
Why is it So Hard to Get Replacement Parts for Some Cars? | Ace Auto Parts
Millennials Take The Wheel Of Vintage Car Collecting, And It’s A Fun Ride | Forbes