When it comes to the richest people on the planet, their cars are often status symbols: supercar collections, gold door handles or armored limousines. But Warren Buffett - exception. Third wealthiest person in the world (according to Forbes for 2026) drives cars that can hardly be called luxurious even by middle-class standards. His choice of car is not just transport, but a lifestyle that reflects key investment principles: rationality, long-term value and avoidance of unnecessary waste.
In this article we will figure out exactly what kind of cars Buffett drove and drives now, why he never chased premium brands like Rolls-Royce or Bentley, and what his car preferences say about his approach to personal finance management. Spoiler: even with a fortune $120 billion, he bought used cars and drove them for decades.
1. Cadillac XTS - Buffett's current car (2026)
Since 2014, the billionaire's main vehicle has been Cadillac XTS 2014 model year. This is not a new supercar or even a flagship sedan - but a completely ordinary business-class car that Buffett bought literally for $45,000 (in his words, “at a good discount”). For comparison: average price Cadillac Escalade of the same year starts from $70,000, and luxury Mercedes-Maybach or BMW 7 Series cost $150,000+.
What attracts Buffett to XTS?
- 🔹 Reliability: Engine
3.6L V6with 304 hp Known for its durability when properly maintained. - 🔹 Comfort: Spacious interior with leather trim and driver assistance systems (adaptive cruise control, 360° cameras).
- 🔹 Modesty: Externally XTS does not scream about wealth - ideal for a person who avoids ostentation.
- 🔹 Economical: Fuel consumption ~10 l/100 km in the city is not a record, but also not sky-high figures for premium cars.
Interesting fact: Buffett did not change his car even after General Motors (brand owner Cadillac) left his investment portfolio. He is not driven by brand loyalty, but practicality.
2. History of Buffett's car fleet: from used Ford up to Lincoln Town Car
If you trace the evolution of Warren Buffett's cars, it becomes clear: his tastes have been formed over decades - and have always remained conservative. Here is the chronology of the key machines:
| Years of use | Car model | Reason for choice | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1950s | Ford Customline (used) | The first car bought with money earned at the age of 16. Buffett called it "the best investment" | $2,500 (≈$30,000 in 2026) |
| 1960–1980s | Cadillac Fleetwood | The classic American sedan is a symbol of the success of its time. Buffett rode it for 20+ years | $15,000 (≈$120,000 in 2026) |
| 1990–2000s | Lincoln Town Car | Buffett's favorite model: "This is the most comfortable car for long trips" | $40,000 |
| 2006–2014 | Cadillac DTS | Replacement Town Car after its production ceases. Buffett bought a used copy | $35,000 |
Please note: Buffett never bought new cars. He always chose used models that were used but in excellent condition. His logic is simple: "A new car loses 20% of its value as soon as it leaves the showroom. Why pay for this?"—principles that he applies to stocks as well.
Before buying a used car, check its history through Carfax or AutoCheck. Buffett has always done this, even with connections in the auto industry.
3. Why doesn't Buffett go to Tesla, Rolls-Royce or Porsche?
You might think that a man with a net worth of $120 billion just doesn't like cars. But that's not the point. Buffett consciously avoids four categories of cars:
- Electric cars (for example, Tesla Model S). Reason: he invests in oil companies (Occidental Petroleum) and is skeptical about the “green bubble”. His words: "I don't believe that electric vehicles will replace all internal combustion engines by 2030".
- Supercars (Ferrari, Lamborghini). For him, these are “toys for rich kids,” not transportation.
- Hyper-luxury sedans (Rolls-Royce Phantom, Bentley Mulsanne). He calls them "overpaying for the brand."
- Cars with credit. Buffett always bought cars with cash, even in his youth.
His approach stands in stark contrast to other billionaires:
- 💰 Elon Musk rides on Tesla Cybertruck and Model S Plaid — promotes its products.
- 💰 Jeff Bezos collects supercars (Bugatti Veyron, Koenigsegg CCXR).
- 💰 Mark Zuckerberg prefers Honda Fit and Acura TSX - but this is more a tribute to minimalism than to financial philosophy.
What does Buffett think about car loans?
In a 2019 interview, he said: "Taking out a car loan is like paying interest on something that's depreciating. It's a double whammy for your budget. Buy a used car with cash and invest the money you save in stocks or real estate."
4. Buffett's philosophy: how choosing a car reflects his investment principles
Warren Buffett's cars are not just transportation, but materialized principles of his investment strategy. Let's look at the parallels:
| Investment principle | How does this manifest itself in choosing a car? | An example from Buffett's life |
|---|---|---|
| Buy with safety margin (Margin of Safety) | Selects cars cheaper than market value (used, at a discount) | Bought Cadillac XTS for $45k with an average price of $55k |
| Long term ownership | Drives the same car for 10–20 years, without chasing new products | Lincoln Town Car served him for 15 years |
| Avoid hot assets | Doesn't buy fancy or speculative cars (eg. Tesla) | Refused shares Tesla in 2020, despite the hype |
Buffett often repeats: "Price is what you pay and value is what you get". In the context of cars, this means:
- 🔧 He doesn’t pay for the brand - only for reliability and comfort.
- 🔧 He doesn’t change his car because of fashion - only when it ceases to perform functions.
- 🔧 He doesn’t take loans - only cash payments.
The main lesson from Buffett: a car is a means of transportation, not an investment item. Unlike stocks or real estate, a car almost always loses value.
5. Myths about Buffett's machines: what's actually wrong
There are many rumors surrounding the billionaire's cars. Let's look at the most popular myths:
⚠️ Attention: Buffett never rode a bicycle or public transport "from the principle of economy." He simply prefers a personal car as a more efficient method of transportation. In 2015 he said: "I don't save on transport - I optimize costs".
Myth 1: "Buffett drives the cheapest car you can find."
❌ Reality: His Cadillac XTS - This is not a budget car. He just bought it at a good price and it lasts a long time.
Myth 2: "He's never been on a private jet, only on commercial flights."
❌ Reality: Buffett did fly economy class until 1989, but after the purchase NetJets (private jet rental companies) started using their services. However never bought my own plane.
Myth 3: "His car is a marketing ploy."
❌ Reality: Buffett goes to Cadillac not because he owns shares GM (he sold them in 2017), but because he likes the brand.
6. What can we learn from Buffett's approach to cars?
Even if you're not a billionaire, Buffett's principles apply to buying a car:
Buy a used car no older than 3-5 years with a 30-40% discount on a new one|
Choose reliable models with low cost of ownership (for example, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord)|
Avoid loans - save up for a car or take out a short-term loan at a minimal interest rate |
Drive your car as long as it is in good working order and suits your needs|
Don’t chase status - the car shouldn’t be “for others”, but for you-->
Buffett also advises:
- 📊 Compare cost of ownership: not only the purchase price, but also insurance, fuel, repairs. His Cadillac XTS costs ~$5,000 per year to maintain - that's 0.004% of his net worth.
- 📊 Don't overpay for optionsthat you won't use. For example, Buffett refused to have a premium audio system in his car.
- 📊 Think about alternatives: if you live in the city, perhaps car sharing or taxis will cost less than a personal car.
⚠️ Attention: Buffett doesn't encourage everyone to drive used cars. His main message is "Spend money consciously, regardless of how much it is"If you can afford a new car without compromising your budget and it brings you joy, buy it. But don’t take out a loan for 7 years for the sake of BMW 7 Series, if your income does not support it.
7. What about electric vehicles? Why does Buffett avoid them?
Buffett has spoken out more than once about electric cars - and his position is clear: he doesn’t believe in their total dominance in the next 10–20 years. Here are his key arguments:
- Infrastructure: "Charging an electric car in Nebraska [his home state] is not as easy as in California".
- Cost of ownership: He believes that Tesla inflates prices for spare parts and service.
- Environmental friendliness: "Electricity for charging is often produced at coal stations - where is the ecology in that?"
- Investment conflicts: His company Berkshire Hathaway owns shares in oil companies (Chevron, Occidental Petroleum).
However, Buffett does not deny that electric cars have a right to exist. In 2021, he invested $500 million in a Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD (via Berkshire Hathaway), but calls it "insurance in case I'm wrong."
Interestingly, his partner Charlie Munger (Vice Chairman Berkshire Hathaway) rides on Tesla Model S since 2017. When asked about the controversy, Buffett replied: "Charlie is smarter than me on this matter. But I still prefer gasoline engines".
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Warren Buffett's cars
🔹 How many cars does Warren Buffett have?
He has one main machine — Cadillac XTS 2014. He used to own Lincoln Town Car and other models, but always sold old cars before buying new ones (so as not to accumulate “garage garbage”).
🔹 Has Buffett ever driven a premium car?
Yes, but by my own standards. For example, Cadillac Fleetwood and Lincoln Town Car At one time they were considered premium cars in the USA. However, he never bought Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series or Lexus LS, despite availability.
🔹 Why doesn't Buffett buy new cars?
He estimates that a new car loses 20-30% of its value in the first year. His logic: "Why pay for a depreciating asset when you can buy a nearly new car at a discount?". In addition, he does not chase the latest technologies - reliability is important to him.
🔹 Does Buffett drive by himself or does he have a driver?
Buffett always drives himself, despite his age (93 years in 2026). He says it helps him "stay on his toes." The exception is business trips, where sometimes a driver is hired for convenience.
🔹 What car would Buffett recommend to an ordinary person?
In a 2020 interview, he said: "Buy used Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic for $15,000-$20,000, drive it for 10 years and you'll save $100,000+ that you could have spent on loans and depreciating assets".