Who says you have to spend big to have a fulfilling luxury car? That may not always be the case.

Forbes writes:

Pay $37,175 for the BMW Z4 Roadster, and you can cruise around town in a two-seater roadster that allows you to automatically control the drop top while listening to your favorite tunes through a 10-speaker audio system.

The $35,605 Lincoln MKX crossover utility vehicle is loaded with standard features like heated, dual power mirrors with memory, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with genuine wood accents, and four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system. Options include 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, a panoramic roof and a voice-activated DVD-based navigation system. The Volvo XC70, a $36,755 midsize wagon, is loaded with advanced safety features like hill descent control and full-length side curtain airbags.

Vincentric auto research firm provided maintenance costs calculated over a five-year period. Vehicles with the lowest costs, which include oil changes, wheel alignments and replacement wiper blades, made the list. Finally, we capped our list at cars costing $50,000; this allowed us to measure a wide range of vehicles, from coupes to large cars.

The under-$50,000 segment, meanwhile, is varied. You can find an Audi A3 wagon with a starting price of $25, 930 and a Saab 9-3 convertible beginning at $26,000. At the top end is the Land Rover SUV starting at $44,933 and the Mercedes SLK roadster with a base price of $46,000. Add in a few select options, and you can easily meet the $50,000 threshold.

Are those cars worth it? Weigh in. Still thinking about pricey Alfa Romeo parts and models? Cut the crap.

"You are treating yourself with these vehicles," said Stephanie Brinley, senior manager of product analysis at AutoPacific, a market research firm covering the auto industry. "It is reaching a level of maturity. You’ve reached a stage in your life where you want a little more luxury, and you can afford to purchase a vehicle with more amenities."

Luxury cars are now aimed at young professionals who have ever-increasing demands. As such, automakers see to it that the new demands are met. Otherwise, they’ll lose a significant slice of the market.

Before you purchase any of those cars, instill in your mind that once you tried luxury cars, you may never want any other.