Despite
incentives (or maybe because of them), "sticker shock" continues to
plague new-car buyers. Vehicle equipment levels keep getting more extensive, and
vehicle suggested list prices continue to go higher. But despite this trend, there
are desirable vehicles that are reasonably priced for the average car buyer. As
proof, the editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com have recently driven and reviewed
all of the latest vehicles on the market and identified 10 very cool models selling
below $18,000.
"Cool
is, of course, in the eye of the beholder, but the good news is there are a variety
of exciting, fun-to-drive vehicles that are still affordable," said Jack
R. Nerad, editorial director, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "A couple of vehicles
on our list carry sticker prices above $18,000, but in addition to reporting the
MSRP for a vehicle, we track what the car is actually selling for — its New Car
Blue Book value. The New Car Blue Book value allows car buyers to understand what
the current street price for each vehicle is, helping them determine what they
can really afford."
The
$18,000 price point offers buyers an average monthly payment of $300 to $350 over
a five-year loan term. Their actual payment amount will be determined by the amount
put down on the vehicle and the finance rate available to them. While fuel economy
was not the key criteria is choosing the list, all the vehicles on it deliver
good mileage figures, which will provide additional help to car-buyers' pocketbooks.
2005
Top 10 Coolest Cars Selling Under $18,000
| Vehicle |
MSRP |
New
Car Blue
Book Value | | 2005
Toyota Tacoma PreRunner | $14,850 | $14,768 |
| 2005
Scion xB | $15,045 | $15,045 |
| 2005
Ford Focus ZX3 SES | $16,460 | $15,853 |
| 2005
Kia Spectra Hatchback | $16,665 | $16,109 |
| 2005
Chevrolet Cobalt LS Coupe | $16,485 | $16,145 |
| 2005
Hyundai Tiburon | $17,494 | $16,643 |
| 2005
Mazda Mazda3 S Hatchback | $17,665 | $17,216 |
| 2005
Scion tC | $17,315 | $17,315 |
| 2005
MINI Cooper | $17,500 | $17,500 |
| 2005
Honda Element | $18,765 | $17,827 |
All
vehiles are listed by their New Car Blue Book value l. New Car Blue Book values
represent transaction values or what others are paying for this vehicle during
the week of April 18, 2005. New Car Blue Book values are updated weekly on kbb.com.
All vehicles priced with automatic transmissions except Toyota Tacoma PreRunner.
.Adding optional equipment will increase the price of the vehicle.
(CONTINUE...)
|
