Looking for a new car that won’t break the bank? Despite rising costs, several excellent models are available for under $15,000. Competition in the automotive market continues to benefit consumers, making now a great time to explore budget-friendly options. Here’s a look at some of the top contenders:
**Chevrolet Cobalt:** This model boasts an MSRP under $13,000, making it one of the most affordable American-made cars. For an even lower price point, consider the **Chevrolet Aveo**, imported from GM’s South Korean subsidiary, Daewoo, with a retail price of around $9890.
**Ford Focus:** Starting at $13,990, the Focus is Ford’s most budget-conscious offering. Special incentives, particularly on the ZX3 version, can further reduce the price by up to $3000.
**Honda Civic Coupe:** While finding a Civic under $15,000 is becoming more challenging as Honda positions it in a higher market segment, keep an eye out for the **Honda Fit**. This smaller, more affordable model is priced around $12,000.
**Hyundai Accent & Hyundai Elantra:** Hyundai offers two models under $15,000. The Accent GLS, starting at $12,455, is packed with features like four-wheel disc brakes, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, and ABS. The Elantra, a slightly more upscale option, retails for approximately $1300 more than the Accent.
**Kia Rio & Kia Spectra:** The Kia Rio, with an MSRP of $11,110, is the lowest-priced four-door car in the U.S. It includes safety features like six airbags, an impact-absorbing steering column, and side-impact door beams. For a larger and better-equipped car, consider the Spectra.
**Saturn ION:** Base models of the Saturn ION are currently priced around $13,500. Discounts may become available later in the year as GM aims to reduce inventory.
**Toyota Corolla:** The Corolla, priced at $14,105, is known for its reliability. While the Echo has been discontinued, the new **Toyota Yaris** is a great alternative coming in around $12,000.
**Scion xA & Scion xB:** Toyota’s Scion division offers two models under $15,000: The xA starts at approximately $13,500, while the xB is priced about $1000 higher.
The future looks promising for budget-conscious car buyers. With the anticipated importation of vehicles from China, we may see new cars priced under $10,000 as brands like Chery and Geely enter the U.S. market, potentially driving prices down to as low as $6600. This competition may force established manufacturers like Ford and Dodge to explore building and importing more affordable models from overseas or Mexico.