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The most new car for the money between $10k-$20k???

redgtxdi

redgtxdi

Diamond Member
Watching a couple commercials lately for the Nissan Versa Note and the Hyundai Elantra GT. I definitely think these mini-crossover type vehicles offer a lot for the money. (I think the Versa note says it starts at $14k). Then again, maybe a stripped Accent at one of those $9,999.99 weekend deals is the most car for the money.

What say ye AT?
 
If I was going to buy a car under $20k, I'd go with something a bit nicer and a few years old. I also don't really buy a car, because I enjoy upgrading every 2-3 years.
 
Depends on what you want, but I would get a Mazda 3 or Ford Focus in that price range. Sedans, not hatchbacks because I hate hatches (though I do recognize the usefulness of them).
 
You used to be able to buy a decent midsize car for under $20k. I'm guessing you can still buy an Altima/Optima/Sonata and meet the target price...not sure about Accord and Camry since they're newer. I would argue that's most for your money. It may not have as many bells and whistles but it will be more comfortable.

For me I'd find a discounted Focus ST. Done and done!
 
NutBucket said:
You used to be able to buy a decent midsize car for under $20k. I'm guessing you can still buy an Altima/Optima/Sonata and meet the target price...not sure about Accord and Camry since they're newer. I would argue that's most for your money. It may not have as many bells and whistles but it will be more comfortable.

For me I'd find a discounted Focus ST. Done and done!
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I do think the Focus ST is a damn sexy car.

I'm already hearing where other folks put their value. Sedan over hatch tells me "style" which I think is fine but in utility value, I think that is toward the bottom of the priority totem.

Used vs new is a fair argument, though I think that there are enough incentives now that new almost makes as much sense. Plus, I'm specifically inquiring about new-only. 😉
 
If you want new, utility, and good reliability.

Honda Fit

Kia Soul

both can be had probably around the same price and well within your price range new.
 
I've owned a few Hyundais. They seem to be the best bang for the buck in today's market. Although I think that Ford has come a long way to take some of that market too.
 
redgtxdi said:
Watching a couple commercials lately for the Nissan Versa Note and the Hyundai Elantra GT. I definitely think these mini-crossover type vehicles offer a lot for the money. (I think the Versa note says it starts at $14k). Then again, maybe a stripped Accent at one of those $9,999.99 weekend deals is the most car for the money.

What say ye AT?
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The most new car for your money? Probably the Kia Soul, if you're counting amenities, followed by the Nissan Versa Note. I've had a Soul and it was a lot of fun, and my parents have a Versa hatchback and it's surprisingly nice (the CVT is actually great - nice smooth car to drive in).
 
MagickMan said:
Hard to beat a used Hyundai Genesis 4.6, for the money. ~$17k
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Where are you seeing that? The V8s are still in the low 20's from what I have seen. Only ones to get close to that price have major wreck histiory, flood damage, or base model V6's.
 
Jimzz said:
Where are you seeing that? The V8s are still in the low 20's from what I have seen. Only ones to get close to that price have major wreck histiory, flood damage, or base model V6's.
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Ones that are attractive will go fast. If the car is generally selling for low 20s, you should be able to find one sub-20 if you look long and hard enough.

For a new car, a new civic will get you insane mpg for the price. They're actually roomier inside than you expect, either. You might be able to get a discounted above-20 car like mentioned above, like a Sonata or a Optima.

The Kia Soul seems to be a fan favorite too for the sub-20 range. Extremely useful and well-built.
 
Focus SE hatch with leather package & heated seats can be had for around 18k.

It's quite a bit of car for the $$. It's smaller than the Elantra GT. But it's got more punch and the suspension is worlds better.

Kia Forte is another interesting choice. Hatchback should be out any time now.
 
redgtxdi said:
Sedan over hatch tells me "style" which I think is fine but in utility value, I think that is toward the bottom of the priority totem.
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I think hatches win in both styling and utility. But that's just me. I'd also definitely compare 1-2 year used models. You'll get more packages and features for the same price. It doesn't hurt to see.
 
I got a 2013 Civic a couple weeks ago and am really pleased with it. It's really roomy and gets obnoxiously good mpg.
 
Jimzz said:
Where are you seeing that? The V8s are still in the low 20's from what I have seen. Only ones to get close to that price have major wreck histiory, flood damage, or base model V6's.
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Cargurus.com, there are several on there with a V8 under $20k.

Genesis coupe might be better for OP though, and are around 15k depending on trim.
 
NutBucket said:
For me I'd find a discounted Focus ST. Done and done!
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Fiesta ST :thumbsup:
Wish I could justify buying one.

Vic Vega said:
I just spent a week in a brand new Elanta (2,000 miles) and it's a complete and utter POS.

I don't care what the reviews say. This car is terrible. Absolutely terrible.
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I drove them a lot back when the new ones first came out. They're hardly a POS. You've obviously never strapped yourself into a base model Cobalt. That said, I do find their ride very "floaty". Which is odd because the lower end Kias all have very stiff suspension. Nor can I really attest to their long term reliability, though they held up well as rentals.

I still put my vote in for the Honda Civic. I've had mine almost 10 years now without any major issues. They hold up very well. The Corolla is another option. It's a dull appliance car (even more so than the 9th gen Civic), but they're very reliable. The Focus and Fiesta are also solid. Fiesta's stock engine is a bit sluggish but they handle well.

I'm not a big fan of German cars, nor Chev and Dodge. Though Chev does have the Cruz diesel now, but it's a bit out of the OP's price range. A lot of people seem to like the Fiat 500. Might be worth a look if you want something small.
 
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Civic and Corolla will probably be the most problem-free. It's not BS, it's just what it is.

Focus or Mazda3 will probably be the best handling.

Versa is probably the best overall value. 15k or less and you're getting something pretty similar to the above compacts in the higher teens.

I'm thinking 2013's, though. Prices seem to be going up for 2014. If bang/buck is the desire, though, 2013 is probably the way to go, anyhow. Should be getting around a good time to buy leftover cars at a discount. Doesn't seem to happen so much with cheap cars, though...while dealers may get desperate to move that fully-loaded fullsize that they regret ordering...I doubt anyone's going to be clearancing Japanese compacts.
 
I definately have nothing against the Civic as my wife has a 2006 with 76,000 miles and my son has a 2002 with 178,000 miles but I personally am looking seriously at the Mazda 3.
 
To the poster who recommended focus and fiesta? How can you recommend this 2 model when owners of this cars complain about it?
 
7window said:
To the poster who recommended focus and fiesta? How can you recommend this 2 model when owners of this cars complain about it?
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Not that I'd want to drive a Fiesta or Focus, but you could say this about any car. I'm sure it wouldn't take long to find some Focus and Fiesta fanatics who rave about how awesome their car is, too.

Still, OP should check out the Dart.
 
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