What is the best sub 12,000 dollar new car?

[episodic]

Subject says it all. . .

I'm in the market for a very low cost new car.

 

[indamixx99]

Scion?
Isn't there a car thread now?

 

[theeedude]

wrong forum

 

[RaistlinZ]

Yaris Sedan

Or, if you want absolutely dirt cheap you can go with a Chevy Aveo. But I can tell ya from first hand experience renting them out all day at work that they are pretty crappy.

 

[Ryan]

You'll buy much more car if you look into slightly used models - hell, even certified used with 10K miles or something. I've come to the point where I realize that buying new is a waste of money....

 

[RossMAN]

Wrong forum.

The Hyundai Elantra GLS gets my vote and you can find it for < $12,000 if you know where to look.

 

[foghorn67]

Originally posted by: Ryan
You'll buy much more car if you look into slightly used models - hell, even certified used with 10K miles or something. I've come to the point where I realize that buying new is a waste of money....

yep. Heed this man's advice.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Wrong forum.

The Hyundai Elantra GLS gets my vote and you can find it for < $12,000 if you know where to look.

Yeah, they are advertising them here for $11888 with Auto and AC. Body was restyled this year and the car is now classified as a mid-size.

I'm looking for a commuter car too and might check these out, but the reported buzziness above 72 MPH would be a deal killer.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Wrong forum.

The Hyundai Elantra GLS gets my vote and you can find it for < $12,000 if you know where to look.

Yeah, they are advertising them here for $11888 with Auto and AC. Body was restyled this year and the car is now classified as a mid-size.

I'm looking for a commuter car too and might check these out, but the reported buzziness above 72 MPH would be a deal killer.

That's a great deal considering it's automatic and AFAIK A/C is standard on the Elantra.

From the Edmunds.com link I posted earlier:

2007 Hyundai Elantra Limited Sedan Shown

Just call the Hyundai Elantra the comeback kid. Introduced in the early '90s, the economy-priced sedan didn't exactly get off to an auspicious beginning. Early Elantras quickly earned a well-deserved reputation for overall shoddiness and unreliability.

Things improved somewhat with the second generation, but it wasn't until its third generation that the Hyundai Elantra really hit its stride. Introduced in model-year 2001, this Elantra offered improved reliability, agreeable performance and a long list of standard features. Suddenly, this Korean automaker's longtime also-ran began to look like a good value.

Hyundai's sedan is currently in its fourth generation, and this Elantra is the best ever. Take it for a spin and you'll likely be impressed by its smooth ride and responsive handling. Throw in its roomy cabin (which features a backseat that's spacious enough to accommodate grown-ups with ease), solid build quality and lengthy list of safety features, and the Elantra establishes itself as a formidable competitor in its category.

Shortcomings? You'll find one or two with a new or used Elantra. Still, these blemishes vanish into insignificance when you consider what a great value this Hyundai is for its low price. If you're looking for a small sedan that suits a tight budget, this one belongs on your short list of contenders.

Current Hyundai Elantra

The fourth-generation Elantra made its debut in model-year 2007. The current version maintains all the strengths of the previous-generation model: a low price, capable performance and a spacious cabin. But it also takes a big step forward, offering the sort of sharp lines and crisper-than-ever handling sure to breathe new life into its somewhat bland image.

Three trims are available. The base GLS offers full power accessories but not much else. Most shoppers will be happier with the SE, as it comes with most of the features we expect for this class. There's also a top-of-the-line Limited trim with amenities like heated leather seats. All Elantras come with a healthy assortment of safety features, including front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and anti-whiplash front head restraints.

Hyundai's compact sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 good for 138 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. If you're purchasing your Elantra in California or one of the Northeastern states, you'll get a car that's SULEV/PZEV-certified, with a 132-hp rating.

Slide inside the Elantra and you'll find a cabin that transcends that of most others in this category. The look of the interior is more high-end than you'd expect, with attention paid to details like gauge illumination and build quality. There are lots of nooks and bins for storage, and both front and rear passengers are greeted with ample head-, shoulder- and legroom.

In editorial reviews, the Hyundai Elantra scored points for its brisk acceleration and stable ride quality. Gripes concerned the din made by the car's engine above 3,500 rpm, and the presence of a few cheap plastics on the dash. In consumer reviews, the Elantra was lauded for its sleek looks, fuel-efficient engine, and spacious, upscale interior.

Past Hyundai Elantra models

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