The recent economic downfall has caused many consumers to re-evaluate their purchases. Big price tag items, especially vehicles, are not as popular as before. For those still interested in purchasing a new vehicle, affordability and dependability are extremely important. Finally, given the crazy fluctuations in fuel prices, getting excellent miles per gallon is also a major factor in new vehicle purchase decisions. Here is a quick look at some of the best deals for 2009-2010 vehicles that sport dependability, good fuel efficiency, and of course, an excellent price tag.
The Kia Sportage, priced at $16,713(MSRP) is a very low-priced SUV. It certainly is not the fanciest SUV, but it is very dependable. In 2009, a Consumer Reports report ranked the Sportage high in dependability. Fuel efficiency is decent (for a sports utility vehicle), running at roughly 22 MPG, holding 15.3 gallons in the 2.0L version, and 17.2 gallons of fuel in the 2.7L version of this popular entry-level SUV. Interestingly enough, Kia Sportage is also ranked as a very low-cost vehicle to insure, thanks to a recent report by Insure.com, where this SUV was ranked at #2 in the “Ten Least Expensive to Insure” category. The 2010 model of the Kia Sportage.
For a super low-priced option, consider the Nissan Versa. One of the least pricey cars of 2009, this sedan from Nissan has a MSRP of $9,990. It gets so-so miles per gallon, clocking in at 29 mpg. The car comes with a 1.6 liter HR16DE engine, and is available in 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic versions. Edmunds.com gave the Nissan Versa a fairly glowing review, raving about the “feature content” included in the vehicle (Bluetooth options, sunroof, iPod integration, and other extra options), as well as it having “comfortable transportation” and “roomy interior.”
Finally, to round out the list, let’s take a look at the car named as the “most dependable sub-compact car” by J.D. Power and Associates., the Hyundia Accent, rebranded as the Hyundia Verna. Granted, it was a 2008 report, but such a measure of reliability demands mentioning. It’s price is incredibly low, starting at $9,970 (MSRP) making it an extremely affordable option for budget-minded individuals and families looking for a new car. Lastly, it has fairly good fuel efficiency, right at 33 mpg for highway driving in the manual version, 35 mpg in the automatic version.
Sources:
Love, Douglas. Consumer Reports’ 2009 Annual Car Reliability Survey.
USNews staff. “The Most Expensive Cars to Insure.” http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/090603-The-Most-Expensive-Cars-to-Insure/
Edmuds staff. “Nissan Versa Review.” http://www.edmunds.com/nissan/versa/2009/review.html
Elliot, Hannah. “Most Affordable 2009 Vehicles.” http://www.forbes.com/2008/12/16/2009-affordable-cars-forbeslife-cx_he_1216cars.html
Trainor, Jim. :Hyundai Accent Named Most Dependable Sub-Compact Car
