Best new car for $15K or under?

[jwight]

Currently looking at the smart car but would consider something else with comparable mpg. All suggestions welcome, but please, no used cars and no "$15K base but $18K as tested" models. Thanks!

[MVR 155]

I think you can pick up a Chevy Aveo for that money, they are great on gas. Your gonna be pretty limited for new cars under $15K

[Wicked C5]

Originally Posted by MVR 155

I think you can pick up a Chevy Aveo for that money, they are great on gas. Your gonna be pretty limited for new cars under $15K

That is a Daewoo .

For the money I think I might pick up a Pontaic Vibe I've scene them brand new in the paper for $11,999 + fees. Also I've scene a few HHR's for $12,995 + fees also

[C3 RV]

At the $15K price point, why not seriously consider some used cars? A $15K new car is usually a stripped down, underpowered, and uncomfortable car you won't be happy with and will depreciate like mad. There are plenty of $15K 2-3 year old used cars with low miles, GM certified with 100K drivetrain warranty, comfortable, sufficient power, and will depreciate more slowly.

[Hwy1]

I think u can get a stripped Honda Civic for about $15

[silversport]

That Pontiac Vibe will have a LOT of Toyota Corolla DNA (Matrix sister ship) and will give you room, utility and isn't bad at all...for the price quoted it might be a steal too...I had one for a week as a loaner and other than lacking in power (but nicer mileage...of course I am coming from my GTO) it was nice...
Bill

[Tom/99]

I bought my daughter a Cobalt for under 15k. It a great little car, no problems at all, and gets great gas mileage in the stop and go traffic she has to drive in.

[Hwy1]

I just found a Auto club mag from May of this year its opinion of best cars under 15k: Chevy Aveo LS, Chevy Cobalt, Dodge Caliber, Ford Focus, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa, Saturn Ion, Toyota Scion, Toyota Yaris..............

[cfl70]

honda fit.great car, great gas mileage

[jwight]

Thanks for all the input; mpg is the main goal here so even most used cars don't meet it.

Originally Posted by cfl70

honda fit.great car, great gas mileage

I agree; excellent car but at least in SW Ohio finding one under $15K is difficult.

[MidLifeinMI]

Originally Posted by silversport

That Pontiac Vibe will have a LOT of Toyota Corolla DNA (Matrix sister ship) and will give you room, utility and isn't bad at all...for the price quoted it might be a steal too...I had one for a week as a loaner and other than lacking in power (but nicer mileage...of course I am coming from my GTO) it was nice...
Bill

+1 one the Vibe, if you can find one under $15K. We've had ours for 5 years, and the only expenditures have been tires, battery, and wiper blades (68K miles and still on the original brakes). We get between 29-34MPG and it's got more room in it (passenger AND cargo) than a lot of SUVs. I have an HHR right now as a rental car, and I like the Vibe better in most ways.

[wayne lowry]

Originally Posted by jwight

Thanks for all the input; mpg is the main goal here so even most used cars don't meet it.



I agree; excellent car but at least in SW Ohio finding one under $15K is difficult.

I think that is almost as horrible looking as the smart car.
A Cobalt or Focus can be had for less than 15 and an Aveo for less than 11K

[belmor]

Look at a Nissan Versa, tons of room for the size and can be had for 15k with power everything/cd before incentives, the look is a little different but my mom has one and loves it, the car does not "feel cheap" like a focus/cobalt/neon
~B~

[CaddyJimz06]

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer should also be one that you consider. I think it offers the most bang for your buck.

[sub006]

With the new slightly bigger MINI coming out there are some deals on new leftover originals.

It's more like $18,000 but with the small engine and stick you get phenomenal mileage. And if the 'Vette's in the shop you could take the MINI autocrossing. They are street-legal go karts.

[SLO VETTE]

why not a nice used car that would otherwise be $10-15k higher when new? might be better off with a better car, and face less depreciation.