As if gas weren’t expensive enough, buying a car to put that gas into can be pretty pricey, as well. That is, it can if you do not know what you’re looking for. Here are five recent automotive releases that come in under $20,000, for those who are on a car budget.
2012 Mazda MAZDA3
This stylish vehicle packs a punch but is fuel efficient with a 4 cylinder 2.0 L engine. You can choose between a manual and automatic 6 speed transmission for this model. The real benefit of the 2012 model is the new SKYACTIV powertrain which gives the vehicle far more power than you would expect in a vehicle this size.
2012 Honda Civic
The Civic was redesigned for 2012 and has a lot to offer, considering it comes in at a very reasonable base price of just under $20k. Your best bet for value on the dollar is a Honda sedan or coupe. With a 1.8 L four cylinder engine, these vehicles are good on gas and still bring the value.
2012 Chevrolet Cruz
This fairly recent addition to the Chevy stable is spacious, fuel efficient and starts at just $16,720. A 1.8 L 4 cylinder engine gives you plenty of push and for less than $2,000 more, you can bump that up to 1.4 L with turbocharge. The Cruz ECO will give you even better mileage, up to 42 mpg.
2012 Kia Soul
For those looking at a low cost crossover, this is the vehicle to consider. It comfortably seats four adults and looks great. Kia has stepped up in recent years to provide better quality vehicles and the Soul is proof of that. The base model comes in at less thank $14,000, making this the most economical car on the list. It boasts a 1.6 L four cylinder engine and plenty of great features, even on the base model.
2012 Hyundai Elantra
In addition to a $17,440 price tag, this vehicle will save you money on gas, too. The 1.8 L four cylinder engine features a brand new ActiveECO System which helps regulate engine and transmission performance.
Keep in mind that all of these prices are for the basic vehicles. It is very easy to boost automotive prices once you start adding features. When you move up to a new trim level, keep in mind that it will cost more and may not fall under the less than $20k listing anymore. That being said, these are all quality vehicles that will give you plenty of bang for your buck.
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Gane Alobach is an executive of an automotive company based out of Stillwater, Oklahoma that reviews new cars. He also provides marketing development services for other small business within the cash for cars industry.