Looking for a new car and you’re not sure where to turn? We’ve done some of the research for you, so dig in below and perhaps get a head start on finding your new wheels!
Affordable Wheels Nissan VersaBest is subjective, but Nissan’s Versa can be found brand spankin’ new for just under $13,000. According to the calculator at Edmunds.com, this means that for 60 months of $200/mo. payments, 6.99% interest and $1,000 down… this, the cheapest car on the U.S. Market, can be yours. Looks like the best deal for us working class folk is still on the used lot. However, the good news is that the value differential will probably put you behind the wheel of something that feels less like a cardboard box.
A Great Family Transport Ford FusionNo two families are alike, so suggesting that there’s one-vehicle-fits-all is ridiculous. Power, capability and mileage run all over the place, but here are some suggestions if you’re really stumped: Chevy Suburban for families that’re spawning like rabbits, Ford’s Fusion or Subaru’s WRX for those with a dad that still wants to feel a bit sporty and enough room to keep the kids out of the trunk, Honda’s Odyssey for those minivan lovers out there, or perhaps a Nissan Pathfinder for a little bit of the best from each category. Either way, don’t get something that’ll embarrass your kids… they’ll never let you live it down.
Best Truck For All You Truckers Dodge Ram 1500Motor Trend’s 2014 Truck of the Year goes to the Dodge Ram 1500. The new Ram 1500 is the first half-ton, diesel truck to come on the market in the last 15 years. No longer is diesel considered by consumers to be the loud slow-moving, smog maker it once was. Featuring a 4.3-liter, Eco-Tec V-6 engine, Dodge claims18/25 mpg city and highway respectively. Judges rated the EcoDiesel highest in towing ease, and with 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque this quickly climbs into the top spot for anyone that needs to do regular hauling or off-road work. At a base price of around $50k it’ll cost a pretty penny, but save in the long run where the gas-guzzlers of the past hit the pocketbook the hardest.
Sport and Utility Subaru ForesterOnce only existing as gas-guzzling monsters, this class of vehicle has slimmed down over the years and now makes a pretty great choice for, well, anyone. According to Motor Trend, which has made the somewhat affordable (starting at $24k) Subaru Forester their SUV of the year, competition like the popular Range Rover, Kia Sorento and Jeep Grand Cherokee just couldn’t stand up in terms of price to car. Not a heavy lifter (can only tow 1,500lbs.), its small size retains functionality while still providing 21.9 mpg.
Driving Green Honda Accord FusionFor those of you that put your money where your mouth is when it comes to being environmentally conscious, the car to check out is Green Car Reports’ “Best Car to Buy” award-winning Honda Accord hybrid. With a mpg range of 40 to 52 and about 185 hp, it seems to either inch or leap past all competitors in nearly every category, beating out the Sonata, Prius, Fusion and Camry. Looks wise it’s nothing special, but the post-2010 “suppository” shaped vehicles seem to be doing it for the average consumer. And in a market where “hybrid” has become such a polarizing term, the sell-ability certainly isn’t hurt by flying its semi-electric flag low. Base price is around $23k, topping out at around $41k.
Dream Car Lamborghini VenenoEvery car aficionados out there has a dream car. Mine, for example, would be a free car that runs on air. At the opposite end of the spectrum, however, is the Lamborghini Veneno, which can be had for about $4 million. That’s so expensive, it’s almost like it wraps around and becomes honorarily free, right? It’ll get you from 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds and top out at about 221 mph. It also looks like a freakin’ spaceship. Strap on some lasers and you’re golden.
