Car Prices Blogs - March, 2012

The 5 Best and Most Affordable Midsize Sedans of 2012

March 25th, 2012

Instead of purchasing a large truck or SUV, American families are now more inclined in buying a smaller alternative for family transport.

Midsize sedans are presumably more comfortable and easier to drive and maneuver on tight parking spaces compared to a bulky SUV. If all you need is to carry five passengers and a small amount of stuff, then a midsize sedan is more than willing to tackle the job.

Perhaps the biggest reason for buying a normal sedan is the fuel economy. The 5 best and most affordable midsize sedans in our list all average more than 20 MPG in city driving, and not less than 29 MPG on the highway. With today’s fuel prices, it helps to have a car that utilizes every drop of fuel in an economical manner.

1. Ford Fusion and Ford Fusion Hybrid

Say hello to the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi on the picture above. This new model of the Ford Fusion will serve as the benchmark for other family sedans in the near future. Although the Fusion Energi is a plug-in hybrid, Ford promises that the new EcoBoost gas engines on the conventional Fusion will be better and more economical than the 23/33 city and highway rating of the old car. Regardless of the case, the 2012 Ford Fusion is still one of the best midsize sedans in America.

2. Chevrolet Malibu

The Chevrolet Malibu is a wonderful family car. It has a subtle yet aggressive design. It is also spacious, well-equipped, and rides comfortably even on rutted city roads. The cabin is also premium in design. The Malibu is also more affordable at around $22,100.

3. Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata offers a lot of standard features for the $19,795 base price. It has a direct-injected gasoline engine that gets 35 MPG on the highway. You also get electronic stability control and a host of airbags for an increased margin of safety.

4. Kia Optima

Yet another Korean car managed to make it to our list of the 5 best midsize sedans. This is further proof that style, value, and standard features need not be sacrificed in order to drive a decent car. Starting at just $21,000, the Kia Optima is more than a decent alternative; it is a car that deserves your attention.

5. Volkswagen Passat

Quality, engineering, and style: this is what you get from the Volkswagen Passat. With a base price of less than $20,000 the Passat offers more than just exceptional quality. It has a refined and luxurious interior and offers tons of space for four adult passengers. The Passat is also available with a diesel engine that averages 43 highway miles per gallon.

If you are searching for a new car, try asking for multiple price quotes online in order to know the latest new car prices. This enables you to compare prices and find the best deals without leaving home.

The 5 Best and Most Affordable Small Cars of 2012

March 19th, 2012

Do you want to jump start your way towards fuel savings? You should trade or sell your gas-guzzling sedan or SUV for an efficient small car.

The Europeans have been doing it for quite some time. Why waste money on a large and expensive SUV if all that you really need is a simple mode of transportation that will take you from point A to point B?

We now present to you our top pick for the 5 best and most affordable small cars of 2012. We took all the latest 2012 models and compared them according to price, performance, and fuel economy. If small cars used to be identified with cheap plastic parts and questionable build quality, the small cars of 2012 will change your perception when it comes to affordable and fun to drive vehicles.

1. Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta offers more for the humble $15,670 price tag. It offers superior driving dynamics, excellent handling, and a tech-filled interior for a more comfortable and convenient driving experience. The Fiesta returns 29/39mpg and is a top safety pick by the IIHS for 2012.

2. Honda Fit

The Honda Fit delivers a spacious interior, amazing versatility, and a fun to drive demeanor, all for just $15,175. Like the Ford Fiesta, the Honda Fit was also named as the top safety pick by the IIHS, making it an economical and safe choice for a small car. The Fit also returns 27/33mpg.

3. Chevrolet Sonic

Whether you choose the sedan or the hatchback, you are sure to enjoy every minute behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Sonic. With prices stating at only $13,865, the Sonic was also included in the IIHS top safety pick of 2012, and has an engine and transmission combo that returns 40mpg in highway driving.

4. Nissan Versa

Think that $10,000 is not enough to get you a brand new car? Think again. The Nissan Versa sedan starts at only $10,990 and is the cheapest new car in America. Also available in hatchback body trim, the Versa is able to provide comfortable accommodations, a well-built interior, and a quiet and smooth ride. It is also a safe car, being included in the IIHS top safety pick as well.

5. Kia Forte

The Kia Forte sedan starts at $15,200 and the hatchback is around $18,000. The Forte sedan was also named to the top safety pick of the IIHS and is one of the most stylish small cars in the road today. The Forte has a smooth and economical gasoline engine that returns 27mpg city and 37mpg highway.

When shopping for a new car, you should make car dealers compete so you can save more money. Find the actual dealer invoice of the car that you want and you are sure to find the best local deals in your zip code!

The 5 Best and Most Affordable Compact SUV’s for 2012

March 15th, 2012

The compact SUV has gone mainstream. It is now one of the best choices for an economical and compact family car. However, earlier models of compact SUV’s had heavier bodies and lethargic engines, which results in higher fuel consumption compared to a regular car.

But all of this has changed. Modern compact SUV’s have lighter bodies, sturdier construction, and outstanding quality. Best of all, they are now more fuel efficient and are easier to drive. Here are the 5 best and most affordable compact SUV’s for the money. Take your pick from what the automotive industry has to offer:

1. Kia Sportage

With space-age looks and a more refined interior, the Kia Sportage is a solid choice for a compact SUV. The Sportage offers premium looks at a friendly price. Prices start at around $18,500.

2. Hyundai Tucson

Another Korean brand is set to dominate the compact SUV category. The Hyundai Tucson offers generous levels of standard kit at an affordable stating price of $19,200.

3. Subaru Forester

The Forester is special because it has a rally-bred chassis, a powerful and efficient Boxer engine, and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive. This means that the Forester offers more grip and control over slippery situations. Base price starts at $20,700.

4. GMC Terrain

The GMC Terrain may be more expensive than the rest of the cars on the list but it offers plenty of interior space and a healthy dose of refinement. The GMC Terrain offers an abundance of luxury features without paying a premium price tag. Prices start at around $25,500.

5. Chevrolet Equinox

Expect new age styling, a comfortable and luxurious cabin, and a quiet and well-sorted ride when driving the Chevrolet Equinox. It also offers plenty of shoulder room and knee room for both the front and rear passengers for a relaxing driving experience. Prices start at $23,500.

Prices will vary depending on your zip code. Remember to compare car prices before heading to the dealership to get the most out of your hard earned money.

Car Prices, Specs and Features of 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Revealed

March 12th, 2012

2013 Chevy Malibu ECO

Have you been waiting for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu? Chevrolet has been on a roll since the Cruze was launched in 2011, and the new Malibu promises to be even better than the outgoing model.

Chevrolet is now offering the Chevrolet Malibu in ECO trim. The good? The Malibu ECO achieves 37mpg/highway by utilizing technology and advanced aerodynamics. The bad? The price. But we will get to that later.

For starters, the Malibu ECO has aero shutters that closes the air dam to create a more aerodynamic profile. The aero shutters are electronically activated to open again if the engine needs sufficient cooling (like driving in traffic, for example.)

But the Malibu ECO utilizes more than trick gadgetry to achieve phenomenal efficiency. The whole shape of the Malibu is partly responsible for the 37mpg rating. The bold exterior styling was created to provide beauty and substance in creating a smooth, aerodynamic shape. Even the tail lamps were designed to smoothly disperse the aero resistance of the car while travelling at speed.

Engine

The all new Chevrolet Malibu ECO is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder E-assist engine that generates 182hp. The engine is paired with a 15KW electric motor generator. The Malibu ECO is essentially a mild hybrid, utilizing the electric motor to store energy on lithium-ion batteries. The Malibu ECO has also a regenerative braking system that converts heat energy from the brakes to electrical energy. You never need to charge the batteries as the simple act of driving the car is enough to charge the batteries.

The Malibu ECO is rated at 25mpg city and 37mpg highway. The car uses the gasoline engine to accelerate and build up speed. When the car comes to a halt, the gasoline engine shuts down and the batteries take over to power the vehicle. The batteries can also provide a performance boost on demanding situations such as driving on a hill or during overtaking.

Fuel Economy

Imagine driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco with just a single tank of gas. That is approximately 580 highway miles. That is what it feels like to drive a car that is capable of 37 highway miles to the gallon.

Interior

The Chevrolet Malibu ECO has more room compared to the old car and still retains the dual-cockpit design theme on the interior. Ambient interior lighting gives the car a premium feel and the refined surfacing of the dashboard gives it an expensive and classy look. The Malibu ECO also has the Chevrolet MyLink System that uses voice command and a touchscreen to control the various functions and entertainment features of the car.

Safety

The chassis and the frame of the Chevrolet Malibu Eco was built for safety. The Malibu ECO comes standard with 8 airbags as well.

Price

Starting at $25,235 the Malibu ECO is not exactly cheap. But then again, it is not a normal car. You will have to wait for the other variants of the Chevrolet Malibu in the coming months, but with fuel prices reaching $4/gallon, it is hard not to take a look at what the Chevrolet Malibu has to offer.