Car Prices Blogs - Car Price Comparison Archive

Car Price Comparison: Ford Flex versus Toyota Highlander

April 3rd, 2012

The Toyota Highlander is still a valid contender in the midsize SUV category. However, the Ford Flex dares to add a dose of style and advanced driving dynamics into the niche. Let us see how the Toyota Highlander fares against the Ford Flex.

Price

The Ford Flex starts at around $30,800 and the Toyota Highlander has a base price of $28,200. The Flex is more expensive, but it does have unique styling and an overall premium feel compared to the Highlander.

The base model Ford Flex also comes with additional equipment such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, parking sensors, and a power operated driver’s seat.

When it comes to cost, the Highlander wins because it has a more affordable base price. But if you don’t mind paying an additional $2,000 or more for more style and added features on the Ford Flex, then you will not be disappointed either.

Safety

Both the Ford Flex and the Toyota Highlander were named to the 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick in the midsize SUV category. Both vehicles come standard with anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and a host of airbags for better crash protection.

Power, Performance and Fuel Economy

Both vehicles were not designed for all-out performance, but engine power will determine how well the vehicle reacts to a slight push of the pedal, and will also affect fuel economy.

In this regard, the Ford Flex gains an advantage over the Toyota Highlander. The base model Ford Flex comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 285hp and 25 MPG highway. The base Highlander is powered by a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine with 187hp and 25 MPG highway. If you choose the more expensive Highlander with the V6 engine, you can only muster 270hp and 24 MPG highway.

Interior Space and Overall Comfort

The Ford Flex has a more unusual, unique, and premium exterior design over the Toyota Highlander, and this trend continues inside the interior. The Flex is incredibly roomy for seven adults, and the third row seat was designed to fit real human beings. The cabin is also wrapped in soft touch plastics that further enhance the premium feel.

The Toyota Highlander provides vast amounts of space in the front and in the back, but it lacks room in the third-row seats, making them only suitable for children or vertically-challenged adults.

The Ford Flex is comfortable to drive, and the suspension is able to soak up and muffle unnecessary road noise from entering the cabin. The Toyota Highlander is also comfortable to drive, but the Ford Flex has sharper steering that makes it totally fun to drive.

The Toyota Highlander is a solid choice if you are looking for a competent, versatile, and reliable family SUV. On the other hand, the Ford Flex is ideal if you are looking for something different and more fun to drive, without losing the capability to carry the entire family.

Find the lowest new car prices for the Ford Flex and the Toyota Highlander in under a minute, so you can instantly figure out which vehicle is better suited for your needs and budget.

Volkswagen Beetle versus Hyundai Veloster Car Price Review

February 13th, 2012

Since we are talking about car prices, let us start with the basics. If you are considering a small and stylish car, then both the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle and the 2012 Hyundai Veloster are worthy candidates indeed.

The redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has retro cool looks while the Hyundai Veloster sports a more modern and upscale look. Both cars have almost the same price and cater to the same demographic of buyers. Both also shed some practicality for some added style, and both cars are extremely fun to look at and fun to drive.

VW Beetle

The VW Beetle starts at $18,995 in base trim, and the top end black turbo edition can breach past $24,950. Base models get standard equipment such as air conditioning, full power accessories, CD player, heated mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The base model Beetle is powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that develops 170hp. A 5-speed manual transmission can be paired with the engine, but the six-speed remains a good option. Average fuel economy is 25mpg combined.

Hyundai Veloster

The Hyundai Veloster starts at $17,300 and offers a novelty that is absent on most sporty hatchbacks–it has a passenger-side rear door that improves the practicality of this sporty coupe. The Veloster does not belong to any specific category due to the presence of the third rear door, but it does add convenience without doing any harm to the flowing lines of the car.

The Veloster comes standard with tech gadgets such as Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, 6-speaker audio system with iPod connectivity, and a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia interface. It also comes with full power accessories, LED exterior lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and Hyundai’s Blue Link system.

Power comes courtesy of a 138hp 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. If you love steering mounted paddle shifts, then you should opt for the DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fuel economy is at an average of 32mpg in the combined cycle.

There you have it. The Volkswagen starts at a higher base price but the retro stylish looks comes at a price. The Veloster sparks the imagination at a lower base price, and it adds a ton of standard equipment to the already impressive price tag.

One thing is for sure, though: buyers who are considering the Beetle or the Veloster for their next car will turn heads, no matter where they go.

Learn the invoice price and the true dealer cost of the VW Beetle and Hyundai Veloster by requesting a free, no obligations price quote. This is an easy, no-cost way to know the latest car prices in your zip code.

How to Compare the Cost of New Cars

January 30th, 2012

New car prices are subject to change depending on a variety of factors. This makes it hard to compare the cost of new cars.

We are here to provide you with a few simple tips on how to figure out which is the best car to buy.

Remember that buying a new car is similar to buying a laptop computer: what’s the use of spending close to $1,000 on a powerful gaming laptop if all you need is a portable computer for word processing duties?

It is the same with a car. Sure, you may have the means to buy an expensive luxury SUV but do you frequently carry more than 4 passengers? Do you live near an area where unpaved roads are considered civilized?

You need to be wise when it comes to buying a new car. In order to fully understand the logic behind comparing new car prices, let us use the base models of the Chevrolet Cruze and the Honda Civic.

Compare the Cost of New Cars

If you have a particular car in mind, you should compare the price with another car in the same trim model. This will make it easier which car offers the most standard equipment and safety features for the price. In this example, we will use the base model Cruze LS and the Civic DX.

Chevrolet Cruze LS

The Cruze LS is priced at $16,800. The LS comes equipped with a 1.8-liter four cylinder engine with 138hp. Standard equipment includes a 6-speed manual transmission, 10 airbags, stability and traction control, OnStar, Sirius satellite radio, air conditioning, and Bluetooth.

Honda Civic DX

The Civic DX is priced at $15,805. The DX comes equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 140hp. Standard equipment includes a 5-speed manual transmission, stability control, front-seat and side curtain airbags, power windows, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

Summary

It is easy to see that the Cruze LS is more expensive than the Civic, but it does offer more standard equipment for the price. The base model Civic DX does not come with air conditioning or satellite radio.

The Civic does offer more power, but the Cruze offers a bigger body, hence a roomier interior.

Which car should you buy? The Civic is an industry leader in terms of reliability, but the Cruze is proving to be a solid and well-built car as well.

This will all depend on your personal preference. If you prefer comfort, space, and refinement in a compact car then paying the extra money for the Chevrolet Cruze makes a lot of sense.

If you are a first time car buyer and would prefer a sporty driving demeanor with the durability of a tank, then the Honda Civic is the right car.

Want to see the complete lineup of new car prices in your area? Request a free price quote, and you will find it easier to determine which car brings the best value for your money.

The 3 Best and Most Affordable Midsize Sedans for 2012

December 26th, 2011

The Toyota Camry is still one of the most capable midsize sedans in the market today. However, the competition is slowly catching up in all aspects of the trade, including on-road performance and price.

The market is now literally brimming with choices if you want a midsize sedan. The 3 best and most affordable midsize sedans for 2012 are those that deliver style, comfort, and substance at a very friendly price. Now is the best time to choose a family car!

The 3 Best and Cheapest Midsize Sedans for 2012

1. Ford Fusion

Base price: $20,200

The Ford Fusion is a perfect blend of everything that is deemed pleasant in a family car. The Fusion has clean styling cues that is not too sporty nor is too conservative, either. It provides ample seating for five people and provides a lot of room for cargo as well. The Ford Fusion also delivers a smooth and pleasant ride while still allowing the driver to relish the responsiveness of the chassis and the steering. In short, the Fusion is spacious, fun to drive, well equipped, and starts at only $20,200.

2. Hyundai Sonata

Base price: $19,695

Wondering why Hyundai cars are slowly gaining ground in the highly competitive automotive market? The Hyundai Sonata is just one of the brilliant cars in the Hyundai lineup and starts at just $19,695. Many experts are saying that the Sonata is a serious contender in the midsize sedan category and is even capable of outclassing top contenders such as the Honda Accord and, yes, the Toyota Camry as well. The Sonata delivers a roomy and spacious interior, inspired levels of performance, and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.

3. Suzuki Kizashi

Base price: $18,999

Why is Suzuki building a midsize sedan? Why not? The Kizashi is one of the sportiest and most dynamic sedans that money can buy. Starting at a low base price of $18,999 and available with the option of all-wheel drive (AWD), the Kizashi offers European inspired looks and the handling capabilities of a more expensive sports sedan. The interior is made from high quality an durable materials that will never look out of place in an entry level luxury car. The Kizashi delivers plenty of bang for the buck.

Keep in mind that car prices will vary according to your zip code. When searching for the perfect family car, the 3 best and cheapest midsize sedans should certainly be on top of your shopping list.

The Cheapest Cars for 2012

December 19th, 2011

Everything is more expensive nowadays, including cars. However, this does not mean that you don’t get anything in return as modern cars are now equipped with all the latest tech gadgets and safety features.

It’s a common fact that not everyone can afford an Audi A7 although it would be nice to drive one to work. Want a new car but is short on cash? Fret not. Here is a short list of the cheapest cars for 2012:

Cheapest Cars of 2012

1. Hyundai Accent GLS Sedan

The Hyundai Accent used to lord it over other entry-level cars in terms of price. Hyundai chose to make the Accent more comfortable, refined and easy on the eyes, and the result is the 2012 Hyundai Accent. It borrows some of the styling cues of other Hyundai cars such as the Sonata, Elantra, and Veloster and starts at only $14,195.

2. Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris carries the same strength of other popular Toyota models as it is refined, extremely durable, and is capable of lasting hundreds of thousands of miles. The Yaris remains to be a safe and solid choice for a subcompact car and is a bargain at $14,115.

3. Chevrolet Sonic Sedan

The Chevrolet Sonic is the newest subcompact car from American car maker Chevrolet. First time car buyers are the primary target but the Sonic will also appeal to those who want an affordable subcompact that is comfortable, sporty, and practical at the same time. The Chevrolet Sonic sedan starts at $13,735.

4. Kia Rio Sedan

While the all new 2012 Kia Rio 5-door is a tad more expensive then the Kia Rio sedan, both cars remain to be the cheapest that money can buy. The Kia Rio sedan has a base price of $12,295 while the Rio 5-door starts at $13,600.

5. Nissan Versa

It is interesting to note that the Hyundai Accent used to be the cheapest car in the market but it is now eclipsed by the Nissan Versa. Priced at around $10,990, the Versa gives the driver an impressive level of standard equipment that includes six airbags, air conditioning, a CD player and ABS brakes.

Remember that car dealers will not always provide the same price for any type of car. Simplify your car shopping experience for 2012! Try a free quote and find out how you can further save money on an already cheap car.

How to Figure Out the Actual Price on a New Car

August 29th, 2011

The actual new car prices of all models sold today can be tricky considering that dealers will do anything in their power to earn a marginal profit.

Nothing bad about that. Besides, dealerships need to earn money in order to continue providing the best service. However, figuring out the actual car prices will further help you save money on a new car. Remember that it is possible to save money on any type of car. Whichever model or marquee you choose, you need to perform some research in order to effectively negotiate the price of the car and come up with a price that is considered ample for both you and the car dealer.

With that in mind, you will need to determine the dealer invoice and true dealer cost. The dealer invoice indicates how much the car dealer had to pay for the car while the true dealer cost integrates the dealer invoice to come up with a real on-the-road price.

The true dealer cost can be obtained by performing the simple calculation below:

True Dealer Cost = dealer invoice + destination charges + vehicle options – holdback

The true on-the-road price or actual price can be computed as follows:

Actual cost = true dealer cost + taxes and licensing – rebates

Ask for a free quote and obtain the dealer invoice to accurately figure out the actual price on any make and model of car.

Car Price Vs Fuel Economy

May 9th, 2011

As car prices increase and hybrid car options appear, both leave a huge list of pros and cons when you compare new car prices.

Cars such as Nissan Leaf are very popular at the moment, specially after being nominated as “Global Car of the Year” at the New York Auto Show. However, the Leaf is a pricey car, starting at $32.000, which for most consumers would be considered simply too much. This reason only is making consumers choose to buy a cheaper car with good mpg average.

On the other hand, if you manage to get an electric car, this after being put on a waiting list, you will truly experience a 100% electric car with the best and latest battery technology. The car can be charged from any standard plug and even though it has a gasoline engine it does not use it to run the car, only to charge. It is not only great in fuel money saving but also for the environment.

There are also a few vehicle incentives to be applied to electric cars. What do you think about electric cars?

Comparing Car Leasing Vs Car Buying

April 25th, 2011

When your car lease term is up, you may decide you want to buy the car and keep it. Keep in mind that it may or may not be a good deal, depending on the buyout price and your specific circumstances. There could be a number of good reasons for you to buy the car:

  • You really like the car and the buyout price is fair.
  • You don’t want the hassle of starting a new lease or buying a new car.
  • You’ve exceeded the number of miles allowed and want to avoid penalties.
  • There is excess wear and tear on the car, and you want to avoid the fees.
  • You know the car’s mechanical history and know that it’s reliable.
  • The first thing to do is to find out the buyout price of the vehicle and if it’s negotiable, and how far you can negotiate it down. Keep in mind that the leasing company ultimately wants you to buy the car. Check the current blue book value of that vehicle and also take into consideration the current condition of the vehicle and anything that you may owe, such as extra mileage fees.

    Don’t mention if you are over the allowed mileage limit or that there is excess wear and tear on the car. If they know this, they will realize they have you over a barrel and might be less willing to negotiate on the price. Allow several weeks to negotiate the final price for the car and assume that the negotiations will probably go right up to the return date for the car. Just make sure you have reached a fair price and that you are aware of any other related fees before you agree to the deal.

    New Cars: Electric Vs Gasoline

    April 4th, 2011

    Despite great efforts from the government to push consumers into buying more expensive electric cars, car manufacturers are somewhat winning the battle by providing revamped, more fuel efficient new models. These new vehicles such as the Chevy Cruze have proven to reach over fifty mpg in the highway, a number rarely ever seen in the past years.

    If you are buying a new electric car, you can apply for a $7.500 tax credit, even with such huge incentives, electric cars aren’t being sold in great quantity. On the contrary, big car manufacturers such as Chevy, Hyundai and Ford (ones not receiving subsidies from the government) are pulling successful numbers with it comes to car sales of fuel efficient cars.

    The Washington Post recently published an interesting note on this matter. It reads: “…the best immediate hope for restraining the nation’s fuel consumption might be some new vehicles that, although powered by conventional engines, run efficiently because they have been stripped of unnecessary weight, streamlined to move smoothly and equipped with gas-sipping engines.”

    Smaller fuel efficient cars not only cost less when compared to electric cars, but are easier to maintain. If you would like to compare hybrid car prices , please browse through our pages and request as many free price quotes as you like.

    Comparing Top Five Cars Leading in Fuel Economy

    March 14th, 2011

    As gas prices scale up, we thought it might come in handy listing out top- five-list of vehicles leading in fuel economy. All cars are under the price of $30.000, do at least 30 miles per gallon and offer quality and safety features.

    Top Models are:

    • 2011 Chevrolet Aveo
    • 2011 GMC Terrain
    • 2011 Kia Soul
    • 2011 Nissan Sentra
    • 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

    The list counts with two sedans, one SUV, a crossover and a wagon, proving that not only subcompacts offer fuel efficiency.

    With gas prices expected to hit the $4.50 this spring, customers are in urgent need of good options. Take the time to study your best options and feel free to compare internet car prices when you visit us at CompetingCarPrices.Com