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

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.

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

MidLifeinMI

+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

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.