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Best new cars you can buy this year for less than $20k

Check out our lists of some of the class leading new cars under $20000. Find out which might be the best fit for you and your driving style.

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Auto Sales > Car Advice > Cars Under > The Best New Cars for Under $20000

The Best New Cars for Under $20000

Harry Lloyd

Best New Cars for Under $20000

Get the best of the new $20,000 cars

One of the most fiercely competitive markets for cars is the new cars under $20000. These are some of the most popular and highest advertised vehicles for sale, so it's no surprise that car manufacturers put so much emphasis into making quality options in this price range.

We all know that different people value different things in their cars, so here we have the best three options for several different priorities that care commonly important to drivers in this segment; from gas mileage to interior room. No matter what you value most in your new cars, we can help by showing where to start your search.

Best gas mileage

2012 Model Name Starting MSRP Max City / Hwy MPG
2012 Toyota Prius C
Toyota Prius C $18,950 53 / 46
2012 Honda Insight
Honda Insight $18,500 41 / 44
2012 Chevy Cruze
Chevy Cruze $16,800 28 / 42

With gas prices rising all the time, mpg numbers have become one of the most important stats on new cars. If fuel economy is your number one concern, you can't beat the 2012 Toyota Prius C. This city car has the best gas mileage of any vehicle outside of plug in hybrids, and certainly has the best in this price range. If you want something roomier, check out the 2012 Chevy Cruze.

Most comfortable
2012 Model Name Starting MSRP Max City / Hwy MPG
2012 Honda Fit
Honda Fit $15,325 28 / 35
2012 Mazda 5
Mazda 5 $19,625 21 / 28
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
Dodge Grand Caravan $20,995 17 / 25

These are some of the most comfortable cars to haul your whole family around in. If you frequently drive a lot of people around, these cars are definitely where you should start your search.

Most fun to drive
2012 Model Name Starting MSRP Max City / Hwy MPG
2012 Mazda 3
Mazda 3 $15,200 28 / 40
2012 Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Elantra $15,345 29 / 40
2012 Chevy Sonic LTZ
Chevy Sonic LTZ $16,665 26 / 35

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra not only looks great, it is also a very fun car to take around town. The 2012 Mazda 3, with its new turbocharged SkyActiv engines, has much more zip than you might expect, and it also gets great gas mileage.

Overall winners
2012 Model Name Starting MSRP Max City / Hwy MPG
2012 Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Elantra $15,345 29 / 40
2012 Chevy Cruze
Chevy Cruze $16,800 28 / 42
2012 Ford Fusion
Ford Fusion $20,705 41 / 36
2012 Kia Optima
Kia Optima $19,500 35 / 40

These four cars have really brought it all together in a good balance of what we think drivers in this segment want. These are pretty easy cars to recommend to anyone.

The 2012 Ford Fusion will also be seeing some price cuts since the newly redesigned one is coming out soon. The 2012 Kia Optima is another super stylish car that is much more than just a pretty face. It even has a hybrid trim that is not super expensive.

As you can see, there are many high quality options in this price range. Take your time and get the best deal on the car you would most like to drive.



Previous Spend Only $10000 to $15000 for These New Cars

Next Find Local Affordable Cars Under $2,000


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Further Reading

Find Local Affordable Cars Under $2,000

March 30, 2013

It can be a very difficult thing to experience, when you're on an already tight budget and you find yourself in need of a car. Should this happen there are plenty of options available to you, while realistically you won't be getting that brand new Mercedes Benz, but you can find plenty of used cars under 2000 easily.

Finding Cars Under 3000 in Georgia is Easy

March 26, 2013

The key thing to getting the best deal around you is simply going out and researching your possible purchases. In your quest of car buying in Georgia you may find yourself using the internet. Doing this is one of the most preffered ways to car buying and has grown over the last few years.

Find and Buy Affordable Cars Under $8000

March 25, 2013

Even during rough economic times it is good to know, and great to have the ability to get a car for a cheap price. This can be very helpful to those that are looking to get a car for a child, or just need to replace their aging vehicle. It's a satisfying feeling getting that vehicle because no matter the condition it was sold in, it is always a new car to you.

Find Cars Under $10,000 Using the Internet

March 11, 2013

Car buying with the internet has never been simpler. With plenty of selections available to you instantly it is hard to deny the ease of using the internet when buying a car. This especially comes in handy when you're looking for a specific car under a certain amount of money.

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