Let's talk about cheap NEW cars

There's also the previous generation Forte5 SX with the "bigblock" 2.4. They're getting pretty cheap now.

In reply to Bobzilla:

Well, I was pretty incensed by that Forte5 SX turbo, until I saw that the combined cycle MPG is 24. That's about 10 down from everything else in the class, even a GTI or Focus ST...

Yeah, factory tuning is E36 M3. reflash by BTR puts this car up where it should be (mid 30's) and puts down an additional 45hp/35ft/lbs with no other mods. I swear no one knows how to factory tune their turbo GDI engines.

http://www.shopbtr.com/BTRcc-ECU-Tune-for-Kia-Forte-K3-16-T-GDI_p_3236.html

In reply to Bobzilla:

Okay, so what about that awesome factory warranty then? I really like the idea of these but if I have to void the warranty to break 30MPG, I'm out.

I blew through my 5/60 B2B on my second newish Hy/Kia without using it once.

I think the Fit is a great bang for your buck for a new vehicle. Also, you couldn't go wrong with a newer Mitsu Lancer or Outlander Sport with their warranty. I know this might be a left field choice but what about a used Leaf? You could pick one up well under your budget with not a lot of miles on it.

So, I'm considering the new Focii as well (would love an ST, but honestly the regular one isn't bad and is probably adequate for my needs). I asked over on FocusFanatics what people are paying for the new MK3s (OTD under $15k!) and got some very helpful Ford shopping info as a result:

If you are not in a rush to buy, the very first thing you need to do is go to Ford.com and request that brochures be mailed to you for several Ford models. These are NOT the exact same brochures that are in the Ford showrooms. Some of the brochures you receive in the mail will have a $500 additonal customer cash coupon. That coupon can be used in addition to any other discount or incentive you receive. The reason you need to request several brochures for different Ford models is that you don't know which brochure will have a coupon in it. (not all do) The coupon will work on any Ford vehicle. For example, if the Fiesta brochure has a $500 coupon, you can use that on a Focus. Next, research all the incentives currently available for your model: 2015 Ford Focus | View Current Incentives & Offers | Ford.com When you visit the dealer, do NOT tell him you have an additional $500 coupon until after he quotes you his best price. If he knows about the coupon he will try to charge you more. For reference, in my case, I purchased my 2013 Focus SE 5 speed Hatchback brand new in 2013 for 13,850 (after all incentives and dealer discounts) -$500 customer cash coupon from the brochure = $13,350 + TT&L. Good Luck.

Just bought a Cruze for kids to drive, as it's the family car, I get to drive it too! :D because the kids and wife drive it most, we got the 1.8 auto, still a fun little car. Having driven nothing but pickups and SUVs in recent years, I find the car to be light and toss able. I pretend to shift with the auto stick;), I do find the steering a little light. It has that electric assist. Seats 4 adults fine, and trunk is roomy enough for stuff. One thing we did that you can consider is buying a demo, less than 3000 miles on the car. We basically got the thing for their cost and it's already had the breakin oil change! I only have two real complaints, no cruise control, which really surprised me because the doggone thing has everything from Onstar to Bluetooth to wifi, and ugh...hubcaps. I hope to rectify the wheel situation next summer, but all in all, I would highly recommend the Cruze, even the salesman, I guy I know well, felt it was much safer than the Sonic, a little more meat around you. Just my .02 Also it does come with a diesel!