6 new and used cars you can get for under $20,000
From sedans to hatchbacks to an SUV.
Boston.com Cars is your go-to resource for coverage of local car news, events, and reviews. In the market for a car or truck? Check out our new car specials and used car specials curated by our local dealer network.
Each week, Boston.com profiles several cars that consumers can find for below a certain price point in an effort to help you find your dream car faster. The cars listed here include new and used models and consider current financial incentives, and the prices are either starting MSRPs for newer vehicles or Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price for used vehicles.
2016 Mazda Mazda3
2016 Mazda Mazda3.
Starting MSRP: $17,845
Why it’s worth the price: The Mazda3 is a great choice among compact cars that’s available as either a sedan or a hatchback body style. It starts below $18,000, which is lower than many others in its class. Both styles were awarded the Top Safety Pick+ prize from IIHS last year.
The Mazda3 is available with a smaller four-cylinder engine that offers decent power, but a larger four-cylinder engine offers more power and improves the Mazda3’s performance. Both engines offer an excellent fuel economy of 30 mpg city / 41 mpg highway. The sedan has 12.4 cubic feet of trunk space, while the slightly more expensive hatchback has 20.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up. Fold the hatchback’s seats down and the cargo area more than doubles to more than 47 cubic feet.
Current incentives: Mazda is offering to lease the Mazda3 hatchback for $179 per month and the sedan for $159 per month for 39 months with $1,999 due at signing. A $1,000 cash back deal is available for both body styles. These offers expire on October 31. Contact your local Mazda dealership for more information.
2012 Nissan Frontier
2012 Nissan Frontier.
KBB.com Fair Purchase Price: $17,690
Why it’s worth the price: The 2012 Nissan Frontier delivers great handling, a smooth ride, and can tow up to 6,500 pounds. The Frontier comes standard with a four-cylinder engine, but an available V6 offers more power. The Frontier’s Utili-Track tie-down system makes it easy to fasten items securely in the cargo bed.
It is available with either automatic or manual transmission. Please note it has a fuel economy of 19 mpg city / 23 mpg highway, which is low for its class.
Current incentives: Kelley Blue Book researchers indicate a 2012 Nissan Frontier in good or better condition can range from as little as $15,923 to as much as $19,456 and has a typical mileage of about 66,000. Search local used car dealerships to find one.
2016 Ford Focus
2016 Ford Focus.
Starting MSRP: $17,225
Why it’s worth the price: The Ford Focus is another great choice among compact cars. Available as either a sedan or a hatchback, the Focus offers excellent handling, a fun driving experience, a rearview camera, and a decent fuel economy of 26 mpg city / 40 mpg highway.
As a smaller vehicle, it’s a practical choice for driving in a congested city like Boston. It comes with a base four-cylinder engine that provides a decent amount of power, but more powerful engines are available that afford greater performance and an improved fuel economy.
Current incentives: Ford is currently allowing consumers in the Northeast to lease the Focus for $155 per month for 36 months with $2,949 due at signing. Or get zero percent APR financing for 72 months or 2.9 percent financing for up to 84 months plus 3,950 bonus cash, or up to $3,950 cash back. All deals expire on October 31, 2016. Contact your local Ford dealership for more information.
2012 Audi A4
2012 Audi A4 (2013 MY pictured).
KBB.com Fair Purchase Price: $17,707
Why it’s worth the price: The 2012 Audi A4 offers strong acceleration, a comfortable ride, and standard front-wheel drive. The A4 has a very attractive interior that includes roomy and comfortable front seats, a sunroof, leather upholstery, a 10-speaker audio system, and satellite radio. However, it has a complicated infotainment system.
It gets a 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway, which is good for its class. All-wheel drive is available.
Current incentives: Kelley Blue Book researchers indicate a 2012 Audi A4 in good or better condition can range from as little as $15,861 to as much as $19,552 and has a typical mileage of about 61,000. Search local used car dealerships to find one.
2015 Kia Sportage
2015 Kia Sportage.
KBB.com Fair Purchase Price: $17,836
Why it’s worth the price: The Kia Sportage offers a powerful engine selection, vigorous handling, an attractive cabin, comfortable seats, and a strong reputation for reliability. The Sportage comes standard with front-wheel drive, but some models are available with all-wheel drive.
The base engine offers plenty of power for daily commuting. Higher trims come with a more powerful engine, which is one of the most powerful engines it the class. It gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway, which is lower than that of its rivals.
Current incentives: Kelley Blue Book researchers indicate a 2014 Kia Sportage in good or better condition can range from as little as $16,598 to as much as $19,073 and has a typical mileage of about 27,500. Search local used car dealerships to find one.
2016 Subaru Impreza
2016 Subaru Impreza.
Starting MSRP: $18,295
Why it’s worth the price: The Subaru Impreza has a spacious and comfortable cabin with lots of head and legroom and standard all-wheel drive. It is available as a sedan or a hatchback. The hatchback costs slightly more than the sedan body style but contains much more cargo space (52 cubic feet).
It comes with a four-cylinder engine that gets 148 horsepower. This is enough for city driving, but it lacks power on the highway. It has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg city / 37 mpg highway, which is commendable for the class.
Current incentives: Subaru is offering to lease the Impreza for $169 per month for 36 months with $1,799 due at signing. Or get 1.49 percent financing for a limited term. Offers expire on October 31, 2016. Contact your local Subaru dealership for more information.
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