6 new and used cars you can get for under $15,000
Here’s a pack of affordable compact sedans and SUVs.
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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 include new and used models and any financial incentives currently available. Prices posted here are either starting MSRPs for newer vehicles or based on Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price for used vehicles.
2015 Jeep Patriot
2015 Jeep Patriot.
KBB.com Fair Purchase Price: $13,386
Why it’s worth the price: The 2015 Jeep Patriot boasts off-road chops for one of the most affordable prices of any SUV on the market. The five-passenger SUV is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. Though the Patriot’s handling and dynamics may impress, fuel economy is a below-average 22 mpg around town and 27 mpg on the highway.
Higher trims come with keyless entry and heated front seats. Note that the Patriot has a small cargo hold and no available power liftgate.
Current incentives: Kelley Blue Book researchers indicate a 2015 Jeep Patriot in good or better condition can range from $12,366 to $14,405 and has a typical mileage of about 30,000. Search local used car dealerships to find one.
2013 Chevrolet Impala
2013 Chevrolet Impala.
KBB.com Fair Purchase Price: $11,280
Why it’s worth the price: The 2013 Chevrolet Impala is a large sedan powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine. The car achieves 18 mpg around town and 29 mpg on the highway, which is slightly below average. The Impala rides comfortably and brakes confidently. It has an option for a sixth seat, which may be useful for large families, and a large trunk. Bluetooth is standard. Leather upholstery and a sunroof are available.
Current incentives: Kelley Blue Book researchers indicate a 2013 Chevrolet Impala in good or better condition can range from $9,894 to $12,665 and has a typical mileage of about 51,000. Search local used car dealerships to find one.
2017 Nissan Versa
2017 Nissan Versa.
Starting MSRP: $11,990
Why it’s worth the price: The five-passenger Nissan Versa subcompact car has the lowest starting price in its class. Equipped with a 109-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, Nissan’s smallest car is a decent option for daily driving. Perhaps predictable giving its price tag, the Versa lacks many standard safety features. It earned four out of five stars in the frontal, side, and rollover crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Versa comes in five trims: S, S Plus, SV, SV Special Edition, and SL. Shoppers may be surprised to find that the Versa has a roomy cabin and one of the largest trunks of any subcompact on the market. The base model does come standard with Bluetooth but lacks many typical features, such as power windows and power lock doors.
Current incentives: Check your local Nissan dealership for offers and incentives.
2013 Chevrolet Cruze
2013 Chevrolet Cruze.
KBB.com Fair Purchase Price: $10,090
Why it’s worth the price: The Chevrolet Cruze compact car joined the modern age in 2013 when Bluetooth became a standard feature. The Cruze gets excellent fuel economy, ample head- and legroom, and decent power from its standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2013 Cruze seats five and comes standard with satellite radio, a USB port, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen display and a rearview camera is available on certain models.
Current incentives: Kelley Blue Book researchers indicate a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze in good or better condition (meaning it has no significant mechanical issues but may require some body work) can range from $9,206 to $10,973 and has a typical mileage of about 51,000. Search local used car dealerships to find one.
2017 Ford Fiesta
2017 Ford Fiesta.
Starting MSRP: $13,660
Why it’s worth the price: The five-passenger 2017 Ford Fiesta subcompact car comes as a sedan or a hatchback. Its standard 120-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is adequate for traveling around town and on the highway. A 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that makes 123 horsepower is also available. The Fiesta’s base model achieves 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, which puts it squarely in the middle of its class.
The Fiesta earned the highest possible rating in four of five crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The subcompact got a perfect five stars in side crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and four stars in the agency’s frontal crash and rollover tests.
The Fiesta comes in four trims: S, SE, Titanium, and ST. All models starting from 2016 have Ford’s new SYNC 3 infotainment system. Bluetooth and a USB port are also standard.
Current incentives: Check your local Ford dealership for offers and incentives.
2015 Honda Fit
2015 Honda Fit.
KBB.com Fair Purchase Price: $13,287
Why it’s worth the price: Redesigned for 2015, the Honda Fit hatchback offers fuel efficiency, nimble handling, and best-in-class cargo space. Powered by a lively, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the Fit meets the demands of daily driving and comes with solid safety and projected reliability scores, too. Inside, the five-passenger Fit features leather upholstery on upper trims and an exceptional 39.3 inches of legroom, which taller passengers will appreciate.
Current incentives: Kelley Blue Book researchers indicate a 2015 Honda Fit in good or better condition can range from $12,328 to $14,245. Search local used car dealerships to find one.
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