6 new and used cars you can get for under $30,000

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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.

2016 Volkswagen e-Golf

2016 Volkswagen e-Golf.

Starting MSRP: $28,995

Why it’s worth the price: The electric version of Volkswagen’s Golf hatchback provides decent range for the money, traveling up to 83 miles on a battery charge. The e-Golf is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, which lowers the starting price to $21,495. A redesigned 2017 model, which was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, is expected to get up to 124 miles of battery-powered range.

The Golf aced crash tests by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Available advanced safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

Current incentives: Check your local Volkswagen dealership for offers and incentives.

2017 Chevrolet Traverse

2017 Chevrolet Traverse.

Starting MSRP: $28,700

Why it’s worth the price: The Chevrolet Traverse mid-size SUV provides a spacious ride at a price that undercuts the competition. Driven by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, the Traverse delivers a robust 281 horsepower. However, that brawn comes at the expense of fuel economy. The Traverse achieves a below-average 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

The Traverse earned top scores in crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Forward collision alert, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning are available.

Current incentives: Check your local Chevrolet dealership for offers and incentives.

2017 Buick Regal

2017 Buick Regal.

Starting MSRP: $27,065

Why it’s worth the price: Buick’s mid-size Regal sedan offers many of the comforts of a luxury car such as leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The base model gets a 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. A 259-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available. The base model delivers paltry fuel economy, so you may want to hold off on your purchase until the Regal’s 2018 redesign.

The Regal excelled in crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A rearview camera is standard.

Current incentives: Check your local Buick dealership for offers and incentives.

2017 Ford Taurus

2017 Ford Taurus.

Starting MSRP: $27,345

Why it’s worth the price: If you’re looking for a large, American-made sedan, the Ford Taurus is worth considering. The car is powered by Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that delivers 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, which is below average for a large sedan. The optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets slightly better gas mileage. The Taurus’ trunk is among the largest in its class.

The sedan is one of the safest cars on the road. It received top ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Current incentives: Check your local Ford dealership for offers and incentives.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

KBB.com Fair Purchase Price: $29,578

Why it’s worth the price: A three-year-old model of Mercedes-Benz’ luxury mid-size sedan, which received a major overhaul this year, packs performance and style at a decent price. The 2014 E-class is outfitted with an array of available engines, from a 195-horsepower, 2.1-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel to a 550-horsepower, 4.7-liter V8. All engines are paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND multimedia system with Bluetooth is standard.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class scored top ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The optional Parking Assist package comes with a surround view camera.

Current incentives: Kelley Blue Book researchers indicate a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class in good or better condition can range from $27,959 to $31,196 and has a typical mileage of about 31,000. Search local used car dealerships to find one.

2014 BMW 5-Series

2014 BMW 5-Series.

KBB.com Fair Purchase Price: $28,270

Why it’s worth the price: BMW’s mid-size 5-Series sedan is a perennial quality pick. The sedan comes with a choice of six engines, from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 240 horsepower to a 560-horsepower, 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8.

The 2014 BMW 5-Series received strong ratings in all crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety except for a test that measures frontal crash protection. The sedan earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It comes with six air bags, adaptive brake lights, and the BMW Assist system with automatic collision notification.

Current incentives: Kelley Blue Book researchers indicate a 2014 BMW 5-Series in good or better condition can range from $26,859 to $29,680 and has a typical mileage of about 30,000. Search local used car dealerships to find one.