15 Cars That Give You More For Your Money

Better than your average car

By Kirk Bell of MSN Autos

 

According to TrueCar.com, the average transaction price for a new vehicle in 2012 was $30,463. That number was up from $30,168 in 2011 and $28,067 in 2009. That got us thinking: What is an "average" vehicle? So we picked 15 of our favorite vehicles priced at or near the 2012 average price, adding smartly chosen options to build cars we consider to be of above-average value. Please note that these totals represent the suggested retail price plus a destination charge, and they don't take into account incentives. With those incentives and a little haggling, you'll be able to save $2,000, $3,000 or even $4,000 versus these prices, or you can use those savings to add that much more equipment.

2013 Honda Accord

Competition in the midsize car market is heating up, with new entries from Chevrolet, Ford, Honda and Nissan challenging already-successful offerings from Hyundai, Toyota and Kia. Among this strong group, we think the Honda Accord offers the best combination of interior space, refinement, ride, handling and fuel economy. For $30,785, you can get the 4-cylinder EX-L sedan with leather and navigation, or, for an additional $75 you can opt for the EX-L V6 sedan and forgo the expensive navigation system.

 

 

2013 Ford Escape

With its 2013 redesign, the Ford Escape was transformed from a rather gruff, upright SUV that drove like a small truck to a sleek and efficient crossover that drives like a sport sedan. For $30,665 you can get an all-wheel-drive SEL version with just about everything you would want, except for the optional ($1,095) 2.0-liter 231-horsepower EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine. The Escape comes standard with leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and the MyFord Touch infotainment system with navigation.

 

 

2013 Nissan Pathfinder

If your family requires three rows of seats, the market offers several excellent choices, including the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse, but we chose the Nissan Pathfinder for its slightly more affordable pricing. Buyers can get an all-wheel-drive S version for $31,095, but it is light on the amenities. Those who want features such as Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, rear park assist and a rearview camera will have to shell out $32,755 for a front-wheel-drive SV model.

 

 

2013 Acura TSX

While $30,000 might seem like luxury-car territory, precious few luxury cars can actually be had at that price. In fact, the Acura TSX starts at $31,405, which is $1,000 above our threshold, so we're reaching a bit to get a little luxury on this list. Buyers get a lot of equipment for that money, including leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, heated seats, a sunroof and xenon headlights. We like the TSX's balance of agile handling, thrifty fuel economy and interior luxury — and Acura reliability doesn't hurt, either.

 

 

2013 Dodge Grand Caravan

Minivans run the gamut from the low $20,000s up past $40,000, but a well-equipped Dodge Grand Caravan costs about $30,000. A top-of-the-line R/T — complete with leather upholstery, rearview camera, a music hard drive and a sport suspension — sells for $30,990, but those who want a navigation system will have to forgo the leather upholstery and opt for the Crew trim with the UConnect and Driver Convenience packages for $31,280. Those buyers will also like the Convenience package's heated seats and steering wheel.

 

 

2013 Ram 1500

The 2013 Ram 1500 raises the bar for ride and refinement in a pickup, and the new combination of a 3.6-liter V6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission make it the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup. Unfortunately, you can't get much equipment for $30,000. A Quad Cab SLT will run $32,510, but that doesn't include 4-wheel drive or either of the two best engines, the V6 or the 5.7-liter V8. Buyers can get those features, but they'll have to go with a regular cab and settle for vinyl floors and upholstery.

 

 

2013 Subaru BRZ

The Subaru BRZ is designed for buyers who truly enjoy driving. It possesses extrasensory handling, and the quick steering only adds to the incredible agility. Better yet, it's reasonably priced. A top-line Limited trim with the optional automatic transmission sells for $29,365, but we'd choose the manual transmission and save the $1,100. Either way, there's plenty left over to get the accessory rear spoiler ($499) and rear diffuser ($749) and still stay below the average transaction price.

 

 

2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The MX-5 Miata delivers sports-car agility and open-air fun at an affordable price. Our choice would be the even sportier Club trim, which comes with a firmer suspension and, when paired with the manual transmission, a limited-slip differential. We'd also choose the retractable hardtop, which adds very little weight and makes for a better top-up driving experience. All that, plus satellite radio, will run a very reasonable $29,690 — just below the average transaction price.

 

 

2013 Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 straddles the line between the full-size and luxury-car classes, but the base trim can still be had for about the average transaction price. For a starting price of $30,990, buyers get a well-equipped, luxurious cruiser with an excellent powertrain. The 3.6-liter V6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission combine to offer plenty of power and fine fuel economy. Standard features include leather upholstery, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and the UConnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touch screen.

 

 

 

2013 Toyota Tacoma

Buyers can get more for around $30,000 in a midsize pickup than in a full-size pickup. In fact, $31,110 buys a Tacoma with the largest cab (Double Cab), 4-wheel drive and the most powerful engine, a 4.0-liter236-horsepower V6. It also comes with power windows and locks, Bluetooth connectivity and 16-inch alloy wheels. Adding amenities will cost more. We like the Tacoma for its manageable size and rock-solid resale value, but customers who need significant truck capability should look at deals in full-size trucks.

 

 

2013 Buick Verano turbo

With the addition of the new 250-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine for 2013, the Buick Verano is a fun entry-luxury car. It offers a refined environment and athletic moves, now backed by plenty of power. The turbocharged engine is offered in only one flavor, the Premium trim, which costs an even $30,000. It comes loaded with safety features, including 10 airbags, blind-spot alert and cross-traffic alert, and amenities such as a Bose audio system, the Buick IntelliLink infotainment system, leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel.

 

 

2013 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback combines the off-road capability and space of an SUV with the more controlled ride and handling of a car. It will transport up to five in comfort, be it to work, the grocery store or off the beaten path. Buyers looking to spend about $30,000 can opt for a loaded 4-cylinder Premium trim for $30,190 and get features such as a Harman Kardon audio system, leather upholstery and heated seats. The 3.6R trim doesn't have those features, but it does offer a 256-horsepower 6-cylinder engine for $29,290.

 

 

2013 Ford Mustang

The Mustang is the iconic American pony car, and it is fun in almost any configuration. It's available as a coupe or convertible with V6 or V8 power, each with its own flavor of power, sportiness and retro-cool style. For today's average transaction price, you can get a 420-horsepower GT coupe ($31,095), a great-handling 305-horsepower V6 Premium coupe with the Performance package ($29,485), or a V6 convertible with the automatic transmission and Recaro bucket seats ($30,685).

 

 

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

The new 5-passenger Santa Fe Sport is one of the better values among compact crossovers. It's not as sporty as the Ford Escape but, typical of Hyundai, it offers lots of features for the dollar. It also has a comfortable cabin, a smooth ride and, with the 2.0-liter 264-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, plenty of pep. That engine comes in the 2.0T trim, which costs $30,295 when ordered with all-wheel drive. For those who need more room, the 7-passenger Santa Fe is due soon and will likely come in below $30,000.

 

 

2013 Volkswagen GTI

The Volkswagen GTI has a lot going for it: engaging driving dynamics, peppy engine performance, refined sportiness inside and out, and the cargo convenience of a hatchback body style. You can even get it with four doors and use it as a daily driver for small families. Buyers can get a fully loaded 4-door GTI Autobahnfor $31,390 — a genuine bargain. It comes standard with leather upholstery, sunroof, navigation system, the crystal-clear Fender sound system and a smooth-shifting manual transmission.

 

Kirk Bell has served as the associate publisher for Consumer Guide Automotive and editor of Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine. A Midwest native, Bell brings 18 years of automotive journalism experience to MSN,andcurrently contributes to JDPower.com and Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.