Kbb.com names 2010 top 10 coolest new cars under $18,000
Even when the economy is in the doldrums the ever-present beat of inflation seems to tick-tick-tick in the background, so each year kbb.com’s Coolest Cars Under $18,000 threshold becomes harder to meet. While there was talk of possibly raising the limit to $20,000 this year, the kbb.com editors decided to see what $18,000 would buy new-car shoppers in the current economy, ultimately coming to the conclusion that there are still some very cool rides to be had for less than $18,000.
Certainly, there are many good cars available for less than $18,000 that will get you from point A to point Z with a minimum of fuss. However, many of them also will do it with a minimum of fun, which is something the kbb.com editors feel is “just plain wrong” for their coolest cars list. With that in mind, while the kbb.com editors use the same set of criteria that consumers use in examining vehicles they might purchase — safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort and technology — they also factor in that certain something extra, that ‘je ne sais quoi,’ that separates the dullards from the brilliant. The twin factors of fun-to-drive and fun-to-own are important considerations, as is the decidedly subjective “cool factor.”
“Every year, automakers step up their game in the sub-$18,000 category, and this year is no different from the rest,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “The marketplace for ‘cool,’ versatile, affordable cars, bursting with personality and boasting the same (if not better) technology as some luxury cars with triple their price tags, is only getting more crowded. This signals a great time for car buyers, especially younger first-time buyers or those just looking to save some cash, as steep competition in the under-$18,000 range will inevitably lead to great deals.”
The editors compiled the list of qualifying vehicles using Kelley Blue Book’s New Car Blue Book® Values, which reflect real-world transaction prices and provide a more useful comparison point than Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Every vehicle on the list can be purchased for less than $18,000.
Side note, I just downloaded the KBB app a few days ago and it's pretty sweet.
Source: Kbb.com names 2010 top 10 coolest new cars under $18,000
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