Visting the New York International Auto Show — which opens to the public Friday — to see the automakers' latest lineup of low-priced, fuel-efficient vehicles, some of which carry price tags of below $14,000. But the low retail prices on these cars are just the beginning.
Thanks to the stimulus plan, car buyers can deduct state and local sales tax on vehicles worth up to $49,500, netting some consumers who buy a bargain ride as much as $600 in savings.
Then there are the individual savings. Ford's Fusion, for example, still qualifies for a hybrid tax credit of $1,700. And Kia is already offering 0% financing for up to 36 months on its 2010 Soul; while Nissan is offering recent graduates a $500 discount on its boxy-shaped Cube.
Here are some of the least expensive cars of the 2010 lineup and breakdown of the savings you could reap:
1) 2010 Toyota Prius: A New Twist on an Old Hybrid Favorite.
Base price: $23,500 (estimated*)
MPG: 51 city/ 48 highway
Arrival: Not disclosed. Analysts estimate April or May
Toyota added a little more power and several cutting-edge options to the latest version of its popular hybrid — without hiking the sticker price too much higher (the base price on last year's model was $22,000). You'll have to pay extra for the solar-paneled roof that runs interior cooling fans when the vehicle is parked in the sun and a park-assist feature that parks the car on its own. But you may be able to offset some of those extra costs with the money you'll save on gas (the Prius offers some of the best gas mileage around).
2) 2010 Kia Soul: Quirky Style, Bargain Price
Base price: $13,995
MPG: 26 city/ 31 highway
Arrival: Already available
Targeting young drivers, Kia's Soul is one of the least expensive cars in the auto industry's 2010 lineup. And for those who buy soon, the Soul will be even cheaper: Through May 4, buyers are eligible for promotional financing of as low as 0% for 36 months. The quirky design makes it look like a shrunken SUV, but luckily for drivers it doesn't guzzle gas like one. The Soul gets an average of 29 miles per gallon.
3) 2010 Hyundai Genesis: A Cheaper Coupe for Cash-Conscious Consumers
Base price: $22,000
MPG: 21 city/30 highway
Arrival: Already available
The Genesis sedan was a hit with car experts. (In January, it was named North American Car of the Year at the North American International Auto Show in Detoit.) Now Hyundai is hoping its sporty coupe version, which carries a price tag that's $10,000 cheaper than the sedan, will be just as popular with cash-strapped consumers. Another added bonus: Hyundai was the first automaker to offer a layoff protection plan, allowing buyers to return a leased or purchased vehicle should they get laid off. The plan covers up to $7,500 in money owed to the financing company.
4) 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid: Last Call for a Hefty Hybrid Tax Break
Base price: $27,270
MPG: 41 city / 36 highway
Arrival: Already available
Ford's Fusion hybrid may be the last opportunity for car shoppers to take advantage of a federal tax credit on hybrid cars that has already been phased out entirely for other models like the Prius. Those who buy the Fusion before September 30 receive a $1,700 credit, bringing the Fusion's price tag to $25,000. Don't forget to tack on fuel savings — the company claims the Fusion can drive up to 700 miles on a single tank of gas.
5) 2010 Honda Insight LX: Looks Like a Prius, But Isn't Priced Like One
Base price: $19,800
MPG: 40 city / 43 highway
Arrival: Already available
Honda’s latest hybrid sedan looks very similar to the popular Prius, but there’s a big difference in price: The Insight’s base price is roughly $3,700 less. Of course, there are tradeoffs. At an average of 41 miles per gallon, the Insight is less fuel-efficient than the Prius. That's because its engine is always on, even when the car is running on electric power.
6) 2009 Nissan Cube: Giving Recent Grads a Helping Hand
Base price: $13,990
MPG: Not available
Arrival: May
Nissan is hoping this odd-looking boxy car will be a hit with young drivers much like Toyota's Scion xB before it. However, Nissan's latest offering is about $1,760 cheaper. Through June 30, recent graduates can get $500 in cash incentives. Nissan says it also plans to offer special financing deals after the Cube reaches dealerships later this spring.
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