20 Affordable Used Cars Starting Under $16,000

In the current economic conditions, some consumers have to worry about how to make their next mortgage payment or stay afloat with their credit cards instead of making large purchases like a new car. Research has shown that consumers are hanging on to their vehicles much longer compared to recent years, but eventually the market for new vehicles will always be there. For those looking to buy a new vehicle without breaking the bank, almost every automaker now is offering new vehicles priced at under $16,000. From small microcars and economy hatchbacks up to crossovers and pickup trucks, there are a total of 20 new vehicles currently available with low MSRPs starting at just $9,970. If safety is just as much of a buying decision as price, four of the following vehicles were chosen by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as a 2009 Top Safety Pick.

Ford Focus

Although the Ford Focus is marching on with only minor changes over the last decade, it still stands as a popular fuel-efficient vehicle available as either a sedan or coupe. While the coupe breaks the $16,000 mark, the 2009 Ford Focus sedan starts $15,520. Helping to make the Focus even more popular, it is available with popular options such as Microsoft SYNC® as a $395 option. The 2009 Ford Focus sedan is rated at 33-35 highway mpg.

Scion xD

Before the likes of the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube came around, the Scion xD was the resident funky-looking hatchback. The 2009 Scion xD is Scion's least expensive model with pricing starting at $15,320. Like the rest of Scion's lineup, the xD is available with a high level of customizable options available for owners. The 2009 Scion xD is rated at 32-33 highway mpg.

Honda Civic

Honda has a long history of building small, fuel-efficient cars and the Civic is the fruits of its labor. Available in two body styles, pricing for the 2009 Honda Civic starts at $15,305 for the coupe and $15,505 for the sedan. The 2009 Honda Civic is rated at 29-36 highway mpg.

Toyota Tacoma

As the only pickup truck on this list, the 2009 Toyota Tacoma starts at $15,170. In addition to having the best price in its class, the Tacoma was the only small pickup truck to be named an IIHS Top Safety Pick in 2009. The 2009 Toyota Tacoma is rated at 19-26 highway mpg.

Mitsubishi Lancer

Mitsubishi's entry into the compact car segment is the 2009 Lancer with pricing starting at $14,540. Not only does the Lancer sedan offer one of the most aggressive designs for this segment, but it's also the most inexpensive vehicle to be named an IIHS Top Safety Pick in 2009. Naturally aspirated versions of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer is rated at 27-30 highway mpg.

Kia Spectra

The Kia Spectra may be available as a sedan and hatchback, but only the sedan comes in under $16,000 with a base price of $14,200. The 2009 Kia Spectra sedan is a competent car with a conservative design, but it is set to be replaced later this year by the 2010 Kia Forte which should offer pricing fairly close to the current Spectra. The 2009 Kia Spectra is rated at 30-32 highway mpg.

Toyota Corolla

As one of Toyota's best-selling models, the Corolla was redesigned for 2009 to look like its bigger sibling, the Camry. Starting at $15,350, the 2010 Toyota Corolla* should continue to be a popular choice among compact sedans. As far as safety goes, the Toyota Corolla was chosen by the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick for 2009. The 2010 Toyota Corolla is rated at 30-35 highway mpg.

Pontiac G3

The 2009 Pontiac G3 is a prime example of badge engineering gone wrong. With a base price of $15,055, the G3 seems like a good deal until compared to its Chevrolet twin. The G3 does have the lowest price of any vehicle sold in Pontiac-Buick-GMC dealerships, and it offers conveniences like OnStar and satellite radio as standard equipment. The 2009 Pontiac G3 is rated at 34 highway mpg.

Honda Fit

A relative newcomer to the North American market for Honda, the Fit has gained notoriety for offering impressive fuel economy and safety. Completely redesigned for the 2009 model year, the Honda Fit has a starting price of $14,750 and was named as a Top Safety Pick in 2009 by the IIHS. The 2009 Honda Fit is rated at xx highway mpg.

Nissan Versa

For a couple weeks there, the 2009 Nissan Versa was the cheapest car available in the U.S. with the sedan starting at $9,990. For those looking for a little more space, the Versa five-door hatchback starts at $13,110. The 2009 Nissan Versa is rated at 31-34 highway mpg.

Photo by Nissan