Best Dirt Cheap Cars of August 2009

The Barina has ducked out of the competition, becoming too expensive - although a new contender is on the scene, the Suzuki Alto from India. All options now have full size spares.

#1 Hyundai Getz

Base Model Estimated Price: $13,990

Pros:

• Safer


• Excellent warranty


• Alarm included

Cons:

• None

#2 Kia Rio

Base Model Estimated Price: $13,490

Pros:

• Excellent warranty

Cons:

• Not as safe

#3 Suzuki Alto

Base Model Estimated Price: $15,250

Pros:

• Safer

Cons:

• No alarm

Best Medium Cars of August 2009

When there's only one candidate there is only one choice

#1 Kia Magentis

Base Model Estimated Price: $23,970

Pros:

• Ridiculously low price


• Alloy wheels standard


• Alarm standard


• Full size spare


• ESP standard

Cons:

• Kia's poor resale value

Best Compact SUVs of August 2009

No changes here, except for the Tucson becoming the same price as the Sportage.

#1 Hyundai Tucson

Base Model Estimated Price: $22,990

Pros:

• Safer


• Alloy wheels standard


• Full size spare


• ESP standard


• Alarm standard

Cons:

• No alloy wheels standard

#2 Kia Sportage

Base Model Estimated Price: $22,990

Pros:

• Full size spare


• Alloy wheels standard

Cons:

• No ESP Standard


• No alarm standard

Best Compact Cars of August 2009

With the Mitsubishi Lancer being added to the list, all options now have ESC standard.

#1 Hyundai i30

Base Model Estimated Price: $19,990

Pros:

• Safe


• Full size spare


• Alarm standard


• Great warranty

Cons:

• None

#2 Mitsubishi Lancer

Base Model Estimated Price: $20,888

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• Great warranty

Cons:

• No alarm standard

#3 Holden Cruze

Base Model Estimated Price: $24,060

Pros:

• Full size spare


• Safe

Cons:

• No alarm standard

Best Light Cars of August 2009

Thanks to the new Toyota Edge, the Yaris is now in first place (I actually accidentally deleted this post so figures might not be completely accurate but the rankings are!).

#1 Toyota Yaris

Base Model Estimated Price: $19,500

Pros:

• Full size spare


• Alloys included

Cons:

• None

#2 Suzuki Swift

Base Model Estimated Price: $18,000

Pros:

• Full size spare

Cons:

• None

#3 Mazda 2

Base Model Estimated Price: $19,190

Pros:

• Metallic Paint standard


• Good warranty

Cons:

• Space saver spare