The Kelly Blue Book has come up with a list of what it calls the Top 10 Coolest Cars under $18,000. The list is provided below. If you are curious about the difference between the MSRP and
the Blue Book Value Jack R. Nerad, the editorial director of
Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, explains: "A couple of vehicles on our
list carry sticker prices above
$18,000, but in addition to reporting the MSRP for a vehicle, we track what
the car is actually selling for -- its New Car Blue Book value. The New Car
Blue Book value allows car buyers to understand what the current street price
for each vehicle is, helping them determine what they can really afford."
2005 Top 10 Coolest Cars Selling Under $18,000
Vehicle
MSRP
New Car
Blue Book Value
2005 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner
$14,850
$14,768
2005 Scion xB
$15,045
$15,045
2005 Ford Focus ZX3 SES
$16,460
$15,853
2005 Kia Spectra Hatchback
$16,665
$16,109
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS Coupe
$16,485
$16,145
2005 Hyundai Tiburon
$17,494
$16,643
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 S Hatchback
$17,665
$17,216
2005 Scion tC
$17,315
$17,315
2005 Mini Cooper
$17,500
$17,500
2005 Honda Element
$18,765
$17,827
Here is what KBB's editors had to say about each vehicle:
Toyota Tacoma PreRunner -- There are darn few inexpensive vehicles that a
guy can feel comfortable in, but the Tacoma is a great personal-use truck that
rides and handles better than many cars.
Scion xB -- The 2005 epitome of it's hip-to-be-square, the xB breadbox on
wheels is the automotive equivalent of Dickies shorts and skate shoes -- if
somebody has to explain them to you, you'll never understand.
Ford Focus ZX3 SES -- Pocket rocket American style, the ZX3 SES shows that
Ford's U.S. engineers have learned a great deal from their European
colleagues, and the styling is distinctive, not "me too."
Kia Spectra Hatchback -- This new-for-05 Spectra offers station wagon-like
versatility and space in an inexpensive-to-buy and reasonable-to-maintain
package. The big plus is its lengthy warranty coverage.
Chevrolet Cobalt LS coupe -- This good-looking new package is a far cry
from its predecessor, the late, unlamented Chevrolet Cavalier. Its taut feel
and good response are a revelation.
Hyundai Tiburon -- There's still room in the American market for an
inexpensive sporty coupe, and the Tiburon plays that tune about as well as
anyone these days.
MAZDA 3 Hatchback -- The MAZDA3 is a huge advance over its predecessor
Protege, and while the Protege was a very good car, the MAZDA3's great
interior and exterior design, plus good power make it a killer deal.
Scion tC -- Take sophisticated styling, a willing engine, a palatable
price; mix in Toyota quality and what do you have? Another winner from the
young Scion brand.
MINI Cooper -- When it comes to surprise-and-delight features few cars at
any price can top the MINI Cooper; in this car you discover more cool features
every time you drive it, and the driving experience itself is remarkable.
Honda Element -- If you want versatility, you're in your Element. The
reverse-hinged rear doors make a fashion statement, but the big advantages of
the Element are its form-follows-function design and its overall usability.
