Top 10 Smart Deals on New Cars for October – Back to Basics Edition

Introduction

We'd be fooling ourselves if we aren't all evaluating our spending right now, which is why we bring you our Top 10 Smart Deals for October – Back to Basics Edition. All of the new cars in this gallery share the following in common:

And here's the kicker: This month, they can all be had for under $15,000. Nothing more than you need, but so much more than you'd expect in a time when every dollar counts.

By Staff
Photo credit: Manufacturers, Staff

10. 2009 Toyota Corolla

Base MSRP: $15,350
Deal: $1,000 cash back or special financing
Expires: 10/31/08
NHTSA: Not tested
Combined MPG: 30 (1.8-liter I-4 engine, five-speed manual transmission)

9. 2008 Hyundai Accent GS 3-Door

Base MSRP: $10,970
Deal: $1,000 cash back
Expires: 10/31/08
NHTSA: Frontal impact – 5 stars driver, 5 stars passenger; Side impact – 5 stars front, 3 stars rear; Rollover – 4 stars
Combined MPG: 28 (1.6-liter I-4 engine, four-speed automatic transmission)

8. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt LS Coupe

Base MSRP: $14,410
Deal: $1,000 cash back or special financing
Expires: 10/31/08
NHTSA: Frontal impact – 5 stars driver, 4 stars passenger; Side impact – 4 stars front, 4 stars rear; Rollover – 4 stars
Combined MPG: 27 (2.2-liter I-4 engine, five-speed manual transmission)

7. 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sedan

Base MSRP: $14,999
Deal: $1,000 cash back
Expires: 10/31/08
NHTSA: Frontal impact – 4 stars driver, 4 stars passenger; Side impact – 5 stars front, 4 stars rear; Rollover – 4 stars
Combined MPG: 25 (2.0-liter I-4 engine, five-speed manual transmission)

6. 2008 Nissan Sentra

Base MSRP: $16,040
Deal: $1,250 cash back
Expires: 11/03/08
NHTSA: Frontal impact – 5 stars driver, 5 stars passenger; Side impact – 5 stars front, 4 stars rear; Rollover – 4 stars
Combined MPG: 29 (2.0-liter I-4 engine, continuously variable transmission)

5. 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer DE

Base MSRP: $13,990
Deal: $500 cash back
Expires: 10/31/08
NHTSA: Frontal impact – 4 stars driver, 5 stars passenger; Side impact – 5 stars front, 4 stars rear; Rollover – 4 stars
Combined MPG: 24 (2.0-liter I-4 engine, five-speed manual transmission)

4. 2008 Ford Focus S Coupe

Base MSRP: $14,395
Deal: $2,500 cash back or special financing
Expires: 10/31/08
NHTSA: Frontal impact – 5 stars driver, 5 stars passenger; Side impact – 3 stars front, 3 stars rear; Rollover – 4 stars
Combined MPG: 28 (2.0-liter I-4 engine, five-speed manual transmission)

3. 2008 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.8 S

Base MSRP: $12,880
Deal: $1,000 cash back
Expires: 10/31/08
NHTSA: Frontal impact – 4 stars driver, 4 stars passenger; Side impact – 4 stars front, 4 stars rear; Rollover – 4 stars
Combined MPG: 28 (1.8-liter I-4 engine, six-speed manual transmission)

2. 2008 Kia Spectra LX

Base MSRP: $12,895
Deal: $2,000 cash back
Expires: 10/31/08
NHTSA: Frontal impact – 5 stars driver, 5 stars passenger; Side impact – 4 stars front, 4 stars rear; Rollover – 4 stars
Combined MPG: 26 (2.0-liter I-4 engine, five-speed manual transmission)

1. 2008 Kia Rio Base

Base MSRP: $10,890
Deal: $500 cash back
Expires: 10/31/08
NHTSA: Frontal impact – 5 stars driver, 4 stars passenger; Side impact – 4 stars front, 3 stars rear; Rollover – 4 stars
Combined MPG: 29 (1.6-liter I-4 engine, five-speed manual transmission)

Check out our 2008 Paris Auto Show coverage

Not buying? Just looking? As long as you are just looking, might as well check out the next generation of vehicles coming our way. From exotic cars to fuel sippers, the Paris Auto offered something for everyone.