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Irvine-based kbb.com's 10 most 'fun' clunker trade-ups
These autos combine fuel efficiency and style.
By Amanda EstepPublished: August 11, 2009 11:14 AM
As the federal government's CARS program – aka Cash for Clunkers – continues in full gear, Irvine-based Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com has named its list of the 10 most "fun" clunker replacement cars. Among those on the list is the 2010 Genesis Coupe from Fountain Valley-based economy carmaker Hyundai. But models from BMW and Audi also made the ranking.
Since the launch of the program last month, car shoppers have been combining $4,500 in government credits with cash rebates and going home with economical, efficient compact autos for less than $8,000 out of their own pocket, according to Kelley Blue Book.
"With this seemingly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to garner federal assistance in buying a new car, plenty of folks are maximizing their dollars and buying affordable, economical vehicles," says Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for kbb.com. "But on the other hand, some new-car shoppers are looking for serious driving fun after years of riding around in their old clunker."
But if practicality comes second to style, consumers will find themselves spending more than $8,000. For example, although some popular muscle cars like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger do meet the program’s $45,000 price cap, they do not meet the required EPA combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. On the contrary, lightweight performers like the BMW Z4, Lotus Elise and Porsche 911 are all fuel-efficient but are priced too high.
Here's kbb.com's list of the 10 Most Fun Clunker Replacements that combine fuel-efficiency and lower prices with style for car buyers.
1. 2009 Audi TT
2. 2009 BMW 128i
3. 2009 BMW 335d
4. 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
5. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
6. 2010 Mazda MAZDA3
7. 2009 Mini Cooper
8. 2009 Pontiac Solstice
9. 2009 VW GTI
10. 2009 Volvo C30
Related headlines
'OC METRO Minute,' Aug. 7: Cash for Clunkers extended by Senate, benefiting O.C. automakers
Hyundai still hot; July sales sizzle
AutoPacific: Americans receptive to Chinese, Indian cars
Brea’s Suzuki grows up: unveils new Kizashi sedan
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Since the launch of the program last month, car shoppers have been combining $4,500 in government credits with cash rebates and going home with economical, efficient compact autos for less than $8,000 out of their own pocket, according to Kelley Blue Book. "With this seemingly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to garner federal assistance in buying a new car, plenty of folks are maximizing their dollars and buying affordable, economical vehicles," says Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for kbb.com. "But on the other hand, some new-car shoppers are looking for serious driving fun after years of riding around in their old clunker." But if practicality comes second to style, consumers will find themselves spending more than $8,000. For example, although some popular muscle cars like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger do meet the program’s $45,000 price cap, they do not meet the required EPA combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. On the contrary, lightweight performers like the BMW Z4, Lotus Elise and Porsche 911 are all fuel-efficient but are priced too high. Here's kbb.com's list of the 10 Most Fun Clunker Replacements that combine fuel-efficiency and lower prices with style for car buyers. 1. 2009 Audi TT 2. 2009 BMW 128i 3. 2009 BMW 335d 4. 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 5. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata 6. 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 7. 2009 Mini Cooper 8. 2009 Pontiac Solstice 9. 2009 VW GTI 10. 2009 Volvo C30 Related headlines 'OC METRO Minute,' Aug. 7: Cash for Clunkers extended by Senate, benefiting O.C. automakers Hyundai still hot; July sales sizzle AutoPacific: Americans receptive to Chinese, Indian cars Brea’s Suzuki grows up: unveils new Kizashi sedan |
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