If You’re Tightening Your Budget, These Are The 10 Best Used Car Buys Under $15,000

By

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April 9, 2020

We’re heading into a tough economic time — one in which most of us are tightening our belts to make it through the coming weeks and months. Amid the recent effects of the coronavirus pandemic, dealers are in a bind as they push new, admittedly generous incentives to boost new car sales. If you are in the market for a car and looking around for the best deals, it is worth noting the manufacturers offering zero-percent loans and payment deferrals. In some cases, manufacturers will even make the first few payments if you go for a brand new car.

But for some (including me), the thought of getting stuck into a 72 or even 84-month loan period is pure madness. I’m into my current daily driver, a 2016 Mazda CX-5, on a five-year loan, and even that feels like an eternity. While this isn’t meant to discourage people from buying new cars if that’s what they really want — there is some piece of mind to doing so — trekking into the used market is still a solid way to save some money. iSeeCars.com published a new study analyzing over 6.1 million cars from 2011 onward, picking out the safest and most reliable options for used buyers.

For those who don’t want to spend a heap of money on a brand new car, particularly right now, here are the 10 best used cars out there for under $15,000, according to their data.

	Model	Average Used Price
10	2015 Toyota Camry	$14,221
9	2017 Toyota Corolla	$14,186
8	2015 Kia Sedona	$13,966
7	2016 Dodge Grand Caravan	$13,859
6	2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid	$13,849
5	2015 Honda Civic Coupe	$13,759
4	2014 Honda Accord	$13,484
3	2015 Honda Civic Sedan	$13,432
2	2014 Nissan Maxima	$13,190
1	2015 Mazda6	$12,969

Some standouts to consider

The iSeeCars study throws up one important theme: If you want to save money, look at sedans. They main players still in the space, namely Toyota and Honda, have been building the cars like the Camry, Corolla, Civic and Accord for decades. The crossover craze has also taken a sizeable chunk out of demand, which does affect second-hand values. Still, there are plenty of these cars still on the road. Not only can you save some money on the purchase, but these cars should also be cheaper to run as they’re more fuel efficient and less expensive to repair.

Speaking of fuel efficiency, the Toyota Camry Hybrid offers a considerable package for the money. They’re comfortable, efficient cars to live with, even if they’re not the most exciting to drive. I’d say the same for the Honda Accord, and if you’re in the market for a reliable car, which one to choose really comes down to what sort of deals you manage to find and your personal preferences.

2013 nissan maxima sv sports car — This generation Nissan Maxima has more subdued styling than the current generation, but still has a relatively potent V6 engine under the hood. *[Photo: TFLcar]*

The Nissan Maxima is a big car, and offers up a good amount of space for the money. It does come with a CVT, which is a mark against it for some, but you do still get a 291 horsepower V6 engine if you opt for the 2014 model. 2015 and later versions are more expensive, but also get you more aggressive styling and 300 horsepower.

The car at the top of the value pack, however, deserves serious consideration. The latest-generation Mazda6 is a fantastic driver’s car, and easily the most exciting option on the list. It’s one of the best-looking and sharpest handling, while also being reasonably fuel efficient thanks to its 2.5-liter direct-injected engine. One area Mazda doesn’t excel is resale value. That’s great news in a buyer’s market, as you can pick up a 2015 model — which doesn’t look drastically different from the brand new car — for under $13,000 on average.

The Manual Is BACK, Baby! At Least In The 2021 Mini Lineup

By

Zach Butler

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April 9, 2020

After an emissions certification issue held up 2020 Mini models with manual transmissions from reaching the U.S., the 2021 Mini Cooper will offer a three-pedal option again. In most cars, the manual doesn’t actually make a comeback once it finally leaves the range. Even enthusiasts like most of us in the TFL office fully acknowledge the take rate across the whole industry is horrible for people wanting to row their own gears. Mini has been a rallying point for manual lovers, though, as the hardtop model enjoys one of the highest take rates in the industry.

Now, once again the 2021 Mini Cooper comes standard with a six-speed manual mated to its 134 horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Above that, the Mini Cooper S gets a more powerful 189 horsepower 2.0-liter engine. Then there’s the John Cooper Works hardtop, which gets its three-pedal option, rather than just the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The JCW manages 228 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. If you’re looking to get the convertible however, you will still get the DCT, without a manual option.

2018 Mini Cooper S hardtop and convertible — The 2021 Mini Cooper and Cooper S hardtop and convertible will once again have six-speed manual options.

Sadly, the John Cooper Works GP hardtop will still only come with an eight-speed automatic transmission mated to its 301 horsepower engine.

If you’re looking into buying a 2021 Mini Clubman or Countryman, there’s tough news there as well. According to Mini’s statement on its 2021 lineup, you’ll still get standard automatic transmissions there as well. Still, the upcoming lineup well at least offer a manual for its hatchback models, which gives more choice if you’re looking into a new car with the option to row your own gears.

If you buy on the used market, you can get a wider range of Minis with a manual transmission. Take Nathan, for example, who recently bought a Mini Countryman with a six-speed gearbox. Check out the car and his buying experience below:

Polestar’s Tesla-Fighting Precept Concept Goes Vegan — Here’s How It Uses Green Materials To Boost Performance

By

Grant Davis

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April 9, 2020

Polestar Precept EV — *[Photos: Polestar]*

Polestar, Volvo’s performance and skunk works division, revealed more information and pics of its Precept concept vehicle. The Precept aims to showcase the Swedish and Chinese company’s ambition to work toward sustainability in vehicles. Those aren’t my words, but those of Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.

What’s ‘Vegan’ About the Precept?

According to Polestar, the sustainability quotient in the Precept will manifest itself inside the cabin. Instead of using plastic, the company is trying out a flax-based natural composite to replace 80% of the plastic normally used in the car’s cabin. Not only is this stuff vegan, but it’s also lighter, reducing the overall weight of the interior’s components by 50%. The same composite shows up on the front spoiler, side sills and rear valance.

For the upholstery, the covers are knitted together using 100% recycled PET plastic bottles. Same goes for the cloth headliner. Recycled cork helps fill out the seat bolsters and head rests. Carpet spun from recycled fishing nets goes underfoot.

Polestar’s Digital Tech Feast

The vegan fabrics deliver some nice warm and fuzzies, but I think the driver’s experience with the car’s tech will provide more dazzle. To wit:

A 15-inch touchscreen will automatically serve up an individual’s preferences based on car key held by the driver.
Streaming video will be available when the vehicle is parked or charging.
A 9-inch screen above the steering wheel uses eye-tracking to sense when the driver is looking at the screen or not. When he or she is looking directly at it, the font shrinks and more information is displayed. When the driver’s looking at the road, the font enlarges and only critical info. is displayed such as the speedometer.
A roof-mounted LIDAR pod hints at an autonomous-driving capability, although Polestar doesn’t say that explicitly.

But is the Precept Going to Be Fast?

It’s electric, so that’s pretty likely! The Precept is an evolution from the Polestar 1, a hybrid GT, with 609 total hp and the ability to go 77 miles in electric-only mode. At the time, 2017, it featured the longest EV range of any hybrid. The Polestar 2 crossover, the brand’s first EV for the masses, was scheduled to start production in China last month. It claims a reported 275-miles of range and more than 400 hp and 400 lbs-ft. torque. Plenty of whomp! to produce an estimated 0-60 time under 5 seconds. It’s too soon to tell whether the Precept is a pure EV concept or one that will eventually reach showrooms. It was scheduled to be introduced at the cancelled Geneva Auto Show last March, though, which makes the possibility of a variant of the Precept coming to fruition less of a fantasy. Stay tuned.

Does The Fully-Loaded 2020 Ford Escape Titanium Outshine The 2020 BMW X1? Let’s Find Out!

By

Alex Kramer

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April 9, 2020

2020 BMW X1 xDrive28i and 2020 Ford Escape Titanium AWD

Is spending an extra $8,000 for a premium compact crossover worth it?

One of the questions I’ve long been debating is whether buying a more expensive, premium car is worth it. Over the past few decades, even “regular” cars have become more upscale—especially if you order the top-line trim, making it hard to stomach the often near $50,000 price tag that luxury brands want for their entry-level models.

To put this question to the test, I recently spent some time in a new Ford Escape top-line Titanium trim, as well as a BMW X1 xDrive28i. Both are compact SUVs with similar dimensions, both feature 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive, and both come with lots of the cool techy features that all the kids want these days. Fully loaded, the Escape Titanium will set you back about $40k, while the well-optioned BMW costs $48,000.

Is the extra eight thousand dollars worth it? Let’s find out.

2020 Ford Escape Titanium AWD: Trying hard to be a premium, small crossover, but missing the mark

The new for 2020 Ford Escape is by no means a bad car, but in this very competitive segment, it’s a mixed bag at best. On the one hand, this compact crossover offers attractive styling, functional practicality, and a lot of features for the money. But despite a punchy turbocharged engine, it doesn’t feel at all sporty behind the wheel, and the otherwise decent interior is sabotaged by way too much cheap plastic.

Although Ford isn’t claiming the Escape as a high-performance vehicle, it was disappointing to find out how unwilling it is to even try and have some fun. The 250 horsepower engine is literally quite good, with a willingness to rev that you often don’t find in these little turbo motors. Still, the chassis and suspension are woefully unprepared for the amount of speed that the engine can create. I attempted to hustle the Escape down a local twisty back road and simply gave up trying after a few miles. Driving enthusiasts should definitely shop for something else.

To be fair, the Escape does offer a pleasant ride and the kind of practicality that has helped make compact crossovers so popular with everyday driving. The interior room is good for the segment, and the seats are nice and comfy.

The Titanium trim comes with a host of cool features, such as adaptive cruise control, active park assist, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and a killer B&O sound system. The Sync3 infotainment system also works quite well, and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assist technologies is there to help keep you safe.

Unfortunately, all of this cool tech won’t be able to distract you from how Ford cheaped out on the quality of interior materials. I can remember rental cars from the nineties that didn’t have as much hard plastic and generally chintzy feeling materials. Given that much smaller manufacturers like Mazda have figured out how to work a fabulous interior into a sub-$40k car, it’s inexcusable for Ford to be selling something this expensive that feels cheap.

2020 BMW X1 xDrive28i: Fun to drive, but a bit pricey for what you get

Unlike some other BMWs I’ve driven recently, the X1 veritably lives up to the promise of being a high-performance vehicle. Although not exactly the ultimate driving machine, this little crossover is very much willing to play. It’s when you’re not trying to have fun that you realize that it’s perhaps not the best value for an almost $50k car.

The chassis and suspension engineers over at BMW deserve a lot of credit for how well this little crossover drives. The ride is on the firm side, which allows the X1 to remain poised and controlled when attacking a corner, but it’s not unforgiving. If anything, the choice of all-season tires holds the car back, as I was running out of grip sooner than I was hoping.

The X1 comes with only one engine—a detuned version of BMW’s 2-liter turbo, and it might seem underpowered at 228 horsepower. But this is where numbers on paper often don’t translate to real-world performance, as it felt every bit as fast as the Escape. The eight-speed transmission in the BMW is also on a different level compared to the Ford, with rifle-quick shifts that execute fluidly.

Where the X1 doesn’t impress quite so much is as an everyday vehicle. While the Escape feels roomy for a compact crossover, the X1 doesn’t hide it’s small size nearly as well. The optional sport seats aren’t the most comfortable, which, combined with the firm suspension tune, makes for a more fatiguing commute experience than I’d like.

The question of value is also a concern. Our test car looked dashing in its Storm Bay Metallic paint and Mocha Dakota leather interior, but each of these costs over a thousand dollars extra. And without the $5k premium package, the X1 would be missing quite a few of the features found on the well-equipped Escape. So even though the X1 starts at well under $40k, you need to spend a bunch more on options to get a competitive vehicle.

Verdict: You get what you pay for

On paper, the Ford Escape Titanium AWD and BMW X1 xDrive28i are quite similar. And if you were to walk up to them parked next to each other, they do kinda look like brothers from another mother. But as we know, appearances can be deceiving. And after driving them for a week, they proved to be very different vehicles.

Perhaps more pedestrian versions of the new Ford Escape are more compelling, but in Titanium trim, the Escape disappoints. A nearly forty-thousand dollar crossover should drive better and have an interior that doesn’t scream cheap rental car at full volume. If Ford is hoping to attract shoppers who might otherwise buy an entry-luxury vehicle, both of these issues need to be addressed.

Anyone looking for a sporty crossover should be more than pleased with the BMW X1, although for almost 50-large, you can get something quite a bit bigger and more comfortable to help survive the daily commute. Given that I’d be inclined to take the long way home from work, the extra eight thousand dollars for the BMW would be money well spent.

	2020 Ford Escape Titanium AWD	2020 BMW X1 xDrive28i
Base Price	$36,685	$37,200
Price as tested	$39,775	$48,645
Engine	2.0L EcoBoost I-4	2.0L turbocharged I-4
Power (hp)	250 hp	228 hp
Torque (lb-ft)	275 lb-ft	258 lb-ft
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
EPA estimate w/4WD	23/31/26 mpg	23/26 mpg
Dimensions (length x width x height)	180.5 x 74.1 x 68.6 inches (with roof rack)	175.4 x 71.7 x 62.9 inches
Wheelbase	106.7 inches	105.1 inches
Ground Clearance	7.9 inches	7.2 inches
Passengers	5	5
Passenger Volume	104 cu. ft.	101.2 cu. ft.
2nd Row Legroom	40.7 inches	37.0 inches
Cargo Capacity behind 2nd row	37.5 cu. ft.	27.1 cu. ft.
Max Cargo Capacity (rear seat folded)	65.4 cu. ft.	58.7 cu. ft.
Curb Weight	3,551 lbs.	3,697 lbs.

Breaking: Rivian Delays Its R1S SUV Launch Until 2021 Due To Production Shutdown

By

Zach Butler

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April 8, 2020

2020 Rivian R1S — EV startup Rivian planned to launch its first models this year, but production shutdowns affecting the whole industry have delayed its plans, according to new reports. *[Photos: Rivian]*

Against Tesla with its Cybertruck and all legacy automakers vying to get into the electric truck space, Rivian has been the name to watch. Ever since making a splash with its R1T pickup and R1S SUV, the decade-old startup planned to kick off production at its repurposed Normal, Illnois plant — formerly owned by Mitsubishi — in late 2020.

Now, according to a report by the Chicago Tribune, that has all changed, and the company has delayed the launch into 2021 amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The plant’s temporary shutdown — a theme seen across the whole industry this past month — has all but halted plans to retool the plant. “There are 11 Rivian employees there in 2.6 million square feet,” company spokeswoman Amy Mast told the Tribune. She said there are also roughly 60 contractors completing electrical work in the building. However, in light of the circumstances work clearly cannot go on as originally scheduled. “It will be 2021,” she said of the R1T’s launch date.

That decision is not surprising, but any delay will put more pressure on the fledgling automaker to deliver. Last year, the company drew in nearly $3 billion in investments from Amazon, Ford and Cox Automotive, among others. Beyond their own product launches, the company has an order to build 100,000 vans for Amazon, as well as building vehicles for Ford. As the plant grinds to a halt, so too does its ability to deliver on those arrangements as Rivian originally planned.

Rivian has also been tasked with building all-electric vans for Amazon.

Employees are still being paid through the shutdown

Another concern stemming from shutdowns across the industry is the fate of the workers. For its part, Mast did say Rivian employees, both hourly and salaried, are being paid in full while the plant is idle.

Earlier this month, Rivian sent out an email to prospective customers. In it, they explained the shutdown would cause “some level of delay”. Again, that’s a theme across the entire industry, but the company did say it would minimize how long it pushes off the R1T’s launch.

On April 1, the company posted a progress update to YouTube.

GM Secures $490 Million U.S. Government Contract To Produce Ventilators To Help COVID-19 Patients

By

Zach Butler

-

April 8, 2020

GM Secures $490 Million U.S. Government Contract To Produce Ventilators To Help COVID-19 Patients — *[Photos: General Motors]*

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday its first contract with General Motors to produce 30,000 ventilators for the national stockpile. The contract is rated under the Defense Production Act, forcing GM to give that order priority over other production commitments, as President Trump used the act to compel the automaker to produce ventilators for the national stockpile. These ventilators will be a critical tool in helping patients stricken by breathing problems from contracting coronavirus.

The contract calls for GM to deliver 6,132 ventilators by the end of May 2020. From there, it will have to produce 30,000 ventilators by the end of August. HHS Secretary Alex Azar said in the agency’s official announcement, “We’re grateful to the GM team for working with the federal government to expand our nation’s supply of ventilators as the pandemic evolves.”

By using the Defense Production Act, Azar went on to state that suppliers will also have to sell necessary parts to GM ahead of other clients to ensure it meets the production schedule. “By rating contracts under the DPA, HHS is helping manufacturers like GM get the supplies they need to produce ventilators as quickly as possible, while also ensuring that these ventilators are routed through the Strategic National Stockpile to where they’re needed most.” GM previously announced a partnership with Ventec Life Systems, deploying its manufacturing capacity to build ventilators whether the government forced it to or not.

According to an NPR report, a GM spokesperson said it is manufacturing these ventilators at-cost, and it will not make a profit on the project.

For its part, GM did not elaborate on HHS’ announcement. Instead, it released a short statement:

“GM and Ventec Life Systems are working with speed and urgency to arm front-line medical professionals with the critical care ventilators they need to treat seriously ill patients. GM is proud to deploy its purchasing and manufacturing capability alongside the respiratory care expertise of Ventec. We remain dedicated to working with the Administration to ensure American innovation and manufacturing meet the needs of the country during this global pandemic.”

Ford announced it would also build 50,000 ventilators in partnership with GE Healthcare. No news of a final contract with the U.S. government has been confirmed yet there, but both automakers are working toward the administration’s goal of supplying 100,000 ventilators to hospitals within 100 days.

Buddy Review: The 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line Makes Practicality Fun For Everyone

By

Grant Davis

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April 8, 2020

In this buddy review with Roman and Tommy, the duo hop into the 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line and find themselves confused. Is this turbocharged Soul a hot hatch built to compete against the likes of the Volkswagen GTI? Or is it sporty compact crossover with more in common with something like Honda’s HR-V? Let’s dig through the stats and features and find out.

2020 Kia Soul GT-Line engine — *(photo: Kia)*

The Kia Soul GT-Line is a hot hatch!

Here are the reasons this Soul deserves a hot hatch designation:

1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine good for 201 hp. That’s pushing into VW GTI territory.
7-speed dual clutch transmission
18-inch wheels and Goodyear all-season tires. For a compact, budget-minded crossover, those are big rims. They return a stiffer, more performance-oriented ride.
Speaking of ride, this Soul GT does have a stiffer, sportier suspension.
Tight cockpit and well-bolstered seats designed for spirited driving.
It has a hatchback, and its newly designed front end looks like a stormtrooper.

No! It’s not a hot hatch — it’s a crossover.

And now, key reasons that the Soul is truly a compact crossover:

Spacious 2nd row seating with plenty of head and leg room for our staff of six footers.
Higher, more upright seating position and relatively higher ground clearance. This isn’t a vehicle you slink down into. For example, compare the GTI’s 5.1-inches of space to the Soul GT-Line’s 6.7 inches.
Squared off rear end doesn’t help aerodynamics, but does retain a ton of cargo space behind the second row.
A middling 8.61 second 0-60mph time even with a turbo, at altitude. Granted there were three adults in the Soul at the time.

As Roman points out in the video, Kia has done an admirable job making the Soul appeal to both men and women, those who want practicality and those who want style. It’s a very rare vehicle that pulls this off. Then add the turbo and Kia now can add ‘fun to drive’ to the Soul’s accomplishments.

On our Buy It, Lease It, or Forget It ranking Tommy votes to lease the Soul GT-Line. He calls it fun, practical, but faults the turbo engine and the 7-speed dual clutch transmission for not working as seamlessly together as they should. He also cites the sticker price on the fully-loaded model tested, $28,710 including destination. That’s right in line with a base model GTI, equipped with a sweet-shifting manual transmission. So he says, “Lease it.”

Roman says, “Buy it!” Yes, the transmission/engine connection could be smoother, but it works. The car is so well thought out in terms of styling, size, interior layout, efficiency (29 mpg combined) and functionality, that it will suit a host of drivers’ needs for years and years. Click on the video below and see for yourself if you agree.

Tesla Will Furlough All Its ‘Non-Essential’ Employees And Cut Salaries Due To Coronavirus

By

Zach Butler

-

April 8, 2020

In The Wake Of Coronavirus, Tesla Factory Will Remain Open

After news that BMW, Honda and Nissan would place their employees on leave or lay them off, Tesla made a similar announcement Tuesday. The company will furlough all ‘non-essential’ workers and begin salary cuts while its production facilities are shut down due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Reuters viewed an e-mail from in-house counsel Valerie Capers Workman, who said the company aims to restart production on May 4. This latest decision, like automakers, comes as an effort to curtail costs to bolster its long-term plans, such as its upcoming launches. According to the e-mail, pay for salaried Tesla employees will be reduced starting April 13. Those changes will remain in effect through the end of the second quarter, on June 30.

U.S. workers will have their pay cut by 10 percent during the next two and half months. Directors will lose 20 percent of their pay, while vice presidents’ salaries will be cut 30 percent. Reuters also mentioned Tesla would implement similar cuts in other countries as well. Non-essential employees who cannot work from home will be furloughed from Tesla’s factories while production is shut down, and will not receive any pay during that period. However, the e-mail says they will maintain their healthcare benefits until the plants resume operations.

Tesla Fremont, California factory employs more than 10,000 workers, at time of writing. Tesla just started producing the Model Y, the newest model aimed to expand the brand’s appeal far beyond all other Tesla models. On March 20, the company said it did have enough cash on hand to weather the next few months, ahead of a $2.3 billion capital raise.

Some standouts to consider

What’s ‘Vegan’ About the Precept?

Polestar’s Digital Tech Feast

But is the Precept Going to Be Fast?

Is spending an extra $8,000 for a premium compact crossover worth it?

2020 Ford Escape Titanium AWD: Trying hard to be a premium, small crossover, but missing the mark

2020 BMW X1 xDrive28i: Fun to drive, but a bit pricey for what you get

Verdict: You get what you pay for

Employees are still being paid through the shutdown

The Kia Soul GT-Line is a hot hatch!

No! It’s not a hot hatch — it’s a crossover.

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