Fifth Wheel Locks

Fifth Wheel Locks

Edmunds Names Least Expensive Vehicles for 2007

As the summer season approaches, the auto industry gets ready for an increase in car buying. In connection with the expected surge in car buying this season, Edmunds.com named the ten least expensive vehicles for this model year. Currently, Edmunds.com is the leading online source of auto information.

The list of the ten least expensive cars is aimed to inform car buyers which vehicles will give the best value for their hard earned money. The list, of course, is composed of small cars. These small cars are not only less expensive but are also fuel efficient. This means that consumers can also save much when it comes to their fuel consumption if they opt for these small cars.

All of the cars on the list are priced below $15,000. In fact, the least expensive car in the list, the Chevy Aveo, is priced below $10,000. The nimble subcompact sedan has a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $9,995. Aside from the sedan body style, the Aveo is also offered in a hatchback configuration marketed under the name Aveo5. The small car comes equipped with a good number of entertainment features which belies its low price. The Aveo is a good all-around vehicle with a respectable performance and an incredible price tag.

Second on the list is the Hyundai Accent with an MSRP of $10,415. The base model of the Accent is equipped with standard features such as “14-inch wheels, an eight-way adjustable driver seat and a 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback,” according to Edmunds.com. The Accent comes in three trim levels - all of which are equipped with good number of features. The three trim packages for the Accent are the GS, SE and the GLS. What the SE trim level that the base model does not have are “16-inch alloy wheels; air-conditioning; power windows, locks and mirrors; a CD player; a sport-tuned suspension; and quicker steering,” describes Edmunds.

The third vehicle on the list is the 2007 Kia Rio with a starting price tag of $10,770. This subcompact four-door sedan has three trim levels. Although the price is within the reach of most car buyers, the base model is stripped of advanced features. The base Kia Rio has only manual steering, and it is not equipped with an air conditioner. For those who want better features, they can opt for either the LX or the SX trim packages. Even if one opts for the sporty SX version of the Rio, the price would still be below $15,000. With the Rio LX, consumers can have “air-conditioning, a CD player, power steering, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a tilt steering wheel and meatier 185/65R14 tires.” For the SX, the Rio comes equipped with additional features such as “foglights, 15-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, metallic interior trim, metal pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a black-with-red-accents cabin theme.” The Rio’s conservative look can be enhanced by headlight covers to give the subcompact an aggressive yet stylish Lund look.

The fourth car on the list is the 2007 Toyota Yaris with a starting price of $11,150. This subcompact car comes in two body styles, a hatchback and a sedan. Just like the Rio, the base model of the Yaris is not equipped with a host of advanced features. For those willing to shell out an extra thousand or so, the Yaris is offered in an S trim package. With this upgrade, car buyers can have “a rear window defroster, 15-inch wheels, a ground-effects kit, 60/40-split folding rear seat and a CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary input jack,” according to Edmunds. For those who want a Yaris vehicle and can afford $14,250, they can have additional features such as “alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, fog lamps, keyless entry and power windows and locks.”

The 2007 Saturn Ion is the fifth car on the list with MSRP starting at $12,300. This small sedan comes in three trim levels which are the Ion 2, Ion 3, and the Red Line. As can be expected, the Ion 2 trim level is not as endowed as the Ion 3 and the Red Line trim levels. For the Ion 3, consumers can opt for a bigger ad more powerful engine. The Red Line trim level is available only for the coupe version of the Saturn Ion. According to Edmunds, the Red Line’s amenities includes “17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45ZR17 performance tires, a lowered sport-tuned suspension, leather sport seats and much of the Ion 3's equipment.”

About the Author

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

I think my friend's invitation was insensitive, how should I move forward?

My best friend recently invited me to come along on an out-of-town vacation for a couple of days. She said its in celebration of her birthday (which is in two weeks). When I asked her who else would be going she said, "Umm, I'm not sure". Well, I found out her hesitation stemmed from not telling me originally that I'm going to be in a "fifth wheel" situation. Her boyfriend is going, as well as our other friend and her boyfriend.
I've asked a couple of males friends to tag along so it wouldn't be awkward for me, but since its such short notice, no one is able to make it (we'll be vacationing on weekdays unfortunately). I'm really not looking forward to this vacation, as one couple frequently fights and the other couple is constantly locked in PDA. Should I go anyway since I already committed to going for what is sure to be a miserable and awkward weekend for the sake of her birthday? Or should I pass?

It's OK to pass. She would have told you who else was going if she thought it was no big deal, but she was evasive about it because she knew what position she was putting you in. Couples tend to, well, "couple off" and you will be the fifth wheel, when one couple is bickering and the other is making out. You don't have to be miserable just for her sake. Especially since she didn't want to be straight about the situation.

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