Cheap and Green: 2009 Hyundai Accent vs 2009 Nissan Versa - Green ...

Between car loans, trade-ins, and special promotional incentives, most people rarely write a large check for their new car purchase. But what you can get for $10,000? What's the absolutely simplest, least expensive car on the U.S. market today? Actually, there are two: the 2009 Hyundai Accent and the 2009 Nissan Versa. They're a mere $20 apart in price, and they both squeak under that magical five-figure barrier in list price. (Before tax, title, delivery, insurance, registration, and all the other add-ons.) COMPARE: 2009 Hyundai Accent vs 2009 Nissan Versa Good time to shop for '09s Savvy shoppers know the end of any model year is the time to look for those bargains on the few remaining prior-year cars that dealers want to ditch in favor of shiny new 2010 versions. In that light, we compare America's two cheapest new cars for the outgoing 2009 model year. Each has a 1.6-liter engine putting out just over 100 horsepower (107 hp in the Versa, 110 hp in the Accent). And both are decently green, carrying four people while delivering decent mileage for subcompacts (mid-20s in the EPA city cycle, mid-30s on the highway). 2009 Hyundai Accent GS What is it?: Base model of Hyundai's subcompact Accent The basics: A three-door hatchback that's the country's cheapest new car Gas mileage: 27 / 33 mpg with 5-speed manual; 26 / 35 mpg with 4-speed automatic Price: $9,970 The Accent scored 6.4 out of a possible 10 points in TheCarConnection's rating. It won kudos for its fuel economy, the surprisingly spacious rear seat, and the quality of the interior fittings. And, J.D. Power & Associates dubbed it Most Dependable Subcompact on the market. It got downgraded, on the other hand, for its 1.6-liter engine, which is both slow and noisy, and the "uncooperative" action of its transmission. And in a sign of Hyundai's extreme cost-cutting, anti-lock braking is an extra-cost option. 2009 Nissan Versa Base 1.6 What is it?: A specially "de-contented" version of Nissan's popular...

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