Recent TV ads mention a very plain looking little car, the Chevy Malibu, as being “affordable(TM)” at something like $25,000. Somebody needs to start living in the real world or something like that....
Two years ago my sister bought a Toyota Yaris 4-door for $15,000. What a great little car. Nice solid feel when you drive it and the interior and exterior don't scream econobox. She loves the car, and especially loves the great gas milage.
Our friends were looking to trade in their 2004 GMC SUV and buy a new one; what they found is none of the dealers are “dealing”... at least not in SoCal.. they are thinking they will keep the one they have, even though he puts on a lot of miles each year.