When it was introduced to U.S. car buyers in 1985, the Yugo cost $$3,995 and was the cheapest car on the American market. Adjusted for inflation a 2016 Yugo would cost just over $8,900. There is no new car currently on the market anywhere near that price.
The good news, though, is that for a little more, American consumers can purchase a far better and more reliable vehicle than the notoriously underwhelming and underperforming Yugo.
The Nissan Versa with an MSRP of $11,990 is currently the cheapest new car for sale in the United States. Including a destination charge of $835 to Chicago, the price rises to $12,825. According to Kelley Blue Book the invoice price is $12,538 and KBB’s “Fair Market Range” is $11,600 to $12,235. A bonus cash offer of $1,000 which is available until July 5, lowers the price even more.
Within 50 miles of Chicago there was one car advertised at exactly $11,990 with a more common low price of $12,360 which includes a carpeted trunk, floor mats, and splash guards. The basic version also includes music and Bluetooth hands-free phone systems.
The standard Versa comes with a 109-horsepower, 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine. The mileage rating is 27 city/36 highway/30 combined miles per gallon. This version is a hatchback style with a 5-speed manual transmission. Overall, that’s not bad for less than $12,000.
The main attractions for this car, according to an expert review at KBB, are its bargain price, fuel efficiency, and high reliability. The Versa is definitely not your father’s (or grandfather’s) Yugo.
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