Hyundai Elantra

A new Hyundai Elantra is a bargain starting at $14,145, but a used Hyundai Elantra is an absolute steal. A 2007 model, for instance, can be bought on the friendly side of eight grand, gets 27 mpg and is a roomy, well-finished car. One caveat: The Elantra would be a total no-brainer used-car buy if Hyundai's 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty transferred with the sale, but it doesn't always accompany the car. Second owners are covered under the 5-year, 60,000-mile warranty unless they buy through Hyundai's certified pre-owned program, but that can tack a few thousand dollars on to the price.