Most car shoppers start with a budget. Of course, they also have a list of features that they’re looking for—whether it’s cargo space for road trips, great fuel economy, or the latest safety innovations. But most people look for those features within the parameters of what they can afford to spend on a car.

In this series of articles we’re going to start with a given price range and look at what our top sellers are within that. Rather than using the starting price, we’ve run the average MSRP of each vehicle as configured by our clients. For this series we’ve taken an average MSRP of $25,000 to $34,999.
10. Volkswagen Golf GTI (Average MSRP: $30,497)

Why we love it: The Golf GTI (with the Golf) was named North American Car of the Year (2015), Motor Trend’s 2015 Car of the Year and an IIHS Top Safety Pick (applies only to four-door models). The Golf GTI is perfect for clients who want the acceleration of a sports car, but want to stick to a $30,000 price tag.
9. Nissan LEAF (Average MSRP: $34,724)

Why we love it: The only 100% electric vehicle on this list, the LEAF offers an 84-mile average range. The available CARWINGS system allows drivers to find the nearest charging station and even check in on their charge from their cell phone. The LEAF is a fantastic choice for eco-minded consumers who have the option to charge at home.
8. Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen – formerly Jetta Sportwagen (Average MSRP: $30,059)

Why we love it: The popular Jetta Sportwagen has been superseded by the new Golf Sportwagen (shown here). The Sportwagen offers ample cargo space for families, dog owners or frequent Costco shoppers, with better fuel-economy and a more car-like drive than most SUV’s.
7. Honda CR-V (Average MSRP: $28,538)

Why we love it: Refreshed for 2015, the CR-V is a popular choice for those who want the extra headroom and cargo space of an SUV. The CR-V is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ when configured with optional front crash prevention. (See Should your next car have a crash prevention system?)
6. Toyota Tacoma (Average MSRP: $31,401)

Why we love it: The Tacoma is available as an access cab or double cab, and can tow up to 6,500 lbs. It is the only truck on this list and our top-selling truck overall. (See What are our most popular work trucks and vans?)
5. Subaru Forester (Average MSRP: $29,713)

Why we love it: The Forester is an IIHS Top Safety Pick + when equipped with optional front crash prevention. It boasts fuel economy of 32 mpg highway/24 mpg city and comes standard with symmetrical all-wheel drive. Subaru’s top-rated EyeSight driver assist is an available option and a rear-vision camera comes standard.
4. Volkswagen Golf (Average MSRP: $26,833)

Why we love it: The Golf shares in the accolades listed above for the Golf GTI, but with a more economical price tag. The Golf is available in both a two and a four-door model, as well as a four-door clean diesel. (See Why you should consider clean diesel)
3. Honda Accord (Average MSRP: $30,034)

Why we love it: Both the two-door coupe (shown) and the four-door sedan are IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2015 and the Accord was California’s best-selling vehicle in 2014. Both hybrid and plug-in versions are also available.
2. Subaru Outback (Average MSRP: $32,380)

Why we love it: The capable Outback is more wagon-like than many crossovers offering ample cargo space, a comfortable ride and secure handling. Kelly Blue Book named Subaru the brand with both the lowest cost to own and the highest resale value for 2015.
1. Toyota Prius (Average MSRP: $28,633)

Why we love it: A perennial top-seller among Cartelligent clients, the Prius remains the undisputed leader in hybrids and an attractive choice for clients who are looking to cut their spending on fuel.

No matter what your budget is, Cartelligent can help you get a great deal on exactly what you want. Call our team of car-buying experts at 888-427-4270 or get started today.