Vintage: Early 2000s to present
Price Range: $2,000 (older) to $9,500 (2008)
Cheaper than comparable compacts from Honda and Toyota, the Focus is a solid offering for the truly budget-focused (no pun intended) buyer. Older models are a bit clunky sounding due to primative suspension, but they’re cheap to buy and any gas station mechanic can get one fixed for you. The bare-bones nature of the Focus leaves less to break, and less weight to burden your fuel-sipping engine. Focuses built after the major redesign of 2008 command a slight premium, but can still be had for under $10,000.
Parents will like: Inexpensive.
Students will like: Inexpensive.
Downsides: Well … cheap.
