Even though a few years ago it was feasible to purchase a new car for under $10,000, it's not so simple today. In Spite of our failing economy; cars haven't dropped enough in price for regular working-folk to be able to purchase one every few years....

It's not uncommon for "The Sunday Times" or any other source of advertising forum to advertise for example: "5 Kia Rio's for $9,999," or any other form of variation. Unlike the rumors which abound dealerships, etc., if you show up with cash (or any other form of currency), you should be able to purchase one of the advertise vehicles.

The Chevrolet Aveo is priced around: $11-$14,000. If you tag along incentives which are plentiful now-days, you might be able to purchase this new car new for around $10,000 or so.

The Hyundai Accent is even more reasonably priced at around $12,000, but unlike the Aveo you get a little bit more on the standard vs. options list. Again, with incentives today; you might be able to purchase this Hyundai at around $11,000 or so.

A few years ago, it wasn't uncommon for Ford to advertise their famous/infamous "Escort" for $8,000-$9,000 nicely loaded...Ford doesn't make Escort anymore, but the Ford Focus (the car which replaced the Escort) is reasonably priced for around all of the above, and it looks really good for an inexpensive car.