Cartelligent Releases Top-Selling Vehicles Around $30,000

SAN FRANCISCO, April 21, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cartelligent has released a list of its top selling vehicles around $30,000. The concierge car buying service, based in Sausalito, California, and with branches in East Bay, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles and Orange County, helps thousands of people purchase cars each year across all manufacturers. Its team of professional car buyers has put together a list of its top selling vehicles with MSRPs around $30,000 as configured by clients (rather than using the base MSRP of the vehicle).

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.

For this list, Cartelligent had taken a given price range and looked at what its top sellers are within that. Rather than using the starting price, the brand has taken the average MSRP of each vehicle as configured by its clients (between $25,000 and $34,999).

10. Volkswagen Golf GTI (Average MSRP: $30,497)
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)
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)
The popular Jetta Sportwagen has been superseded by the new Golf Sportwagen. 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)
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.
6. Toyota Tacoma (Average MSRP: $31,401)
The Tacoma is available as an access cab, double cab or TRD Pro and can two up to 6,500 lbs. It is the only truck on this list and Cartelligent's top-selling truck overall.
5. Subaru Forester (Average MSRP: $29,713)
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)
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.
3. Honda Accord (Average MSRP: $30,034)
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)
The capable Outback is more wagon-like than many crossovers offering ample cargo space, a comfortable ride and sporty 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)

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.

We welcome inquiries about this list or about car buying in general. To set up an interview with one of our experts, please contact Jessica Carstens at 415-339-4562 or email jcarstens(at)cartelligent(dot)com.

About Cartelligent: Since 2000, Cartelligent has helped tens of thousands of Californians buy or lease any new car. The car buying service provides its clients with personal advice on car buying and leasing, negotiates a below-market price and arranges for the car to be picked up at one of its convenient locations throughout California—without ever needing to set foot in a dealership.