Best cars for your money

The 2019 cars will be out soon, which means dealers will want to get their 2018 models off the lot. We want to help you take advantage of the year-end deals early. Buying a car is a fun financial decision. However, loads of options can make the decision overwhelming. Where do you even begin? We’ve done the research for you and compiled the “best of” lists. Here are the best 2018 models to buy for the money.

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Best Buy of 2018: Honda Accord

KBB considers value as a very important part of their Best Buy decision each year. They take a critical look at resale value, the five-year cost to own and depreciation. They don’t forget about the fun aspects of a car, though. KBB rates cars based off of drivability, look, technology and quality as well.

Their overall best buy for 2018 is the Honda Accord. “From the bold new look to the long list of useful tech, the totally redesigned 2018 Honda Accord is the most advanced, most sophisticated midsize sedan on the market. The new turbocharged engines are powerful and efficient. The driving-assist features are numerous and excellent. And the robust infotainment system is our new favorite in the segment,” says KBB.

The winner has a starting price tag of $23,570 and has many features that are worthy of the price tag. “Value without compromise is as rare as it is desirable, and it’s why the all-new Honda Accord is our Overall Best Buy for 2018.”

Cars.com Best of 2018: Volkswagen Atlas

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas was awarded the Best of 2018 from Cars.com because of the vehicle’s inside space, comfort, drivability and standard warranty. As Cars.com puts it, “For years, Volkswagen's strategy was to build cars that the German automaker thought Americans should want, not the cars Americans actually did want.” Now, Volkswagen has listened to the needs of the consumer and, frankly, delivered.

This car is certainly family friendly. Forget the days of trying to navigate into the back of a tight SUV. The inside spaciously seats seven people, and although it is large, it navigates well. The Atlas also comes with a ton of safety technology and electronic gadgets.

The starting price tag for a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is $30,750.

U.S. News and World Report Best Luxury Cars for the Money:

The value of these cars was measured based on the initial price and total cost of ownership by U.S. News and World Report. From these criteria, they came up with a whole list of their favorite luxury models for 2018, depending on your needs.

Best Luxury 2-Row SUV: Lexus RX 350

Best Luxury 3-Row SUV: Acura MDX

Best Luxury Compact SUV: Acura RDX

Best Luxury Small Car: Audi A3

Best Luxury Midsize Car: Lexus ES

Whether you have a whole family to drive around or it’s just you on your daily commute, you should be able to find the right car for you from this list. U.S. News and World Report is pretty consistent in their picks from year to year. For example, the Lexus RX has been awarded the Best Luxury 2-Row SUV for the Money for nine years. All of the other cars on the list have won at least one other year. So, if you ultimately decide you want a 2019, you may get an idea of the cars that have the best value from their 2018 list.

Now that you know the best cars of 2018, you’re ready to purchase a car with confidence. All you need is a competitive auto loan, and you’re on your way.

Katie Pins is a marketer fascinated with finance. Whether the topic is about the psychology of money, investment strategies or simply how to spend better, Katie enjoys diving in and sharing all the details with family, friends and Money Mentor readers. Money management needs to be simplified and Katie hopes she accomplishes that for our readers. The saying goes, "Knowledge is Power", and she hopes you feel empowered after reading Money Mentor.