With the different car choices in the market, manufacturers use cost of ownership as a strong selling point.  From different car categories, we can find a consumer friendly vehicle for our budget.  Let us look at the cars with the lowest cost of ownership.

Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 line of vehicles is a top consumer choice for compact cars because of its budget low cost car insurance pegged at around $8,000 and its efficient gas mileage.  The Mazda 3 made an update last April 3, 2007 and is expected to release a newer class in 2008.  This sleek compact car is offered in several styles; namely, Sedan, i Sport, i Touring, s Sport, s Touring, and s Grand Touring; all of which are available in sedan or hatchback styles.  While you won't get any hybrid tax credit, the Mazda 3 sedan gives value in financing and insurance cost and its low cost of depreciation.  Over a 5-year span, the overall cost of the car could hit $25,000; a manageable figure from a purchase cost of $14,000.  The Mazda 3 is perfect for speed treks and family outings while retaining its sporty look.

Toyota Prius

Among eco-friendly cars, the Toyota Prius is the hot item for the year.  Amidst rising gasoline cost, more consumers are looking hard at cutting fuel cost, earning hybrid tax credits, and helping the environment.  With the Toyota Prius, you can achieve these goals easily.  The Toyota Prius allows you to run in fuel or electric mode, supported by years of research especially in combining both fuel systems to power the car at its most appropriate and efficient times.

The Toyota Prius had a manufacturer update in June 2007.  It has front seat mounted airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, high intensity discharge headlights, and tuned suspension.  Optional features for the Toyota Prius can be installed such as a backup camera, vehicle stability control, mp3, and Bluetooth® players from JBL.  The Toyota Prius is regarded as one of the best value cars today.  With a retail price of around $20,000, you do not have to add much since the cost of ownership is estimated at only $22,000 which is just a couple of thousand dollars over 5 years.  Among similar vehicles, the Toyota Prius is $12,000 cheaper.  If you are the budget-wise consumer, you can apply for more discounts by getting budget low cost car insurance.

Lexus ES 350

The Lexus ES 530 is your choice luxury car that brings the loudest bang for the buck.  With its initial cost marked at around $29,000, The Lexus ES 530 features a 3.5-liter, 272 power, V6 engine, and six-speed automatic transmission.  From all angles, the Lexus ES 530 is not like your ordinary luxury car with its standard amenities like the one-touch moon-roof, interior trims, SmartAccess key-less entry, and a push start ignition engine.  If you want to take the extra step to improve your car, you can install heated or ventilated front seats, premium wood and leather interior, a panorama glass roof, and GPS.

The Lexus ES 530 does well for a luxury car with its meager repair and maintenance cost compared to similar cars.  Insurance cost is also at a manageable margin of $8,600 with room for  low cost car insurance quotation.  The LEXUS ES 350 has an expected savings of $8,000 compared to the average of cars in its class.

Cutting Car Ownership Cost

Finding the lowest cost of ownership is never a hard science.  Eventually, it is the choice of the potential car user to get the most value out if its car.  Understanding the different factors the affect the cost of car ownership such as depreciation, financing, car insurance cost, state fees, maintenance, and fuel cost will help customers make smart purchase decisions.  Evaluating car ownership should be analyzed against your expected utility for the car.  While you may be hooked with its promise for low cost, the value of the car should give you the best features possible with your budget.  Therefore, the true cost of ownership is subjective based on the customer's view.

To find the most affordable cars on every level, you can start with resource sites such as Intellichoice.com <http://intellichoice.com>.  At the same time, there are online car quotes that can calculate your cost based on your city or state.  Learning how to cut your low cost car insurance will be very helpful in getting the most out of your car.