At this Ontario used Ford dealership, they will help you get approved for a used car loan in minutes. Their diligent and experienced staff is committed to making your purchase of a vehicle as easy as possible.  Their associates will make sure you’re dealing with us in a non-pressure environment, while taking advantage of our unbeatable used car specials and financing options.

At Mark Wilson’s, they are constantly adding to our inventory to provide you with the best selection of used cars. Start your used car shopping online with our interactive inventory pages.  Read up on vehicle specifications and features and browse pictures of what could be your future car.

Their used car specialists are here to help you with any questions you may have.  Their relaxed, yet professional sales approach guarantees you’ll feel confident when buying your next used vehicle from this Ontario used Ford dealership.  Search their entire inventory of used vehicles by make, model, mileage and more. Chances are they have the perfect used car for you on their lot.

Used Ford Vehicles in Ontario

Mark Wilson’s offers one of the most extensive used Ford inventories in Ontario. They carry many make and models to make your used car purchase as simple and hassle free as possible. If they don’t have the used car you are searching for, they have access to thousands of used cars to find just the right one for you.

Every used car is thoroughly inspected to ensure you can make your used car purchase with confidence.  Mark Wilson’s backs their used cars with a thorough inspection and high quality care that car buyers will not be able to find elsewhere

Great vehicles are currently available.  The 2008 Ford Escape is a great option for anyone who needs a lot of space and great features.  The 2008 Ford F-150 offers tremendous hauling and towing capabilities.  These vehicles, along with other great vehicles like the 2002 Ford Excursion and the 2010 Ford Explorer, are now available for great prices.

The extensive inventory on the lot at Mark Wilson’s will ensure that car buyers go home with a vehicle that is not only top notch but also affordable.  With prices so low on top of the line vehicles, car buyers would be wise to stop in today to get a look at some of the best vehicles in the area.

For more information about these great used vehicles or Mark Wilson’s, please call 888-844-9221 or visit http://www.shopwilsons.com.

This offer is good for anyone purchasing a vehicle through www.wilsonusedcars.com.   If you are not satisfied with the car you purchased within five days of the date of purchase or within 750 km of mileage on vehicle at time of purchase, whichever comes first, bring the car back to the dealership to exchange it for your new dream car.  The vehicle must be exchanged for another vehicle with equal or greater value.  The original vehicle purchased must be returned in same condition that it was purchased in with the same equipment in the car, free of any additional damage or excess wear and tear.

Mark Wilson’s Better Used Cars was voted the number one used car dealer in Guelph from 2004 to 2009.  With over 400 cars in stock representing over 30 brands and 150 makes and models, Wilson’s offers something for everyone.  We offer the area’s largest selection of used cars, trucks and SUVs and are known for consistently having the best prices around.

Our prime location makes Mark Wilson’s Better Used Cars the Ontario area’s used car dealer for BMW, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and Honda shoppers located in the Kitchener, Hamilton and Toronto area.

For more information on how to get yourself in a great used car today, stop by the dealership or call 888-844-9221.

ALG publishes the “Automotive Lease Guide” which has forecast automotive residual values for over 40 years. This year’s Residual Value awards honor 2010 vehicles in each segment that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period.

Choosing a vehicle with high residual value has been a top concern for Ontario consumers. The Acura brand was chosen after careful study of segment competition, historical vehicle performance, and industry trends.

“Acura has taken a different track than most luxury brands, and its decision to stick with front-whell drive platforms and smaller engines has served it well in the current uncertain times,” said James Clark, General Manager of ALG.

Acura Wins Luxury Brand Residual Award

Acura was presented with the Luxury Brand Residual Value Award by ALG for the second consecutive year, and is available through Ontario Used Car dealer at Wilson’s.

“Acura’s outstanding reliability, simple packaging schemes and value pricing with low incentive levels were major factors in its repeat finish at the top of the luxury market this year, ” said Clark.

Guelph drivers can rely on Wilson’s for an Ontario used car that provides a luxurious driving experience without taking a toll on their wallets.

“We continue to believe that residual value is the best metric for evaluating the overall strength of an automotive brand,” said Clark.

A Proven Winner For Used Car Drivers

For more information on Acura, contact Mark Wilson’s Better Used Cars at 519-836-2900 and find out why Acura continues to be a winner in the automotive industry.

Guelph used car dealer, Mark Wilson’s Better Used Cars is home to the largest selection of quality, used Toyota cars in Guelph, ON.  We have the most popular Toyota cars and minivans in stock, like the Toyota Corola and the family oriented Sienna.

Ontario used car shoppers have come to trust Mark Wilson’s as their number one used car dealer in Guelph.  Why?  Because we stock only the highest quality, most reputable makes and models, like Toyota, which has a large lineup of award winning cars, and Mark Wilson has many used models that are ‘like new’.

Now in its tenth generation and no stranger to Guelph, ON used car dealers, the compact Toyota Corolla is the best-selling nameplate in automotive history. And with good reason: This is the quintessential economy car. It’s small, inexpensive, fuel-efficient and reliable. Put gas in it, give it the occasional oil change and it will provide dependable transportation well past the 100,000-mile mark. That’s why more than 200,000 Americans, from high schoolers to retirees, buy Corollas every year.

Guelph, ON buyers looking for a safe choice in the minivan segment will undoubtedly find themselves considering the Toyota Sienna. Since its introduction in 1998, the Sienna has posted some of the best crash test scores of any minivan on the market. That fact alone makes it a good choice, new or used, for buyers who prize safety above all other attributes when shopping for a family vehicle.

Besides that, the Sienna has an excellent reputation for overall quality and long-term dependability, which make it a hassle-free vehicle to drive day in and day out, while contributing to peace of mind on long road trips. Add a refined and fuel-efficient V6 engine, a smooth ride and surprisingly upscale interior accommodations to the mix, and it’s easy to see why the Toyota Sienna minivan is a strong seller.

Guelph, ON used car shoppers are invited to visit Mark Wilson’s Better Used Cars and find out how easy it can be buying a great used car, from a great used car dealer, at a great price! If you’re pressed for time, our convenient website allows you to shop online from the comfort of your home or office. Visit us at http://www.ontariousedcardealer.com to start your shopping experience.

About Us

Wilson’s is a family run business that has been serving the Guelph community since 1961. In the past 5 years we have grown to over 340 top quality pre owned vehicles. The reason for this growth is simple. We sell higher quality vehicles, at a lower price. That means savings for you!

Wilson’s is a family run business that has been serving the Guelph community since 1961. In the past 5 years they have grown to over 340 top quality pre owned vehicles. Anyone searching for a Guelph used car can rely on Mark Wilson´s Better Used Cars of beautiful Guelph, Ontario to have the best selection of certified Guelph used cars.

If you are looking for a Porche 911 CARRERA or a Cayanne or you want muscle and speed like in the Dodge Charger or just pure muscle with a touch of elegance like in the Lincoln Navigator, Mark Wilson´s Better Used Cars has the Guelph used car you are looking for.

Without any exception, all the Guelph used cars are checked from top to bottom, cleaned, waxed and tweaked just for you. Save money and time at Mark Wilson´s Better Used Cars. Without leaving your home or office, you can check the Guelph used car you want and see all the features it offers through our Guelph used car website. Enjoy the pictures and if you can´t find the one Guelph used car you want, take 60 seconds and fill out the “car finder” form and one of Mark Wilson´s Better Used Cars friendly professionals will get in touch with you about your inquiry.

Schedule a test drive with no strings attached. This is the easiest way to know if the car you want is the right one for you.  Mark Wilson´s Better Used Cars knows this and they have all the best selections on sporty cars and the best part is that you can benefit from their off season prices and drive away in the Guelph used car of your dreams from Mark Wilson´s Better Used Cars.

Mark Wilson´s Better Used Cars has more than 375 Guelph used cars available for you to choose from. Their reputation, confidence and reliable friendly costumer service has earned them the trust, hands down, from everyone looking for a Guelph used car in Ontario and the surrounding areas. Come on in and be dazzled by a state of the art inventory search and enjoy the best in the Guelph used car automotive market.

- In England, it’s illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving.

- In Mexico, you cannot drive without car insurance issued by a Mexican insurer.

- In France, some parking meters can only be activated with a swipe card that you buy at the tobacconist’s.

If you’re planning a driving holiday, here are some questions to be answered before you go.

Will your license be recognized?
Your Canadian driver’s license is accepted in the US and Mexico. But it might not be accepted elsewhere. If you’re driving outside of North America, it’s a good idea to get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). Recognized in more than 160 countries, an IDP provides the local authorities with proof that you have a valid driver’s license. In Canada, IDPs are issued by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).
Does your insurance cover you?
Does your insurance cover you?

Do you have adequate insurance?
If you plan on driving while in the US or abroad, you should contact your insurance provider beforehand to make sure you have the proper coverage. Once you determine whether your coverage is sufficient, ensure that you have all the necessary numbers ready when traveling. However, since there are different laws governing the amounts and types of insurance required, you may want to investigate the possibility of increasing your coverage before you leave home. To drive your own car in Mexico, you must have additional insurance from a Mexican insurance provider. You can usually purchase this at or near border crossings.

Can you get a rental?
You may be required to show an International Driver’s Permit in order to rent a car, even if that country does not require it for driving. As well, if you plan to take a rental car into several different countries (across Europe, for example), find out what paperwork you’ll need before you attempt to cross any borders.

Do you have your papers?
Always carry your driver’s license, registration, and a copy of your insurance policy. This applies whether you’re driving your own vehicle or a rental. If you are driving a car not registered in your name, protect yourself from any possible hassles by getting written permission from the car’s owner.

In certain countries it is illegal to talk on a cell phone without a hands-free headset

Can you reach your insurer?
Make sure you have easy access to your insurance company’s toll-free international phone number in case of any emergencies.

Are you taking an extended stay?
Do you winter down south, or in Portugal, or anywhere else for that matter? You might need additional auto insurance and/or an IDP if you spend more than a few weeks a year outside Canada.

Do you know the conditions?
Prepare to adjust your driving habits to suit local conditions. For instance, sharing the road with bikes, scooters and motorbikes is very common in some countries. Be prepared to share narrow winding roads with them.

Belt up abroad!
Regardless of what other laws may dictate, always wear your seat belt and drive with your headlights on.
For more specifics, speak with your travel agent, CAA office, or your host country’s consular office.

In the past decade, Canada has become the car theft capital of North America. According to Statistics Canada, one car is stolen every three minutes. Car theft makes up more than one third of all property crimes in this country and costs consumers, police, insurance companies and the government more than $1 billion annually.

Cars in cities along the major waterways such as Toronto, Montreal, Halifax and Vancouver are more likely to be stolen. This is because more than 30 per cent of stolen cars in Canada are exported to other countries. The rest are given false identification numbers and resold to unsuspecting consumers or are chopped up for parts.

Just because you drive a mid-priced, four-door sedan, don’t think it’s not a target for thieves. Economy cars are just as likely to be stolen as luxury cars. The Vehicle Information Centre of Canada reports the top three most-frequently stolen vehicles are the Hyundai Tiburon, the VW Golf, and the Acura Integra.

What does a high auto-theft rate mean for your insurance?

According to the Insurance Crime Prevention Bureau, vehicle theft costs insurers about $600-million annually. Who pays for all these costs? You do. We all do. These losses are made up through our insurance premiums.

Insurers look at where you live when they calculate your insurance premiums. If you live in an area that has a high auto theft rate, you will probably be paying a higher price for your insurance than if you lived in an area where your car was less likely to be stolen. This means that if you were moving from a small town to a large city on a waterway such as Montreal or Toronto, it would likely cost more to insure your vehicle.

Auto theft prevention

Follow these simple tips from the Vehicle Information Centre of Canada to help deter car thieves.

- Always lock your vehicle.
- Never leave your keys in an unattended vehicle. Many vehicles are regularly stolen from store parking lots and gas stations.
- Use good judgment in choosing parking locations.
- When parking at airports, and other large pay parking lots, never leave the parking claim check in the vehicle.
- Keep valuables, especially cellular telephones and laptop computers, out of sight.
- If your vehicle is equipped with a security system, make sure it is in good working order and activated. Your owner’s manual or dealership should be able to answer any questions about your system.
- Factory-installed security systems are sometimes deactivated when remote control starters are installed. If you have a remote starter, or intend to have one installed, ask your installer how it will affect your security system.

Some 159,000 cars were stolen in Canada in 2006 alone, according to Statistics Canada. But there’s more to that number than just thousands of empty-handed owners. In fact, you’ve paid a price for the crime too.

“The overall cost of car theft to Canadians is a whopping $1.2 billion,” says Rick Dubin, vice president, investigative services, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). That price includes paying for police involvement, ambulance and court costs. “On average, Canadians pay an extra $40 on their auto insurance premiums for car theft.”

Auto theft can also be an aggressive and even violent crime. “Between 1999 and 2001, car theft resulted in 81 deaths and 127 serious injuries to Canadians,” Mr. Dubin says, quoting figures from The National Committee to Reduce Auto Theft. “And, today, we know that organized crime rings are highly involved in this criminal act.”

Theft prevention tips for today’s driver

More than ever, you need to get serious about safeguarding your car. Here are the IBC’s top tips to keep your car more secure.

- Get an electronic immobilizer. If your car is a 2007 or newer model, chances are it is equipped with an immobilizer. If you don’t have one, “investing in an aftermarket immobilizer is a good idea because they make your car more difficult to steal; unless, of course, a thief has managed to steal your keys,” Mr. Dubin continues. Just make sure it meets national standards.
Expert tip: For more information on immobilizers and how to choose an aftermarket one, visit the IBC webpages on immobilizers.

- Never leave your unattended car running. That includes in your driveway, garage or on the street in front of your home. On a cold winter morning, you may be tempted to leave your car to warm up before heading to work, “but this is a common time when thieves simply drive away with your vehicle,” says Mr. Dubin.

- Always lock doors and windows. Our expert advises you to get into the habit of locking up, “even if you’re leaving your car in the garage overnight.”

- Don’t leave your keys in the ignition. This may sound obvious, but according to the IBC, one in five cars is stolen this way. As for a spare key, the first place a thief will look is in the car itself — even under it. Leave it with someone you trust, instead.

- Protect your keys — even at home. “Keep your keys hidden,” says our investigative expert. “Thieves will even break into your home to steal your keys so don’t leave them in open view as in a kitchen or hallway.”

- Don’t leave valuables in your car. “You are being watched by thieves,” cautions Mr. Dubin. “Thinking your purse, wallet or laptop are safe in a locked trunk just isn’t the case anymore.”

- Park smart. “If you’re at the mall or leaving your car in a lot while you take the train or public transit to work, choose a parking spot that is well lit and busy.”

- Report insurance crime to 1-877-IBC-TIPS. “If you suspect someone of insurance crime, call the IBC’s hotline,” Mr. Dubin advises. All tips are treated in a confidential manner.

If your car is stolen

If your car is stolen, your first call should be to the police, and then take steps to report the loss to your insurer. “You’ll want to call your insurance company as soon as possible so that facts are still fresh in your mind,” says Mr. Dubin. “It’s a good idea to have a list of the contents of your car ready, since personal items are often covered under your homeowner’s policy.”

Did your car make the IBC top ten?

Every year, the Insurance Bureau of Canada releases a list of the top ten most frequently stolen cars in Canada. You may be surprised to learn that new and luxury cars don’t usually make the list since many are equipped with electronic immobilizers. Thieves find value even in older models. Here is the list for 2007:

1. 1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
2. 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
3. 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi 4-door AWD
4. 1999 Acura Integra 2-door
5. 1994 Dodge/Plymouth Grand Caravan/Voyager
6. 1994 Dodge/Plymouth Grand Caravan/Voyager AWD
7. 1994 Dodge/Plymouth Caravan/Voyager
8. 1998 Acura Integra 2-door
9. 2000 Audi TT Quattro 2-door Coupe
10. 1994 Dodge/Plymouth Shadow/Sundance 2-door Hatchback

Help create tougher penalties for car theft

“Right now, car theft is treated like a simple property offence in the Criminal Code,” explains Mr. Dubin, vice president, investigative services, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). “Basically, it equates car theft with stealing a TV or a bicycle. And that just isn’t enough of a deterrent to thieves who are making big money and threatening the safety and security of Canadians.”

Recently, a private member’s bill (Bill C-343) was tabled in the Canadian Parliament to amend the Criminal Code and make auto theft a separate offence.

As of December 2007, The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights has recommended support for the bill. “A third vote will be taken shortly and I hope the bill will get passed into law,” he says.

In the meantime, you can help pass this bill. Write to your Member of Parliament and voice your support for Bill C-343.

Firsthand road experience essential when picking your perfect Canadian road trip vehicle

A romantic weekend away for two, a month-long cross country marathon with the rug rats, or a solo run through the Maritimes chasing whales to watch — like the proverbial snowflake, no two Canadian road trips this summer will be the same.

This means making sage recommendations on “the best road trip vehicle” is a decidedly tricky proposition. Especially since spending days or weeks in the car – basically living in it – is a way different experience than a typical urban weeklong test-drive we car journalists typically report on.

Instead, I’ve culled together my favourite road trip new vehicles based on real life adventures, experiences and travels. Then, I’ve put them into categories that hopefully come close to your road trips plans this summer:

The Lone Wolf: Mazda MX-5 GX

After a few days spent bombing around British Columbia’s Okanogan Valley behind the wheel of Mazda’s latest Mia-, er, MX-5, I can safely say the two-seater makes a great road companion for solo drivers.

It is the epitome of traveling light; first off, the MX-5 starts at only at $28,195. This leaves plenty in the travel budget for maps, gas and food for the road. Even with the optional fast-folding hardtop option, trunk capacity is decent for one.

The rear-drive Mazda roadster’s 2.0-litre, 166 horsepower four-cylinder engine doesn’t sound like much. But a slick-shifting five-speed manual and feathery 1,108 kg curb weight help it scoot from rest to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, while still delivering econobox-like fuel consumption of 9.7 L/100 km city, 7.2 hwy.

In the MX-5, one will never feel alone. With surgically precise steering and rock solid yet communicative chassis, the road is always present to keep one company.

But maybe the best part of driving the Mazda alone is the ability to peel back its soft top with one hand while sitting in the driver’s seat. Cool.

Runner Up: Mini Cooper S, $29,900

Just for Two: BMW Z4 3.0si

If you, or your loved one, find the Mazda a bit too frenetic or cramped for two, jump up to BMW’s $60,900 BMW Z4 3.0si.

On a recent road trip through the Banff and Jasper National Parks in the Canadian Rockies, the BMW two-seater was the perfect vehicle for a childless-for-a-week, stressed out pair of parents.

The BMW’s roomy and comfortable cabin, large trunk (it easily swallowed our two overnighter bags easily) and smooth-as-silk personality made for a relaxing road trip ride, whether cruising for a view or trying to make check-in time to our hotel. Its 3.0L 255 hp inline has power throughout its rev range, and the six-speed manual transmission (a six-speed automatic with steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters is a $1,700 option) has short, accurate throws.

We even had some unexpected snow on our road trip. But no worries. We simply cranked up the heated seats, pulled back the top and let the rear-drive Z4′s stability and traction controls keep us on our route despite the car still wearing summer performance rubber.

Runner Up: Porsche Boxster S, $70,200

For Time-Distance-Speed Family: Audi RS4

OK, I’ll confess: On this road trip (a 900 km, 15 hour one-day blast across Switzerland from Geneva to Munich – via St. Moritz), I didn’t take along my two daughters or my wife.

But if I had, they would have had little to complain about my ride: a $94,200 Audi RS4 sports sedan.

With its understated, four-door sheet metal, and a bit of squinting, the hot rod Audi could easily be mistaken for a plebeian family sedan. But from the driver’s seat, all the car’s inputs – steering, throttle response from the 420 hp 4.2-litre V8, handling and braking – scream, “German touring car championship!”

If you really (really) need a four-door, all-weather road trip weapon, the RS4 has few competitors.

Runner Up: Subaru Legacy GT Wagon, $41,795

For the “take it with you” crowd : Saturn Outlook XE FWD

For some families’ summer road trip plans, a roadster or sedan just isn’t enough room for all their people and cargo. That’s when a full-size utility vehicle, like the $34,535 Saturn Outlook XE seven-seater we drove to Nova Scotia last summer was so enjoyable and practical.

Although our family of four only needed the first two rows of seating, the Outlook still had 558 litres of cargo room behind the third row. With the second row seats slid all the way back, there was limo-like leg- and headroom. More importantly, we were able to latch a child car seat into the safest position – the middle – without encroaching on our teenage daughter sitting outboard next to her younger sister.

Some may want more performance than the Outlook’s 250 hp, 3.6 L V6 provides. But that would surely be at the expense of the front-drive Saturn XE’s excellent combined consumption rating of 10.5 L/100 km.

Otherwise, as an alternative to a minivan or full-size SUV, the Saturn’s combination of excellent space utilization and fuel consumption make it a great choice for (large) road tripping families.

Runner Up: Honda Odyssey DX, $31,490

When the road ends: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Maybe your road trip plans this summer don’t involve actual roads. If so, consider Jeep’s first four-door five-passenger version of its iconic Wrangler off-roader, dubbed Unlimited. It’s a vehicle that faithfully got me across, over, and under the legendary Rubicon Trail near the California-Nevada state line.

Stretching the two-door Wrangler’s wheelbase delivers much needed second-row seating room with more overall cargo space than a Hummer H3, Nissan XTerra or Toyota FJ Cruiser. The base Wrangler Unlimited X at $25,295 comes with the traditional soft top so you can play African safari with the kids.

Okay, so a Jeep is nearly indestructible off-road and has no equals as a four-door convertible off-roading trip vehicle. No big news here. But the Unlimited’s stretched wheelbase delivers an on-road ride that’s a huge improvement over previous bone-jarring Jeeps. And with an 89-mm rear track increase, it’s even more stable at higher speeds when you decide to head back home – on a “real” road, of course.

Runner Up: Land Rover LR3 V6 SE, $57,990

Used-car sales took a leap upward in April, and the trend is expected to continue at least until midyear as pent-up demand for affordable pre-owned vehicles jacks up at least one segment of the car marketplace.

Sales of new cars continued an unabated slide toward what analysts say is a 30-year low in the United States, but used-car sales showed strength as buyers unable to finance new cars shifted their sights to less expensive used models. As a result, retailers such as the large Penske Automotive Group reported that despite an overall decline in sales in the first three months of 2009, improving used-car sales kept them in the black.

Loosening credit for used vehicles, combined with the public perception that loans for new vehicles remain tight, has fueled a spike in used-car sales, said analyst Art Spinella of CNW Marketing Research. CNW, which tracks new- and used-car sales, projects that new-car sales will top out at 10.1 million this year, while used-car sales are expected to jump to 40 million, a 10 percent increase over a credit-crunched 2008.

Thanks to lower overall demand for cars, so far in 2009, bargain prices for used models also have lured buyers. Those bargains began to dry up in April as buyers returned to the pre-owned market and transaction prices increased, according to CNW’s data. At the wholesale level, the market’s move toward used vehicles has been pushing up prices each month since last October, though overall prices are still down from earlier in 2008.

Besides growing demand, used cars are now in tighter supply because of reduced trade-ins, a reduction that correlates closely in number with the drop in new-car sales. Trade-ins typically account for more than half of used-car inventories. Some of that lack of supply is expected to be offset by the prospect of 2.6 million vehicles coming off lease and flooding the market in 2009 — up more than 8 percent from 2008.

What’s next? Analysts say a strong used-car market could be a harbinger of improved new-car sales by midsummer, because as the used-car market tightens on growing demand, prices eventually will reach a level at which many buyers decide to step up to a new vehicle. If Internet trends are any indication, many of those buyers may be seeking domestic models, considering that Detroit Three vehicles made up the majority of the most-searched-for brands in April on the popular used-car Web site Autotrader.com.

Pressure on the late-model used-car market likely will abate once the so-called cash-for-guzzlers legislation becomes law. The federal measure is expected to pay up to $4,500 to consumers who give up their less efficient older vehicles and replace them with new vehicles with higher fuel economy.

Experts say the net effect will be to drive down demand for late-model used cars, in much the same way that new-car incentives push buyers into new cars over similarly priced late-model used ones.

Conversely, anyone looking for a good eight-to-10-year-old gas guzzler might want to get cracking before a million or so of those vehicles get sent to the crusher.

By Bob Gritzinger of AutoWeek

By Lawrence Ulrich of MSN Autos

Forget casinos, glitz and go-go development. For Las Vegas, ghostly construction cranes perched above stalled, half-finished condos and hotels are suddenly the city’s most breathtaking sight. In tune with the nation, money, buyers and credit have dried up like an ice-cold roulette table.

That made Sin City a fitting backdrop to Nissan’s launch of the 370Z. Ever since the Datsun 240Z arrived here in 1969, bearing stylish fun on a $3,500 platter, the Z has been a sports car for people with real jobs, bills and budgets.

Starting at $30,665, the 370Z’s price may have grown nearly tenfold over the car’s six generations. But its reputation as a poor man’s Porsche is safe, thanks to an enlarged 3.7-liter V6 with 332 horsepower to nearly match the 345 horses of the latest 911 — for $45,000 less than the entry-level Porsche.

It all makes the Z one of the fastest routes to affordable fun. It’s a car that can zip away from recession headlines and workplace anxieties without running smack into a $1,200 monthly payment. If that formula appeals to you, then here are a bunch of fast, frugal machines to keep top of mind when considering a budget blaster.

Chevrolet Cobalt SS

It’s easy to look past the Cobalt’s vanilla styling — and harder to overlook its dime-store interior. But peel back the plain wrapper for the treat inside: a hard-charging, slick-steering sedan with 260 turbocharged horsepower, at a base price of just $24,095.

Volkswagen GTI

There are faster cars than the V-Dubya for less than $30,000, but none that deliver this much German refinement, road feel and pure driving thrills. Sharing its brilliant 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with VWs and Audis that cost $40,000 and more, this original hot hatch also offers a practical choice of 2-door and 4-door body styles.

MAZDASPEED3

Mash the gas and hold on tight: Mazda’s turbo terror explodes to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, quicker than many sports cars, and tops out at an improbable 155 mph. Compared to the basic Mazda3 hatch, this 263-horsepower version is a noisy, high-strung beast. It’s also a ridiculous bargain at barely 23 grand to start.

MINI Cooper

Compared to other pint-sized players, the BMW-designed MINI is no bargain, with prices that zoom past $30,000 for convertibles or well-stuffed turbocharged versions. But go easy on the pricey options and the MINI’s smiles-per-dollar quotient shoots through the roof. This little charmer is still one of the best machines around for slicing urban traffic or carving up the nearest canyon.

Subaru WRX

“So sue us.” That’s about all Subaru could say to buyers of last year’s 2008 WRX. Just one year after redesigning its 4-door rally monkey, Subaru has lavishly upgraded it with 41 more horsepower (for a total of 265) and a dramatically sportier suspension — while adding virtually nothing to the base price, a mere $25,660. The Subie now blasts from zero to 60 mph in about 4.7 seconds, quicker than the STI version that costs about $9,000 more. Call it an all-wheel-drive steal.

Speaking of true steals, we inevitably return to the new 370Z. As one might expect at this depressing moment in auto history, sports car sales have fallen faster than the industry at large. Yet Nissan product planner Peter Bedrosian still expects the Nissan to grab a hefty share of the smaller market.

“Everybody is motivated by the latest and greatest in sports cars,” he says.

From our point of view, the Nissan clearly qualifies as latest and greatest, despite the chilly sales climate. Compared to the Mazda RX-8, its traditional rival, the Nissan’s lusty V6 makes the Mazda’s torque-deprived rotary engine seem even more out of its league. A Mitsubishi Evolution might be a touch faster and offers a back seat, yet it’s still an econobox at heart, an adolescent boy racer aimed at guys who think a sideways baseball cap is a fashion statement. In contrast, the Nissan Z is a genuine sports car, more grown-up and — it must be said — appealing to the opposite sex.

Ultimately, the Nissan 370Z offers as much performance and sex appeal as you’re going to find for less than 40 grand. For people who can still splurge on a sports car, the new Z is the perfect two-seater for hard times.