Tata Nano, '79 MG, '82 Ram Charger, '01 VW Jetta: For $2,500, You Make The Call

But since the Tata Nano won’t be available in the U.S., what will $2,500 get a car buyer in this country?

The New York Times included an interesting comparison in one of its several detailed pieces on Tata Motors, the Nano’s manufacturer.

In describing the cost of the Nano, The Times’ reporter said its $2,500 price is about the same cost as an optional DVD player in a 2008 Lexus LX470.

I’ve also done a little comparison shopping. Although the price of the Nano may go down (depending in the manufacturer’s reaction to a new, lower government excise tax), and it can go up with delivery charges and options, here’s what I found on a five-minute search Craig’sList, San Francisco.

It’s a list of the first 10 used cars I found for sale for less than $3,000:

1979, MG MGB, $2,000 1982, Dodge Ram Charger, $1,500 1992, Oldsmobile Achieva, $1,500 1994, Mazda 626, $2,200 1994, Acura Integra, $2,200 1995, Toyota Corolla, $2,000 1997, Saab Turbo, $2,950 1998, Chevrolet Malibu, $2,000 2000, Ford Escort, $2,850 2001, Volkswagen Jetta, $2,950

If available in the U.S., I’d take a Nano. But given the choice on the above list, I’d opt for my first three choices, in order, the 1979 MG (MGB), 1998 Chevrolet Malibu and 2001 Volkswagen Jetta.