Leaving a child alone in the car is dangerous enough, which is why one Philadelphia area mom left her 6-year-old some protection close at hand: A loaded gun.
Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told WPVI-TV Philadelphia that officers found the child in the car around 8:30 p.m. The gun was inches away from the child, on the floor of the car. The gun was no toy either — it was a .44 caliber handgun with an 8 inch barrel.
Small told CBS Philly that the gun was stainless steel and very shiny. “We’re just lucky the child didn’t just pick up the weapon and pull the trigger,” he told the station.
This mom of the year is now facing child endangerment charges.
Sadly, this is not the first time this week that a parent has left children alone in a car with a loaded weapon. On Monday in Idaho, a 3-year-old shot a 10-month-old baby after the children’s mother left them in the vehicle for a minute with a loaded pistol, according to local TV station KTVB. The bullet grazed the baby’s cheek near its mouth. The mother may not face charges, though, because the car was in the family’s garage and because Idahoans are allowed to carry loaded weapons in their vehicles.
Earlier this month, police searching a car for stolen property found a gun hidden in the lining of a car seat, according to WKRN-TV in Nashville. A baby had been in the seat just moments before. The mother was arrested.
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A recent Interest.com study looked at the 25 largest metropolitan areas in the United States to see which median-income households in those respective areas can afford to purchase a new car, the average price of which was $30,550 in 2012, according to TrueCar. The study found that in only one city can residents actually afford a car with this sticker price — Washington, D.C.
Households with an average income in Washington, D.C. can afford a payment of up to $628, which would allow for purchase of a $31,940 vehicle. The next closest city, San Francisco, can only afford $537 per month, equating to a $26,786.
While it’s not news that Americans like to buy things that they can’t afford, the data is a little surprising given how many great cars there are out there for well under $30,000. Solid hybrids, CUVs, sedans and sports cars can all be had for less than this.
We’ve racked our brains and come up with 5 of the best cars that are cheaper than the average car’s purchase price. These are affordable, versatile, fun and fuel efficient. Of course, there are some stinkers in this price range, as well, so we’ve included 5 vehicles we think you should avoid.
Click through to see what we picked.
MSRP: $25,495 – $27,495
Invoice: $24,327 – $26,112
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg City, 30 mpg Highway
TheSubaru BRZ proves that driving bliss doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The rear-wheel drive sports coupe is one of the most engaging vehicles on the road today, with utterly superb dynamics and looks. The best part? You can have one for $25,495.
Research the Subaru BRZ
Subaru BRZ Photos & Information
Subaru BRZ Best Deals
Subaru BRZ Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $18,095 – $25,200
Invoice: $17,371 – $24,192
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg City, 33 mpg Highway
Although the redesigned 2014 version of this handsome hatch will be on sale in the near future, the current generation is still worth buying. It’s fuel efficient, fun and surprisingly versatile. Starting at less than $20,000, theGolf is also quite affordable.
Research the Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf Photos & Information
Volkswagen Golf Best Deals
Volkswagen Golf Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $26,650 – $30,295
Invoice: $24,809 – $28,202
Fuel Economy: 44 mpg City, 40 mpg Highway
TheToyota Pirus v is essentially a bigger version of the popular Prius hybrid. This hatchback acheives stellar fuel economy while allowing for transport of numerous people and all of their stuff. Starting at $26,650, you can have all the benefits of a versatile hybrid for an agreeable price.
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Toyota Prius v Photos & Information
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Toyota Prius v Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $20,995 – $28,595
Invoice: $20,396 – $27,771
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg City, 35 mpg Highway
TheMazda CX-5 is one of our favorite crossovers here at AOL Autos even when taking more expensive ones into account. Remarkably fun to drive, fuel efficient and starting at a low price, there’s a lot to love about this agile utility vehicle.
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Mazda CX-5 Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $16,695 – $21,115
Invoice: $16,208 – $20,218
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg City, 38 mpg Highway
This small sedan continue to be the darling of both critics and consumers nationwide. Available with tons of standard features, great looks and sweet fuel economy, theElantra is one of the best cars on the planet right now.
Research the Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Elantra Photos & Information
Hyundai Elantra Best Deals
Hyundai Elantra Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $18,995 – $32,820
Invoice: $18,770 – $31,334
Fuel Economy: 21 mpg City, 29 mpg Highway
The200 is a holdover from when Chrysler was owned by Daimler and then private equity-firm Cerberus Capital. It’s not that this car is awful, especially since the new Chrysler, managed by Fiat, made a series of improvements. It’s that the other cars in this category are so good, and much better designed and engineered.
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Chrysler 200 Photos & Information
Chrysler 200 Best Deals
Chrysler 200 Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $18,725 – $21,815
Invoice: $17,789 – $20,725
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg City, 31 mpg Highway
TheScion tC is intended to be a sporty coupe. The problem? It’s not sporty. At all. In fact, the tC finds itself on the Consumer Reports list of the least fun cars to drive and we’re inclined to agree with that assessment.
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Scion tC Specs
Scion tC Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $18,995 – $30,795
Invoice: $18,800 – $29,276
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg City, 26 mpg Highway
Short on features and with pretty poor driving dynamics, theDodge Journey is one you should skip if you’re shopping for a sub-$30,000 crossover. We’re looking forward to Dodge’s next attempt.
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Dodge Journey Best Deals
Dodge Journey Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $25,900 – $29,200
Invoice: $24,452 – $27,507
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg City, 35 mpg Highway
Don’t be fooled by the badge. This is not really a luxury car. With uninspired driving dynamics and a lackluster interior, you should pass on theILX even though its low sticker price seems very tempting.
Research the Acura ILX
Acura ILX Photos & Information
Acura ILX Best Deals
Acura ILX Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $12,490 – $17,890
Invoice: $11,616 – $16,638
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg City, 38 mpg Highway
The idea of thesmart fortwo is great. It’s the execution that’s the problem. The fortwo is loud, terrible to drive and really isn’t all that fuel efficient, considering its size. There are way better options between $10,000 and $20,000.
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smart fortwo Photos & Information
smart fortwo Specs
smart fortwo Local Dealer Price Quote