I never compare top spec prices. Lettuce be real here, who ever buys the top spec? Usually people who know very little of cars. Only reason is to buy add-ons you wouldn't be able to put on yourself. I'd say go base or mid range.
I actually almost bought a Scion xD before finding about the mirage. They wouldn't budge the price and it was about $16,700 base model. At $17,500 you can get a VW Golf. I mean lots of cars have unreasonable prices. At around $17k i'd go straight for the Golf.
Note: the prices i list are from several years ago. Of course th Golf is at around $19k