If you’re looking to buy a new car, affordability tends to be critical. However, buying a car is quite an investment especially when you add in recurring costs such as gas and inescapable repairs.
Because of such extras, many drivers start their search with the tightest budgets. In other words, they’re looking for an answer to one important question: What is the cheapest car you can buy?
The rapid progression of technology means that the low end of the car market is more attractive than ever before. Exclusive features that were once exclusively found in high-end, luxury cars and SUVs are now standard selling points of cars that cost less than $30,000.
Admittedly, there’s still a trade-off between the low cost of a used car, modern technology, and the experience of owning a new car. However, if you really must have a vehicle with that sumptuous new car smell, you’ll have no problem finding one that’s got all the bells and whistles you could need for less cash than the average new car.
Before we look at what’s available here in the US, let’s answer the question “What is the most cheapest car in the world?”
What is the Cheapest Car in the World?
According to Motorbiscuit.com, the cheapest car in the world is the Tato Nano. Unfortunately, it’s no longer in production, but when it was, you could buy one for less than $1500.
The manufacturer was able to produce this car at such a low price because it was simple and very basic. Some of the features you get with this car include:
- A compact interior with four seats
- Excellent fuel economy
- A simple dashboard
You can’t buy a Nano new, but there are still a few circulating in India if you really want to buy one.
What is the Cheapest New Car?
To help you with your cheap-car search, we’ve rounded up a selection of the least expensive new cars. It’s important to remember that most dealerships can deliver cheap cars by cutting features and options.
If you want an honest answer to the question “What is the cheapest new car on the market?” you might have to settle for a car with fewer luxuries, although that doesn’t mean you have to compromise when it comes to safety tech and fuel-efficient powertrains.
What is the Cheapest New Car You Can Buy? Here are Our Suggested Top 10
Wondering what is the cheapest new car? Check out our top ten.
1. 2023 Toyota Corolla – Starting base price $21,550
The Toyota Corolla also happens to be one of the best-selling cars in the world. A big part in its success has to be its value-packed price.in 2023, Toyota has updated the Corolla with an improved infotainment system and fresh exterior styling.
Standard features include voice controls, an 8-inch touch screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Front and rear seats are comfortable and spacious and can easily accommodate adults.
2. 2023 Kia Soul – Starting base price $19,890
As well as a longlist of standard features, the Kia Soul brings fantastic value to the table. Under the hood is a 147-horsepower four-cylinder engine as standard. Get behind the wheel and you’re offered confident handling together with a comfortable ride. The one downside is that all-wheel drive isn’t offered in the Soul.
Both front and rear seats offer good headroom for adults and there’s also plenty of legroom in the back, unless you’re really tall. Standard tech features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch touch screen, and a reasonable number of standard safety features.
3. Mitsubishi Mirage ES – Starting base price $17,600
Next in our “What is the cheapest brand new car?” list is the subcompact hatchback from Mitsubishi. It’s got a tiny 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine and optional continuously variable automatic transmission which together delivers an impressive EPA-estimated gas mileage of 39 mpg combined. However, such good fuel economy comes at the expense of performance. The Mirage is slow, and that’s being generous.
The Mirage received a refresh in 2021. It was given a new face, revised rear bumper, updated interior, a new standard 7-inch touchscreen, and standard safety features.
4. Hyundai Accent SE – Starting base price $17,740
This subcompact sedan is Hyundai’s smallest car. It’s powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and available continuous variable transmission. Combined fuel economy is 36 mpg. Pay for the higher trim level and you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
Stick with the base level and the features include power windows and locks, a 60/40 split, folding rear seat, Bluetooth, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
5. Nissan Versa S – Starting base price $18,425
The Nissan comes with standard features you won’t see from many other brands. These include driver-assist and active-safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, reverse automatic braking, and high-beam assist.
The Versa also comes with convenience features such as automatic headlights, cruise control, Bluetooth streaming audio, and push-button start. Under the hood is a 122-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with optional CVT.
6. 2023 Subaru Impreza Base – Starting base price $22,115
With the 2023 Subaru Impreza you’ve got the option of a sedan or five-door hatchback variant. The sedan comes with a lower price tag. Under the hood of both models is a 152-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with optional CVT. The combination is good for an EPA-rated 32 mpg.
In terms of tech, the base Impreza comes with Apple CarPlay and Android integration, along with a 6.5 inch touchscreen. Choose a CVT model and you also get some important standard safety and driver-assist features.
7. 2023 Honda Civic Sport Sedan – Starting base price $24,650
The Honda Civic has long been the affordable car by which others are judged. The latest generation of the Civic is certainly more grown-up than ever before, particularly in terms of styling.
It has the feel of a much larger and more upmarket car. The base trim offers up to 37 mpg, and under the hood is a solid 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
8. 2023 MIN Hardtop Classic – Starting base price $26,270
Today’s modern Mini’s are much larger than Minis of the past, but they are still fun to toss around the back roads. Its sporty character is all down to its light curbweight of 2,625 pounds. It’s a serious contender for the title of the sportiest cheap new car but it’s not lacking when it comes to technology or practicality.
Available engines include a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo (134 hp and 162 lb-ft), 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo (a89 hp and 206 lb-ft to 228 hp and 235 lb-ft).
9. 2023 Mazda Mazda3 S Sedan – Starting base price $25,901
Just because your budget’s limited doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun. The Mazda3 S Sedan certainly isn’t boring and it’s not unfashionable either. You get a chic exterior and an upscale feel with the interior. It’s struggling to match the competition in terms of gas mileage, but more than makes up for it with its styling.
Available Engines include a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder (191 hp and 186 lb-ft), 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-fours (227 hp/ 310 lb-ft on regular and 250 hp /320 lb-ft on premium).
10. Volkswagen Jetta S (Manual) Sedan – Starting base price $22,930
The VW Jetta has a conservative and businesslike silhouette so it’s not the car to turn to if you’re looking for some flair. The price is right but it lacks sporty handling or exotic styling. Nevertheless, it’s got a large trunk and a wide range of standard features such as Speech to Text and a Wi-Fi network.
If you’re looking for value, the Jetta fits the bill and makes sense for buyers on a budget who want comfortable and solid transportation.
What is the Cheapest Sports Car?
Buying a sports car doesn’t have to be expensive, as long as you know where to look. What’s the point in forking out huge amounts of money if a brand-new, more affordable option is out there.
Here are 10 of our favorites:
- Chevrolet Camaro 1LS – prices start from $26,400
- Ford Mustang – prices start from $27,770
- Mazda MX-5 Miata – prices start from $28,050
- Toyota GR86 – prices start from $28,400
- Dodge Challenger SXT – prices start from $30,545
- Subaru WRX – prices start from $30,605
- Hyundai Veloster N – prices start from $33,595
- Nissan Z – prices start from $40,990
- Toyota GR Supra – prices start from $43,540
- Acura Integra Type S – prices estimated at $49,000
What is the Cheapest State to Buy a Car?
Wondering what state is the cheapest to buy a car? The overall winner is New Hampshire. This is because it doesn’t charge sales tax on vehicles. In addition, fees are low and insurance costs are also low.
When it comes to gas prices, they are fairly reasonable and average in New Hampshire which means you’re not going to blow your budget.
Florida is another state you might want to consider if you’re looking for a good state to buy a car. It doesn’t charge income tax but the sales tax rate on cars is 6%. In addition, there may be local taxes to pay, depending on the county.
Where Florida shines is in upfront costs. This is because of the high demographic of retirees. There are also many used cars in great shape because of the lack of harsh cold weather.
What is the Cheapest Way to Ship a Car?
Are you in the market for a new car? You might be wondering how to get it home if you make your purchase online or across the other side of the country. The good news is that you can do it relatively cheaply if you choose open transport with a car shipping company like USTrans.com.
We’ll do everything we can to find a value-for-money carrier to ship your new car to your state doorstep, whether you live in New York, Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, or any other US state.
What is the cheapest car brand?
Nissan might be considered the cheapest car brand thanks to the Nissan Versa that has a starting base price of $15,580.
What is the cheapest new car to buy?
The Chevy Spark has been America’s cheapest new car to buy since 2020. However, it’s being discontinued in 2023 and there’s no direct replacement in the pipeline.
What is the cheapest car to buy?
Next in line to the Chevy Spark is the Mitsubishi Mirage. It comes with a price tag of $14,645.