Modern cars are safe, comfortable, and fuel efficient, but also quite expensive. In fact, the average price of a new car in the US is about $37,500, and trending up. This is more than many Americans have in savings or are able to afford, and this trend may continue, with the price of a new car increasing even more.
Used or older cars may not provide this same balance of safety, comfort, and general practicality that modern cars do, so what do you do if you’re looking for a new, but very affordable car?
Fortunately, there are many options available. They won’t all have the smoothest ride, or the features and amenities that higher-priced vehicles have, but they will be enough to get you (or your family and friends) from point A to point B in a safe and timely manner.
While crossovers and SUVs are ever-growing in popularity, all of the most affordable cars on sale in the US are hatchbacks and sedans. Sedans may suffice for many, while hatchbacks will provide that extra bit of storage space due to their design; be sure to factor these differences into your ultimate buying decision.
The first car on our list falls into the latter category, and ranks as one of the cheapest sedans now on sale in the US: the Nissan Versa.
NISSAN VERSA: $14,730
The Nissan Versa sedan (along with the recently discontinued Versa hatchback) is a subcompact car slotting below the Sentra in Nissan’s lineup. In base “S” trim with no add-on features and a manual transmission, the Versa sedan is offered at an almost unbeatable price of just $14,730.
Fortunately, plenty of features are standard in the base trim, such as lane departure warning, high beam assist, and automatic emergency braking. What’s not so great about the little Nissan is its slow acceleration and lack of space for rear passengers.
Nevertheless, there’s enough power to safely merge onto the highway and the rear seats work in a pinch, especially with smaller or younger passengers. The Versa is all-new and redesigned for 2020, and a great contender for your next car if you have affordability at the top of your list.
CHEVROLET SPARK: $13,220
With its first generation introduced in Europe and South Korea in 1998, the Chevrolet Spark hatchback has gone through several iterations to become the car it is today. This hatchback is among the smallest vehicles on the market, classified as a city car in Europe alongside competitors such as the Fiat 500 and Mini Hatch.
With a competitive set of standard features, good infotainment system, and of course, an incredibly low starting price of $13,220, this Chevy gets a lot of things right. Unfortunately, it does miss the mark on several counts, mainly with its sluggish engine, average fuel economy, and surprisingly poor cargo space in comparison to its competitors.
While these disadvantages may turn away some potential buyers, the car’s enticing price point and great bang for buck makes it a solid contender among other affordable cars.
KIA RIO: $15,390
Last, but certainly not least, is the Kia Rio. Although it costs a little more than the other cars on our list, at a starting price of $15,390, this Kia justifies its price.
With a clean design, quiet cabin, and straightforward infotainment system, the interior of a Kia Rio is a pleasant place to be. Add in the decent handling and refined ride and Kia truly has a winner here in the subcompact segment.
As with any car, though, it’s not perfect. Few tech, safety, and comfort features are offered standard, and the back seats are cramped. This issue extends to cargo storage too. Regardless of these drawbacks, the Rio is still an excellent choice in this segment.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
We haven’t covered all of the most affordable new cars, and certainly there are several which are even more affordable. Vehicles like the Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Accent, and Ford Fiesta are all solid choices available as well.
Additionally, the Mitsubishi Mirage is available too, although its harsh ride, poor interior quality, and anemic engine producing just 78 horsepower are all factors which may may prove unsuitable for you. However, its starting price of just $13,795 may be enough to entice buyers.
Your options are plenty. Nissan, Chevy, Kia, and many more are all available to choose, and whichever you do, you’ll know you’re not only getting a great car, but saving thousands while doing so!
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