What is the cheapest car you can buy right now?

It depends on where you live: in the United States, the least expensive new cars are typically the Nissan Versa S and the Mitsubishi Mirage ES (both usually in the $16,000–$18,000 MSRP range before fees). In Europe, the Dacia Sandero often leads (about €13,000–€15,000). In India, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 starts around ₹4–6 lakh, and in China, tiny city EVs like the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV begin around ¥30,000–40,000. Prices vary with taxes, shipping (“destination”) charges, dealer fees, and local incentives.

Why the cheapest car varies by market

The “cheapest car” is shaped by local safety rules, emissions standards, taxes, shipping costs, and consumer preferences. Models sold as ultra-budget in one region may be unavailable or not road-legal elsewhere, and pricing can swing widely after fees and incentives. Below is a region-by-region snapshot to help you zero in on realistic entry-level options where you live.

Cheapest new cars by market (2025)

United States

The U.S. market for truly low-cost new cars has shrunk, but a couple of models still undercut $20,000 before fees. Here are the models that routinely post the lowest MSRPs.

• Nissan Versa S (manual): Commonly mid-$16,000s–$17,000s MSRP; the automatic raises the price by roughly $1,000–$1,500. Add about $1,000–$1,300 for destination plus taxes and dealer fees.
• Mitsubishi Mirage ES (hatchback): Typically around $16,500–$17,500 MSRP; destination and fees often lift the real “out-the-door” price to the upper $18,000s or around $19,000.

Actual out-the-door pricing often lands between roughly $18,000 and $20,000 after destination charges, taxes, and mandatory fees. Note: Manufacturers are trimming the subcompact segment; availability and trim offerings can change quickly, and some models are in their final model years in the U.S.

Europe

Europe retains a broader selection of budget-minded new cars, though safety and emissions tech have nudged prices upward.

• Dacia Sandero: Frequently the cheapest new car across multiple EU markets, commonly starting around €13,000–€15,000 depending on country and trim.
• Fiat Panda: In select markets, often priced from the mid-€14,000s–€16,000s, though specifications and availability vary.
• Dacia Spring (EV): Frequently one of Europe’s least expensive EVs in the high €10,000s to low €20,000s before local incentives.

The Sandero generally remains Europe’s price leader for conventional cars; local taxes, trim rules, and dealer stock shape the final bill.

India

India offers some of the world’s most affordable mainstream new cars, with wide availability and competitive pricing.

• Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: Around ₹3.99–5.96 lakh ex-showroom (roughly $4,800–$7,100 USD equivalent), depending on variant and region.
• Renault Kwid: Roughly ₹4.7–6.4 lakh ex-showroom, varying by trim and state.
• Maruti Suzuki S-Presso: Typically around ₹4.3–6.1 lakh ex-showroom.

On-road prices vary by state due to registration taxes and insurance. Even after fees, these options often remain among the world’s least expensive mainstream new cars.

China

China’s entry-level market includes extremely low-cost city-focused EVs that keep prices down with compact footprints and modest performance.

• Wuling Hongguang Mini EV: Commonly from about ¥32,000–¥45,000, depending on battery and trim.
• Chery QQ Ice Cream: Often from roughly ¥30,000–¥45,000.
• Geely Panda Mini: Typically from around ¥40,000 upward.

These micro EVs are designed for urban use and short commutes; while very affordable locally, their safety equipment and performance may not align with standards in the U.S. or EU, and most are not exported as-is to those markets.

What “cheapest” really costs at the dealership

MSRP rarely equals what you actually pay. Understanding the common add-ons helps you budget realistically and compare apples to apples.

• Destination/freight: A manufacturer-set shipping charge, often around $1,000–$1,300 in the U.S., added to every new vehicle.
• Documentation/processing fees: Dealer fees that vary widely by state and store.
• Taxes and registration: Sales tax, title, and plates can add thousands in some regions.
• Mandatory add-ons: Some dealers pre-install items (floor mats, protection packages, GPS trackers) that add to price.
• Financing costs: A higher APR can erase savings from a lower sale price; consider pre-approval from a credit union.

In practice, these line items can add $2,000–$3,000 (or more) to a low MSRP in the U.S., pushing many “$16k–$17k” cars close to $19k–$20k out the door.

If you’re open to used cars

For strict budgets, a well-chosen used car can be far cheaper than any new model—and often better equipped. The models below are known for low running costs and broad parts availability.

• Toyota Yaris or Corolla (older model years): Strong reliability records and inexpensive upkeep.
• Honda Fit/Civic (well-maintained examples): Practical, efficient, and durable; verify transmission condition.
• Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio (late-2010s): Generally good value; prioritize cars with documented maintenance.
• Chevrolet Spark and Mitsubishi Mirage (mid-2010s+): Simple, efficient urban runabouts; check crashworthiness and recall status.
• Ford Fiesta (2014–2019): Can be inexpensive, but be cautious of dual-clutch transmission issues; seek a thorough inspection.

Have any used car inspected by a trusted mechanic, verify the title history, and budget for tires, brakes, and fluids. With patience, many shoppers can find reliable transportation in the $5,000–$8,000 range in the U.S., though prices vary by region.

How to get the lowest out-the-door price

Regardless of market, a methodical approach can cut hundreds or even thousands from your final cost.

1. Request written, itemized out-the-door quotes from multiple dealers and compare line by line.
2. Expand your search radius to include rural dealers with lower fees or more inventory.
3. Politely refuse unnecessary add-ons; ask that they be removed from the buyer’s order.
4. Consider a manual transmission where offered; it’s often the cheapest base trim.
5. Check for manufacturer incentives, loyalty offers, or first-time buyer programs.
6. Time your purchase around model-year changeovers and month- or quarter-end sales pushes.
7. Bring pre-approved financing from a credit union; let dealers try to beat it.

Focus on the out-the-door figure, not just MSRP or monthly payments, to keep negotiations clear and grounded.

Outlook

In the U.S. and Western Europe, sub-$20,000 new cars are becoming rarer as safety tech and emissions rules add cost, and as buyers shift to crossovers. Emerging markets continue to offer true budget models, including very low-cost city EVs in China. Expect sporadic opportunities—like model-year closeouts or incentive bursts—but plan on fewer ultra-cheap new options in mature markets.

Summary

The cheapest car you can buy varies by country. In the U.S., the Nissan Versa S and Mitsubishi Mirage ES are typically the lowest-priced new cars (roughly $16,000–$18,000 MSRP before fees). Europe’s budget benchmark remains the Dacia Sandero (about €13,000–€15,000). India’s Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 sits near the bottom of the global price ladder (around ₹4–6 lakh), while China’s ultra-cheap city EVs, such as the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, start near ¥30,000–40,000. Always compare out-the-door quotes, factor in local taxes and fees, and consider a used car if your goal is the absolute lowest cost of ownership.

What car has the lowest price?

25 Cheapest cars in the Philippines

1. Bestune Pony- Starts at P588,000.
2. Toyota Wigo – Starts at P609,000.
3. Suzuki Dzire – Starts at P609,000.
4. Suzuki S-Presso – Starts at P634,000.
5. Changan Alsvin – Starts at P654,000.
6. VinFast VF3 – Starts at P645,000.
7. MG 3 – Starts at P678,000.
8. Toyota Vios – Starts at P686,000.

Which car is the very lowest price?

India’s cheapest cars in India 2025:

• Maruti Suzuki Alto 800.
• Maruti Suzuki Alto K10.
• Maruti Suzuki S-Presso.
• Renault Kwid.
• Maruti Suzuki Eeco.
• Maruti Suzuki Wagon R.
• Maruti Suzuki Celerio.
• Tata Tiago.

Which is the cheapest car right now?

The cheapest new car on the market for the 2025 model year is the Nissan Versa S, with an estimated starting price around $20,185, depending on the source. This subcompact sedan is praised for its affordability and standard safety features, offering great value for budget-conscious buyers.
 
Top Cheapest New Cars of 2025

• 2025 Nissan Versa: Opens in new tabThe cheapest option, known for its strong value, safety tech, and fuel efficiency. 
• 2025 Hyundai Venue: Opens in new tabAn affordable, SUV-like vehicle with a high seating position and good tech features. 
• 2025 Chevrolet Trax: Opens in new tabA sporty and stylish option with a roomy interior, user-friendly tech, and the most cargo space in its top-five category. 
• 2025 Kia Soul: Opens in new tabA versatile, squared-off wagon that offers impressive cargo capacity for its price. 
• 2025 Nissan Sentra: Opens in new tabA larger, more refined sibling to the Versa, offering comfort-focused features and advanced driver-assist tech. 

What is the cheapest make of car to buy?

Cheapest new cars 2025: the shortlist

• Dacia Sandero.
• Dacia Spring.
• Leapmotor T03.
• Kia Picanto.
• Toyota Aygo X.
• MG 3.
• Hyundai i10.
• Fiat Grande Panda.