Best Cheapest Cars in 2025: What to Buy at the Lowest Price

There isn’t a single global “best” cheapest car because prices, safety rules, and models vary by country. In 2025, stand-out low-price picks are: United States—Mitsubishi Mirage and Nissan Versa; India—Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 for the rock-bottom price, with the Tata Tiago as the best all-rounder near the floor; Europe/UK—Dacia Sandero; Southeast Asia—Perodua Axia/Bezza, Daihatsu Ayla/Toyota Agya, Toyota Wigo; South Africa—Suzuki S-Presso (step-up: Swift); Latin America—Fiat Mobi and Renault Kwid in Brazil; Nissan March and Renault Kwid in Mexico. Below, we explain how to choose the best “lowest price” option where you live.

Why “best” at the lowest price depends on your market

Entry-level cars are built and priced for local regulations, taxes, and buyer preferences. A model that’s cheap and well-equipped in one region may not even be sold in another. Safety equipment, warranty coverage, and resale values also vary widely. That’s why the best approach is to pick the lowest-priced car that still meets baseline safety and ownership-cost standards in your market rather than chasing the absolute rock-bottom sticker alone.

Top low-price new-car picks by region (2025)

The following list highlights widely available, typically lowest-MSRP new cars in each region and, where relevant, the “best-value near the floor” choice that offers better safety, space, or warranty for only a little more. Prices are indicative starting ranges; verify local, up-to-date figures and specs.

• United States: Mitsubishi Mirage (~$17k–$19k) remains among the lowest transaction prices; Nissan Versa S (~$18k–$20k) often feels more substantial with better power and space. If you can stretch a bit, the Versa is the smarter buy.
• India: Rock-bottom price—Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 (about ₹3.99–5.9 lakh ex-showroom). Best-value near the floor—Tata Tiago (roughly ₹5.7–8.8 lakh) thanks to stronger safety credentials and features; Renault Kwid (≈₹4.7–6.5 lakh) is another popular budget pick.
• Europe (EU): Dacia Sandero (around €13k, varying by country) is the continent’s value champion, offering modern basics at the lowest new-car price point; the Skoda Fabia and Hyundai i10 sit higher but with more polish.
• United Kingdom: Dacia Sandero (from about £13k) undercuts rivals; alternatives include Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10 if you prefer a compact city-car package.
• Southeast Asia: Malaysia—Perodua Axia/Bezza (≈RM 38k–57k) leads for price and running costs. Indonesia—Daihatsu Ayla/Toyota Agya (≈Rp 160–200 juta) are mainstream budget choices. Philippines—Toyota Wigo (≈₱609k–750k) and Suzuki S-Presso (≈₱610k–700k) battle for the entry tier.
• South Africa: Suzuki S-Presso (≈R190k–R220k) and Renault Kwid (≈R200k–R230k) are among the cheapest; if you can pay a bit more, the Suzuki Swift (≈R230k–R280k) is a stronger all-rounder.
• Latin America: Brazil—Fiat Mobi and Renault Kwid (≈R$75k–90k) are the headline low-price cars; remember their safety trade-offs. Mexico—Nissan March and Renault Kwid (≈MXN 240k–280k) typically set the floor; Chevrolet Aveo sits higher but offers more space.

While these models set the entry price bar, availability, trim content, and safety tech differ by market and even by trim level. Always compare local safety ratings (e.g., Global NCAP, Euro NCAP, Latin NCAP, IIHS/NHTSA) and standard equipment before deciding.

Safety and ownership costs: how to pick the “best” among the cheapest

At the budget end, small price jumps can unlock much safer, slower-depreciating cars. Prioritize active safety features and total cost of ownership over the absolute lowest sticker.

1. Safety basics: Look for electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and at least four airbags; check local crash-test ratings where available.
2. Total ownership cost: Factor fuel economy, insurance, taxes/registration, routine maintenance, and expected repair costs—not just MSRP.
3. Warranty and service network: A longer warranty and dense dealer network can outweigh a slightly higher price.
4. Resale value: Models with strong brand trust (e.g., Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, Hyundai/Kia, Dacia in Europe) often cost less over time.
5. Powertrain fit: Simple, naturally aspirated petrol engines are cheap to run; consider factory CNG (India) for lower fuel bills if available.
6. Essential equipment: Air conditioning, Bluetooth/Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a reversing camera, and rear wiper/defogger improve daily usability.
7. Financing and incentives: Low-interest loans, cash rebates, or government incentives can change the math; check current offers.

Using these criteria will usually point you to a “second-cheapest” trim or model that’s safer and easier to live with while barely moving the monthly payment.

Cheapest electric options (if you want the lowest-cost EV)

EVs are getting more affordable, but the absolute cheapest new EVs still cost more than the cheapest petrol cars in most markets. Incentives can narrow the gap dramatically.

• Europe: Dacia Spring typically starts around €20k–€22k before incentives, making it the region’s cheapest EV; national subsidies can reduce that substantially.
• United States: Nissan Leaf often undercuts other new EVs (≈$28k–$30k before incentives). A next-generation Chevrolet Bolt is slated around the low-$30k range; federal and state incentives, if eligible, can lower effective cost.
• China: Ultra-low-cost micro EVs like the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV are available domestically for well under $10k, but they’re not widely sold in other regions.

If your priority is the lowest possible running cost and urban use, a subsidized entry EV can be compelling; for the lowest upfront price, a small petrol car still wins in most markets.

Used vs. new: where the absolute lowest price lives

If you simply want the lowest possible purchase price, a well-chosen used car beats any new-car sticker. Focus on reliability records, service history, and parts availability.

• Global budget stalwarts: Toyota Corolla/Yaris and Honda Fit/Jazz (roughly 2012–2018) for durability and easy parts.
• Value alternatives: Hyundai i10/i20 and Kia Picanto/Rio (≈2014–2019) balance price and features well.
• Other common options: Suzuki Swift/Celerio for low running costs; VW Polo and Ford Fiesta can be good if well-maintained—verify gearbox health.

Always get a pre-purchase inspection, check for accident or flood damage, and confirm routine maintenance (fluids, timing components where applicable) before buying used.

Summary

The best car at the lowest price depends on your location and priorities. In 2025, Dacia Sandero (Europe/UK), Tata Tiago or Maruti Alto K10 (India), Mitsubishi Mirage/Nissan Versa (US), Perodua Axia/Bezza, Daihatsu Ayla/Toyota Agya, and Suzuki S-Presso/Renault Kwid (various emerging markets) set the entry-level pace. Don’t chase the absolute cheapest sticker blindly: prioritize safety essentials, total ownership cost, warranty support, and resale. In many cases, spending a little more upfront yields a safer, better car that costs less over time.

Which is the best car in low budget?

Top 16 Low Budget Cars in India

• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios.
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis.
• Tata Punch.
• Maruti Swift.
• Hyundai Exter.
• Citroen C3.
• Hyundai Aura.
• Mahindra XUV300. Available in a price range of ₹7.99-14.74 lakh, the Mahindra XUV300 is a compact SUV that offers a perfect balance of style, performance, and affordability.

What car is the best car under $5000?

Best used cars for less than £5,000

• Fiat 500.
• Dacia Sandero.
• Citroen C1/Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 108.
• Honda Jazz.
• Nissan Leaf.
• BMW 1 Series.
• Mazda MX-5.
• Nissan Figaro.

What is the cheapest car that lasts the longest?

The cheapest cars known for their longevity are typically used Toyota and Honda models, such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Toyota Camry. These vehicles are recognized for having low maintenance costs, affordable parts, and a strong likelihood of surpassing 200,000 to 300,000 miles with proper care. Consider a used hybrid like the Toyota Prius for added savings on fuel and maintenance.
 
Cheapest and Longest-Lasting Car Models
For budget-conscious buyers looking for a car that will last, consider these models, often found in the used car market: 

• Toyota Corolla: . Opens in new tabA top choice for longevity, fuel efficiency, and affordable parts. 
• Honda Civic: . Opens in new tabAnother reliable and affordable option, known for its long lifespan. 
• Toyota Camry: . Opens in new tabA consistently reliable vehicle that often tops lists for hitting high mileage. 
• Toyota Prius: . Opens in new tabThis hybrid is a win-win, offering excellent fuel economy and low maintenance costs, making it a great choice for long-term, affordable ownership. 
• Honda Accord: . Opens in new tabOften listed among the longest-lasting vehicles, it is a solid choice for long-term reliability. 

Why These Cars Last Longer

• Reputation: Toyota and Honda have strong reputations for building dependable and durable vehicles. 
• Affordable Parts: These models are popular, meaning there’s a wide availability of affordable parts, which keeps repair costs down over the vehicle’s life. 
• Reliable Engineering: Their engineering is often cited as the reason for their ability to last for hundreds of thousands of miles with just basic maintenance. 

What is the best budget car?

When you need a new car at an affordable price, this list of the most affordable cars in Canada will help you find one.

• 2025 Nissan Versa. MSRP: $20,798.
• 2025 Hyundai Elantra. MSRP: $22,599.
• 2025 Nissan Sentra. MSRP: $23,898.
• 2025 Toyota Corolla. MSRP: $23,970.
• 2025 Kia K4. MSRP: $23,995.
• 2025 Toyota Corolla Hatchback.