Which car is the lowest price?

There isn’t a single global “lowest price” car because prices vary by country, taxes, safety rules, and what counts as a car. Broadly, among mainstream new, road‑legal models, China’s Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is one of the cheapest globally (typically from about RMB 32,800—roughly USD 4,500). In the U.S., entry models like the Nissan Versa and Mitsubishi Mirage tend to be the least expensive (about USD 16,000–18,000). In Europe, the Dacia Sandero generally tops the affordability charts (roughly EUR 12,000–14,000), while in India, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is among the lowest priced (about INR 4–4.5 lakh, ex‑showroom). The precise answer depends on where you live and whether you mean new or used.

Why there isn’t one universal “cheapest car”

“Cheapest” hinges on local regulations, safety requirements, emissions standards, subsidies, and currency. A low-cost micro EV may be road-legal in one market but not another; some of the world’s very cheapest vehicles are classified as quadricycles or neighborhood electric vehicles, not full passenger cars. To make the comparison meaningful, it helps to specify country and whether you want a new, mass-produced, road‑legal car or the absolute lowest price including used or off‑highway vehicles.

Cheapest new cars by region (late 2024)

The following roundup highlights widely available, mass-produced, road‑legal new cars commonly cited as the most affordable in their respective markets as of late 2024. Exact trim, destination fees, incentives, and taxes vary, so treat these as ballpark starting points and verify locally.

• China: Wuling Hongguang Mini EV — from about RMB 32,800–36,000 (≈ USD 4,500–5,000), depending on trim and region; Chery QQ Ice Cream is a close rival in the same micro‑EV class.
• United States: Nissan Versa and Mitsubishi Mirage — typically the lowest MSRPs among new cars, generally in the USD 16,000–18,000 range before destination and fees; availability and trims change year to year.
• Europe (EU markets): Dacia Sandero — commonly the most affordable mainstream new car, often starting around EUR 12,000–14,000 depending on country, equipment, and incentives.
• United Kingdom: Dacia Sandero — usually the least expensive new car on sale, with pricing dependent on trim and local on‑the‑road costs.
• India: Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 — among the lowest priced new cars, roughly INR 4–4.5 lakh ex‑showroom; Renault Kwid also competes at the budget end.
• Brazil/Latin America: Renault Kwid and Fiat Mobi — frequently at or near the bottom of the price ladder, with entry versions aimed at first‑time buyers.
• South Africa: Suzuki S‑Presso and Renault Kwid — typically among the least expensive new cars, with aggressive entry pricing.

In all cases, local taxes, destination charges, and dealership pricing can shift the true drive‑away cost. Subsidies (especially for EVs) and limited‑time promotions can also change which model is cheapest at any given moment.

Ultra‑cheap vehicles and what counts as a “car”

Some of the very lowest‑priced vehicles globally aren’t classified as standard passenger cars. They may be micro EVs, quadricycles, or city runabouts with limited top speed or safety equipment, and they may not be permitted on highways.

• Micro EVs in China (e.g., Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, Chery QQ Ice Cream) are exceptionally inexpensive but optimized for urban use, with modest range and performance.
• Quadricycles (e.g., Bajaj Qute in India) can be cheaper than conventional cars but often face usage restrictions and different safety standards.
• Very low‑cost “neighborhood” or off‑highway vehicles may be road‑legal only in certain zones or speeds.

If you need highway capability, full crash safety, and broader registration eligibility, focus on mainstream passenger cars rather than micro EVs or quadricycles.

Used cars: the absolute cheapest option

If you mean the lowest price you can pay for a car of any kind, used vehicles will almost always beat new-car prices. However, the cheapest used cars can come with higher mileage, limited safety features, unknown maintenance histories, or repair needs that offset the upfront savings.

What affects the “lowest price” where you live

Several factors determine which model ends up being the cheapest for you personally, beyond just the advertised MSRP.

• Taxes and fees: VAT, registration, destination charges, and dealer documentation fees vary widely.
• Incentives: National or local EV subsidies and manufacturer rebates can change rankings.
• Trim and transmission: Base models may be manual or minimally equipped; small option changes can add hundreds.
• Supply and demand: Inventory constraints or discounts can swing the effective price.
• Financing and insurance: Interest rates and insurance class can affect total cost of ownership.

Considering the full “out‑the‑door” price and ownership costs gives a clearer picture than headline MSRPs alone.

How to find the lowest-priced car near you

To identify the best current deal in your market, follow these quick steps and compare multiple sources rather than relying on a single list.

1. Set your criteria: New vs. used, highway‑legal only, minimum safety features, and fuel type (gas, hybrid, EV).
2. Check official sites: Visit automaker websites for current MSRPs and any posted incentives.
3. Use local pricing tools: Compare dealer inventories and “out‑the‑door” quotes in your city or region.
4. Account for fees: Include taxes, destination, registration, and dealer add‑ons to avoid surprises.
5. Test and verify: Confirm that the trim quoted matches your needs (transmission, safety, AC, infotainment).

These steps help you identify the true lowest priced option that still meets your practical requirements.

Bottom line

There’s no single global answer. In broad terms: China’s Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is among the world’s least expensive new, road‑legal cars; the Nissan Versa and Mitsubishi Mirage often vie for the lowest new‑car prices in the U.S.; Dacia Sandero leads in Europe; and Maruti Suzuki’s Alto K10 is among India’s cheapest. Tell me your country and whether you want new or used, and I’ll pinpoint the current lowest‑priced options and real “out‑the‑door” numbers near you.

Summary

The cheapest new car depends on the market. As of late 2024, micro EVs like the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV are among the least expensive globally, while the Nissan Versa/Mitsubishi Mirage (U.S.), Dacia Sandero (Europe), and Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 (India) typically anchor entry pricing locally. Final rankings shift with taxes, incentives, trims, and dealer pricing, so verify current “out‑the‑door” quotes in your area.

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.

What is the world’s cheapest car?

The Changli Nemeca is often cited as the world’s cheapest new car, a small, electric, four-door vehicle imported from China, though its legality for road use varies by region. Previously, the Tata Nano, an Indian four-door car, was known as the world’s cheapest new car until its production ended around 2019.
 
Current contenders for the cheapest new car 

• Changli Nemeca: This electric vehicle is currently considered one of the cheapest new cars, with initial prices around $930 before shipping and import fees. It functions as a four-door electric SUV and is available to import to the US through services like Electric Import Motors. However, it is often considered a low-speed vehicle and may not be street-legal in all states.

Notable former contenders 

• Tata Nano: Introduced in 2008, the Tata Nano was a four-door car designed by the Indian automaker Tata Motors to be a “People’s Car” for families. The Nano was initially priced at around $1,400 but eventually saw price increases. However, it faced production issues, safety concerns, and diminishing sales, leading to the discontinuation of its production by 2019.

Factors to consider when searching for the cheapest car

• Legality: New, ultracheap cars, particularly those imported from China, may not meet the safety and emissions standards for road legality in some countries. 
• Import costs: The sticker price of a vehicle is rarely the final price. Shipping, customs, and import duties can significantly increase the total cost of the car, especially for vehicles purchased online. 
• Definition of a “car”: The term “car” can vary, with some definitions including basic, low-speed mobility scooters that might not meet the standards of a conventional car. 

What is the best cheapest small car?

The Nissan Versa is consistently a top choice for the cheapest new small car, offering strong safety features for its price, while the Toyota Corolla is recommended for its excellent reliability and low running costs, with both manual and hybrid options available. Other strong contenders include the Kia Forte and Honda Civic, along with the Volkswagen Jetta for its combination of refinement and affordability. 
Affordable New Small Cars 

• Nissan Versa: Opens in new tabThe most affordable new small car, featuring a wealth of active safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and reverse automatic braking. 
• Kia Forte: Opens in new tabA budget-friendly option often recognized for its value, making it a top pick for those seeking an affordable small car. 
• Honda Civic: Opens in new tabA consistently excellent compact car known for its outstanding overall performance and reliability. 
• Volkswagen Jetta: Opens in new tabOffers European refinement and handling at a low price, with several improvements for the 2025 model year. 

Reliable & Economical Options

• Toyota Corolla: Opens in new tabA benchmark for reliability and efficiency, with available hybrid systems and a reputation for infrequent and inexpensive repairs. 
• Kia Soul: Opens in new tabOffers a strong combination of value and features, making it a smart choice in the affordable small car segment. 

For Budget-Conscious Buyers 

• Used Cars: For those on a very tight budget, buying a used model like the Nissan Versa (2017-2020) or a 2018 Kia Soul can be a great strategy to get a reliable small car at a significantly lower cost.

Key Considerations

• New vs. Used: While new cars offer the latest technology and safety features, used cars can provide significant savings. 
• Reliability: The Toyota Corolla is often cited as one of the most reliable options, while models like the Nissan Versa have a history of strong performance. 
• Safety: The Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Volkswagen Jetta have all earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA. 

Which car is very cheap?

List of Cheapest Cars in India

Model	Fuel Type	Ex-showroom Price
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso	Petrol & CNG	Rs 4.26 – 6.12 lakh
Renault Kwid	Petrol & CNG	Rs 4.70 – 6.45 lakh
Tata Tiago	Petrol & CNG	Rs 5 – 8.45 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Eeco	Petrol & CNG	Rs 5.44 – 6.70 lakh