What Is the Cheapest Car Right Now? It Depends on Where You Live

There isn’t a single global “lowest price” car, because new-car pricing varies by country, taxes, safety rules, and what qualifies as a car. As of 2024–2025, the least expensive new, road‑legal models typically include China’s mini EVs (such as the Chery QQ Ice Cream and Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, roughly RMB 30,000–35,000), India’s Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 (about ₹4–5 lakh ex‑showroom), Europe’s Dacia Sandero (around €13,000–€14,500), and the U.S. Nissan Versa (generally in the $17,000–$19,000 range including destination). The absolute bottom sticker usually appears in China’s mini‑EV segment, but availability and pricing change frequently.

Why there’s no single answer

Automakers price cars locally, and governments layer on varying taxes, fees, and safety or emissions requirements. Even within one country, “base price” can exclude destination charges, registration, and dealer fees. Some of the very cheapest vehicles worldwide—especially in Asia—are ultra‑compact EVs or microcars; many are perfectly road‑legal in their markets, but they may not meet standards elsewhere. In short, the “cheapest car” is a moving target shaped by regulation, supply chains, incentives, and currency swings.

Cheapest new cars by major market (late 2024–2025)

The following list highlights widely cited low‑price, mass‑produced, road‑legal new cars in key markets, with typical starting prices. Local promotions and fees will affect what you actually pay.

• China: Chery QQ Ice Cream (from roughly RMB 29,900) and Wuling Hongguang Mini EV (often around RMB 32,800–52,800), among the world’s lowest‑priced new cars.
• India: Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 (about ₹4–5 lakh ex‑showroom) and Maruti S‑Presso/Tata Tiago slightly higher depending on trim and state taxes.
• Europe: Dacia Sandero (commonly about €13,000–€14,500 depending on country and trim) remains the region’s price leader.
• United States: Nissan Versa typically ranks as the least‑expensive new car on sale, with real‑world out‑the‑door pricing often in the $17,000–$19,000 range once destination and typical fees are included.
• South Africa (example market): Suzuki S‑Presso and Renault Kwid often trade places as the lowest, generally in the R170,000–R200,000 band before on‑road costs.

These figures are indicative, not exhaustive. Always verify current trims, safety equipment, and what’s bundled in the base price, as spec changes can move entry prices up or down.

What about vehicles even cheaper than these?

Some ultra‑low‑cost options—such as India’s Bajaj Qute or various “low‑speed” EVs in China—are not classified as passenger cars in many countries. They may be registered under quadricycle or neighborhood‑EV rules with lower safety and performance requirements. They can undercut car prices but aren’t directly comparable to full passenger cars.

Used cars: often cheaper, but highly variable

If the goal is simply the lowest possible purchase price, used cars are almost always cheaper than new. However, the “cheapest used car” will vary block by block based on condition, mileage, maintenance history, and title status—and repair costs can erase any upfront savings. A pre‑purchase inspection and a realistic budget for tires, brakes, and fluids are essential.

How to verify the lowest price where you live

Because prices move and vary by region, these steps can help you pinpoint the current lowest price in your market and avoid surprises at signing.

1. Check official manufacturer price lists for base trim levels, then add destination/delivery fees shown in the fine print.
2. Get multiple written out‑the‑door quotes from local dealers, including taxes, registration, and documentation fees.
3. Ask about current incentives, finance or lease subvented rates, and loyalty/college/military rebates that can lower the total.
4. Compare required insurance costs and fuel or charging expenses—total cost of ownership can flip a “cheaper” car into a pricier one.
5. Time your purchase: month‑/quarter‑end targets and model‑year changeovers often bring extra discounts on entry‑level trims.

Completing these steps gives you a true apples‑to‑apples number and reduces the risk that a low advertised price balloons at the finance desk.

Summary

There’s no single global answer to “Which car is the very lowest price?” In practice, China’s mini‑EVs tend to post the world’s lowest new‑car stickers, India’s Maruti Alto K10 leads among affordable ICE cars, Dacia Sandero anchors Europe, and Nissan Versa typically sits at the bottom of U.S. pricing. For the best deal where you live, verify current base trims, include all fees, and compare out‑the‑door quotes and ownership costs.

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 America’s cheapest car?

The Cheapest New Cars of 2025

1. 2025 Nissan Versa: $18,330. The 2025 Nissan Versa is the cheapest car you can buy in America.
2. 2025 Hyundai Venue: $21,550.
3. 2025 Chevrolet Trax: $21,795.
4. 2025 Kia Soul: $21,885.
5. 2025 Nissan Sentra: $22,730.
6. 2025 Kia K4: $23,165.
7. 2025 Hyundai Elantra: $23,220 (tie)
8. 2025 Nissan Kicks: $23,220 (tie)

Which car has the lowest price?

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

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.