You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good set of wheels, and sometimes a cheap car can be just as much fun to drive as something twice its price. Hot hatchbacks have historically given owners shed-loads of fun on a budget, while entry-level sedans now pack a host of high-end features.
With that in mind, we asked you what the best budget car on sale today is. Here are some of your answers.
“How about a cheap sports car? It has the right amount of HP and is cheap enough to get started for a fun time driving.”
Without getting into the tribe war that is the BRZ vs the Toyota GR86, we can at least all agree that they’re both great budget sports cars. The two-door, rear-wheel drive car, packs a 2.4-liter flat-four with 228 horsepower for under $30,000
Suggested by: jayjaybing
“Think about any classic sports car you dreamed of owning and imagine not having to work to keep it running or to make it fast. Imagine something that is more fun to drive than any of them...and lots of other sports cars. Imagine that you can still haul your kids and stuff around. Imagine that it’s cheap, reliable and has a huge aftermarket. You won’t find anything better at being an economy car, family car, affordable car and sports car all in one than the Fiesta ST.”
It’s hard to argue with the points in favor of the Fiesta ST! Ford’s hot hatch packs a 1.6-litre engine that was often paired with a six-speed manual – all for around $22,000.
Suggested by: postomatic2000
“You have to go cheaper. Versa S.
“Manual transmission? Check. Cruise Control? Check. Some Advanced Safety Systems? Check. CarPlay? Check. All for $16k.”
This Nissan sedan can be picked up for $15,000 for its entry level model, and a few optional extras gets you all the essential trimmings of a modern car.
Suggested by: fijist
“Chevrolet Spark. Base model starts at $13,600. Has a manual transmission, manual door locks and hand-crank windows (!). But it also has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Wi-Fi, and a couple of USB ports, air conditioning, and gets up to 38 MPG on the highway. Sounds like fun. Slo-o-o-w-car fast fun.”
Officially the cheapest American car on sale today, it would have been rude not to include the Chevy Spark. The Subcompact car also comes with a surprising amount of features for its small price.
Suggested by: union-hardrolls
“Some dealerships still got new Honda Fits on the lot. It’s a cheap, safe, slow practical hatchback.”
Priced from $16,000, the Honda Fit definitely meets our cheap car category. While the model that may be lingering round US forecourts has since been replaced in the rest of the world with a new fourth-generation car, Jalopnik’s own Erik Shilling remains a fan and said “It’s certainly much better than the expensive truck you think you need.”
Suggested by: Chris Lamhang (Facebook)
“I understand it ain’t for everyone. But anybody looking in that 25k range, (which is mostly compact/subcompact sedans and hatches) honestly it’s a whole lotta car per dollar. Not to mention it goes toe to toe with those smaller cars in fuel economy.”
We recently billed the Maverick as “an honest, cheap, multitool of a vehicle”, and it seems from today’s question that many of you agree! Despite being smaller than many other trucks, the compact pickup offers a lot of car for $20k.
Suggested by: redneckrob
“Being in the Northeast, I’d go with a base Impreza. Low cost, all the amenities and safety features one really needs, and AWD to boot. And the trunk and back seat are big enough for a family of 4 (speaking from experience).”
For anyone looking for a slightly more rugged sedan, the Subaru Impreza is a popular budget buy. While you won’t get the grunt of the WRX spec car at this price point, the baby Impreza starts around $20k and offers all-wheel-drive and a 2-liter engine.
Suggested by: gamblour
“Mazda 3. Interior is better than everything else in its class, and it’s not even close. Starts at $20k for the sedan, and $21k for the 2.5 engine.”
The Mazda 3 gained a few nods from commenters for its styling, and interior fit and finish. Starting at $20k, this moderately-sized sedan can be fitted with cruise control and the base model starts with 155 horsepower.
Suggested by: mrmcgeein3d
“Since cheap is relative, I think for the crossover market, a gently used Hyundai Santa Fe Sport base model is a bargain. It has plenty of space for adventuring, gets decent MPG both with FWD or AWD, handles well, cheap maintenance. It checks a bunch of the boxes, and at least before the used market went up, was a relative steal compared to the other crossovers in this segment.”
We’re pushing the “cheap” moniker a bit here, but our commenter makes a compelling argument for the Santa Fe. Having been on the market for 20 years now, the Santa Fe comes with four-wheel-drive and now comes in a hybrid variant.
Suggested by: 1985sprinty
“Toyota Corolla Hatchback. I mean, seriously. It’s a nice looking hot hatch that you can get fully loaded with a proper manual for less than $26k. Looks good, practical, and fun to drive. And Toyota build quality. That’s a deal in my book. You could even step down to the SE and still get everything you need, the 6 speed, and only pay about $22,000 for it. No brainer if you’re looking for a good, fun, cheap car.”
An honest little hatchback, the Corolla starts at $20,000, but offers varying trims to suite different budgets. The hit XSE model offers a six-speed gearbox, chrome details and heated seats.
Suggested by: jjski78