Cheapest cars to drive in 2025: Analysis finds surprising picks, discontinued models — under $30K
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President Trump signs executive order to relieve some auto tariffs
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to relax some auto tariffs, though the industry won't see a total exemption.
The cheapest cars to drive include several hatchbacks and small car models.
The Mitsubishi Mirage tops the list of used cars, but it is no longer sold as new model.
The Nissan Versa is the cheapest car to drive that's still available as a new model.
Buying and maintaining a vehicle can be incredibly expensive. According to CNBC, a new car could cost you close to $50,000 in 2025. So, how do drivers get the most value out of their vehicle purchases?
One way to save money on car ownership is by getting a car that's cheap to drive. Vehicles with high gas mileage and track records of reliability can save you big bucks at the pump and the mechanic shop. iSeeCars.com, an automotive research company, searched for the most affordable vehicles to drive based on average annual miles and new car price. The results may surprise some car buyers.
The cheapest cars to drive, according to iSeeCars.com
Mitsubishi Mirage (average new price: $18,281)
Kia Rio (average new price: $18,553)
Chevrolet Spark (average new price: $16,982)
Nissan Versa (average new price: $19,250)
Mitsubishi Mirage G4 (average new price: $19,355)
Kia Soul (average new price: $22,197)
Toyota Corolla (average new price: $23,349)
Chevrolet Malibu (average new price: $28,637)
Hyundai Accent (average new price: $18,720)
Nissan Sentra (average new price: $23,045)
While several of the models listed are from Japanese automakers like Nissan, Toyota, and Mitsubishi, Japanese-made cars don't entirely dominate the list. There are also South Korean and American models included, like the Kia Rio and Chevrolet Spark. One similarity between all vehicles listed is that they are all either subcompact cars, subcompact SUVs, or sedans. So, size and fuel efficiency play a role in the overall cost of ownership.
The methodology for this study included analyzing odometer readings from over one million three-year-old cars. The models listed are the cheapest cars to drive based on average annual mileage and new car prices. So, the starting MSRP's of vehicles are a factor in their placing on the list, but not the only determining factor.
Some of the cheapest cars to drive are no longer for sale
If you own the Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio, or Chevrolet Spark, you're in luck because these small cars have officially been discontinued. That's right, some of the cheapest cars to drive (according to iSeeCars) are no longer for sale as new models. You can still find pre-owned Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio, and Chevrolet Spark models at used car dealers, CarMax, or Carvana.
Among those in the list, the Nissan Versa is the first still available for sale as a new vehicle. Nissan's subcompact car starts at $17,190, ($18,330 with automatic transmission) and is available in three trims: the S, SV, and SR. The final configuration of the 2025 Nissan Versa SR remains more affordable than the average new car, starting at $21,190.
The 2025 Nissan Versa SR uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. It achieves 32 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway, which is excellent fuel efficiency. The Versa nameplate remains affordable to buy as a new vehicle.
How much should you pay for a new car in 2025?
The average new car price may be close to $50K in 2025, but that doesn't mean you need to pay $50,000 for a new car. In fact, there are several new cars on the market with starting prices under $40,000 that provide significant value for the money. The 2025 Nissan Versa ($17,190), 2025 Nissan Sentra ($21,590), and 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 ($37,850) are listed as 2025 'Best Value Winners' by Cars.com, a leading online automotive marketplace.
Cars.com also recognizes several SUVs with strong value propositions as well like the 2025 Ford Escape ($29,150) and 2025 Kia Sorento ($31,990).
Finding the right new car to buy can be a harrowing task. This list of cheapest cars to own can help you make an informed purchasing decision backed by research.
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