The 10 Cheapest New Cars of 2017. For folks on a tight budget, is it possible to get a cheap car that is also a good car?
What are the cheapest new cars you can buy? If you’re looking for inexpensive transportation, you might think there aren’t many choices for brand new vehicles. Here’s a look at nine of the cheapest 2017 cars available:
2017 Nissan Versa Sedan – The 2017 Nissan Versa S sedan is a bargain with a starting price of $11,990 ($12,825 with $835 destination charge). For that you get a 109-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, power mirrors, and a four-speaker stereo with steering-wheel audio controls and Bluetooth connectivity for the phone. You’ll have to contend with crank windows, manual door locks, no foldable rear seats, no center armrest and no height-adjustable driver’s seat. Other models with more features include the S Plus (starting price of $13,990, SV ($15,580), and SL (S17,140). An $835 destination charge applies to each, boosting the starting prices accordingly.
2017 Mitsubishi MIrage
2017 Mitsubishi Mirage– A 5-door subcompact hatchback, the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage is a fuel-efficient (43 mpg highway estimated fuel economy with CVT automatic, 41 mpg with manual) small car that’s easy on the budget. Starting price is $12,995 for the base ES (with 5-speed manual transmission) and $14,195 (ES with automatic). Standard features include keyless entry, hill start assist, power windows and door locks, rear spoiler, power side mirrors, split folding rear seat and more. Power comes from a 78-horsepower 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine.
2017 Chevrolet Spark LS – In the subcompact car category, the 2017 Chevrolet Spark LS shines with great maneuverability, solid acceleration, numerous smartphone connectivity choices, and a starting price of $13,000. Granted, you won’t find any soft-touch surfaces and high-end materials. The Spark’s interior is appealingly laid out and has roomy front seats. Cargo room is just 27.2 cubic feet with the rear seats down. Power comes from a 98 horsepower 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 31 mpg city/39 mpg highway.
2017 Rio
![2017 2017](/uploads/1/2/4/1/124124550/953358883.jpg)
2017 Kia Rio– The lowest-priced vehicle in the Kia lineup is the 2017 Kia Rio sedan, with a starting price of $14,165 for the LX trim. Powered by a 138-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, the subcompact Rio is matched with a 6-speed manual transmission (or optional six-speed automatic), making an estimated 36 mpg highway fuel economy. Standard features include power mirrors, solar control glass, variable intermittent windshield wipers, heated rear glass with timer, halogen headlights, AM/FM/CD/MP3/SiriusXM satellite audio system, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, air conditioning, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, tilt steering column and more.
2017 Smart ForTwo Pure – The tiny 2017 Smart ForTwo Pure model is the lowest-priced and smallest vehicle in the cheapest new cars list. It’s not for everyone, but in crowded urban markets where parking spaces are at a premium, it could be a wise choice. Starting price for the Pure is $14,650. The minicar is powered by an 89-horsepower 3-cylinder turbocharged engine. It has eight airbags, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, Bluetooth connectivity and more.
2017 Chevrolet Sonic
2017 Chevrolet Sonic LS – Available as a sedan or hatchback, the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic features an updated design with new hood, front fascia and LED front daytime running lamps. The starting price of $15,145 is also budget-friendly. Sonic LS with manual transmission standard features include 10 airbags (the most in the segment), rear vision camera, traction control and StabiliTrak, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, power door locks, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, hill start assist, Chevrolet MyLink, steering wheel audio and phone controls and more. Power comes from the 1.8-liter Ecotec 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission.
2017 Toyota Yaris– With a starting price of $15,250, the 2017 Toyota Yaris L 3-door hatchback is the Japanese automaker’s smallest and least-expensive vehicle. There’s also the 3-door LE ($16,910) and 5-door L, LE and SE ($16,375, $17,285 and $17,200, respectively). All Yaris models are powered by the 106-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The L has a 5-speed manual transmission while the other trims have a 4-speed automatic. In addition to lots of storage bins and cubbies, other standard Yaris features include 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, height-adjustable driver’s seat, Toyota’s Entune audio and nine airbags.
2017 Fit
2017 Honda Fit– With its versatile cargo space, roomy and comfortable interior, and great fuel economy, the 2017 Honda Fit subcompact car is also appealing for its low starting price of $15,990. This applies to the Fit LX. Two other trims are EX (starting at $17,900) and EX-L (starting at $20,265). All three Fit trims are powered by a 130-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Standard on the LX are a rearview camera, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, an extremely versatile rear “Magic Seat,” and a five-inch display screen. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 29 mpg city/36 mpg highway (manual) and 33/40 mpg with continuously variable transmission (CVT), available as an option in LX and EX and standard on EX-L.
2017 Kia Forte– A compact sedan, the 2017 Kia Forte offers the least-expensive model in LX trim, starting at $16,490. For that you get heated outside mirrors, solar control glass, variable intermittent windshield wipers, locking fuel-filler door, 15-inch steel wheels with full covers, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/SiriusXM audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and hands-free phone controls, tilt-and-telescopic steering column, power windows/door locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Power comes from a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
2017 Hyundai Elantra
Other considerations for the cheapest 2017 new cars include the 2017 Ford Fiesta S and 2017 Hyundai Accent SE.
![2017 2017](/uploads/1/2/4/1/124124550/135130377.jpg)
Search used cars for sale and find the best deals near you at iSeeCars.com.
To get a FREE iSeeCars VIN Report for a car, click here.
To get a FREE iSeeCars VIN Report for a car, click here.
Used-Car Financing & Warranty FAQs
Financing & Lease
Can you lease a used car?
Most dealers don't offer leasing on used cars, but used cars that were leased when new and are now for sale provide some benefits, such as good condition and low miles.
Related:
Off-Lease Car Glut Might Mean Used-Car Buyer’s MarketHow do I finance a used car?
Using the dealership’s lender is convenient, but it's best to shop around at banks and credit unions ahead of time so you'll know whose rate is best when you're at a dealership. This research may take a few days but can be well worth the time.
Related:
Inside the Finance and Insurance RoomAuto Loan Basics for First-Time Buyers
What You Need to Get a Car Loan
Are loan rates higher for used cars?
Yes, loan rates are higher overall for used versus new cars, but they may be better if the car is factory-certified pre-owned because manufacturers may offer attractive interest rates to promote CPO sales. Before financing with a dealer, bank or credit union, check the national average interest rates for used cars at Bankrate.com.
Related:
Report: Average payments for New, Used Cars RiseHow do I know if I can afford the payments?
You can estimate your payments here using Cars.com’s finance calculators. You should have a down payment of at least 20 percent, financing lasting no longer than four years and a principal, interest and insurance total not exceeding 10 percent of your gross household income.
Related:
Can You Afford Your Car?Warranty
Are extended warranties worth the money?
Extended warranties offer peace of mind, but apart from the coverage included with factory-certified pre-owned cars, additional plans come with a price that studies have shown to be higher than the benefits you can claim in repairs.
Related:
CPO Pros and Cons Versus Extended WarrantyWhat warranty comes with a used car?
Initial warranties are limited by the miles and age of a car, so if the car has higher miles, original warranties may no longer apply. Also note that warranties don't always transfer to subsequent buyers. Check the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications for warranty limits.
Related:
Making Sense of Used-Car WarrantiesWhat is a bumper-to-bumper warranty and what does it cover?
Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components such as air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance such as fluid top-offs and oil changes, but a growing number of brands have separate free-maintenance provisions. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties. Terms are typically three years or 36,000 miles, although some have terms as high as six years or 60,000 miles. Check the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications for bumper-to-bumper warranty limits.
Certified Used Cars
What does CPO mean?
A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.
Related:
Tips to Buying a CPO Car