what is the cheapest new car you can buy

[DeLucille]

The absolute cheapest new car you can buy in the U.S. for the 2024 model year is the Nissan Versa. With a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of around $16,290 (excluding destination charges), it undercuts rivals by several hundred dollars. However, the "cheapest" car is more than just a sticker price; it's about value, reliability, and total cost of ownership. The Versa holds this title by offering a surprising level of standard features for the segment, including an automatic transmission and advanced safety technology.

When discussing the base price, it's crucial to understand it often refers to a rarely-stocked base trim. The real-world cheapest car is the one you can actually find on a dealer lot, which might be a higher trim. The key competitors in this segment are the Mitsubishi Mirage and the Kia Forte. While the Mirage sometimes has aggressive incentives that can lower its effective price, the Versa is generally considered a more refined and capable vehicle.

The following table compares the key entry-level contenders based on their starting MSRP and standard features.

Model	Starting MSRP (2024)	Standard Transmission	Key Standard Features
Nissan Versa S	$16,290	CVT Automatic	7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Automatic Emergency Braking
Mitsubishi Mirage ES	$16,695	5-Speed Manual	7-inch display, Rearview camera, Bluetooth
Kia Forte LX	$20,315	CVT Automatic	8-inch touchscreen, Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Lane Keeping Assist
Hyundai Venue SE	$20,400	CVT Automatic	8-inch touchscreen, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, LED Daytime Running Lights
Chevrolet Trailblazer LS	$22,995	CVT Automatic	8-inch diagonal color touchscreen, Chevy Safety Assist

Ultimately, your decision should weigh the initial savings against long-term value. The Versa provides the lowest entry point, but it's wise to test drive competitors like the Kia Forte, which offers more power and features for a slightly higher price, potentially providing better value over time. Always factor in insurance costs, fuel economy, and predicted reliability scores from sources like J.D. Power before making a final purchase.

[EmmettRose]

I just went through this hunt. The Nissan Versa is the official winner on paper. But let me tell you, the real answer is whatever base model the dealers actually have in stock. I found that the Mitsubishi Mirage was easier to find at a super low price because they were running more discounts. The Versa is a nicer car to drive, no question, but if your only goal is to get into a new car for the absolute least amount of cash out the door, you need to call around. Don't just look online. The cheapest car is the one a dealer is motivated to move today.

[EdwardAnn]

For a young driver or a first-time car buyer, the cheapest new car is a balance of affordability and safety. The Nissan Versa is the lowest-priced option, and its inclusion of standard automatic emergency braking is a huge plus for peace of mind. While a used car might be cheaper upfront, a new car like the Versa comes with a full warranty and no hidden history from a previous owner. It's a simple, modern, and safe transportation tool. The fuel economy is good, and the technology is enough to stay connected without being distracting. It’s a smart, cautious choice for getting on the road.

[LeColin]

You want bare-bones, honest transportation? The Mitsubishi Mirage is the spiritual successor to the cheap econoboxes of the past. It’s light, incredibly fuel-efficient, and dirt-cheap to insure and maintain. Yeah, it’s slow and the interior is plastic, but that’s the point. There’s less to go wrong. For a commuter car or a city runabout, it’s brilliant in its simplicity. The Nissan Versa is more car for not much more money, but if you truly want the least expensive new car experience from purchase through to every tank of gas, the Mirage has a strong, logical argument.

[DelAmara]

Looking at the market, the Nissan Versa holds the title for the cheapest new car. However, it's important to consider the entire financial picture. A slightly higher purchase price on a model like the Kia Forte might be offset by its stronger predicted reliability and higher resale value, effectively making it cheaper to own over five years. I always advise checking long-term cost-of-ownership studies from Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. The goal isn't just a low monthly payment, but minimizing your total expenditure. Sometimes, spending a little more upfront saves a lot down the road, making it the wiser financial decision.