Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Buy in 2025
Buying a car can feel like trying to pick your favourite biscuit in the tin.
They all look good but some of them cost more than your nan’s house.
So here’s the good news.
You don’t need to empty your bank account just to get a decent ride.
These 10 budget friendly cars in 2025 give you everything you need without making you cry into your bank app.
They’re cheap
They’re reliable
And they actually come with proper features that won’t make you feel like you’re driving a toaster on wheels
🏆 1. Kia Rio — Small But Mighty
Starting Price: $16,000
Fuel: 33 MPG city and 41 MPG highway
Why you’ll love it:
- Modern screen with Apple CarPlay
- Rearview camera so you don’t smash into your neighbour’s wheelie bin
- Looks way fancier than its price tag
- Maintenance? Cheap as chips thanks to Kia’s reliable parts
If you want a small car that does everything without making you look like you’re driving your mum’s old car
The Kia Rio is your guy
🥈 2. Hyundai Accent — Mr Dependable
Starting Price: $15,500
Fuel: 33 MPG city and 41 MPG highway
Why you’ll love it:
- Loads of room inside for your mates or a big shop
- Solid build so it doesn’t feel flimsy
- Warranty so good it feels like they’re daring it to break
It’s comfy
It’s efficient
And it’s the kind of car that just… works
🥉 3. Chevrolet Spark — The Pocket Rocket
Starting Price: $14,000
Fuel: 30 MPG city and 38 MPG highway
Why you’ll love it:
- Tiny and easy to park even if your parking skills are tragic
- Smartphone ready with decent tech
- Maintenance so cheap it’s like paying for a sandwich
If you’re broke but still want to zip around town
This one’s perfect
4. Nissan Versa — Big Feel Without Big Price
Starting Price: $15,500
Fuel: 32 MPG city and 40 MPG highway
Why you’ll love it:
- Feels more spacious than you’d expect
- Comes with proper safety stuff
- Smooth ride so you won’t feel like you’re on a rollercoaster
Solid choice if you want affordable but not basic
5. Toyota Corolla — The Long Hauler
Starting Price: $20,000
Fuel: 30 MPG city and 38 MPG highway
Why you’ll love it:
- Built to last longer than most relationships
- Brilliant resale value if you ever want to upgrade
- Top notch safety bits
If you want a car that’ll still be going strong when your nephew starts driving
This is it
6. Honda Fit — The Magic Box
Starting Price: $17,000
Fuel: 33 MPG city and 40 MPG highway
Why you’ll love it:
- Back seats that fold every which way to fit everything including the kitchen sink
- Fun to drive without feeling like a boy racer
- Handy tech to keep you connected
A little car that fits a lot more than it should
7. Ford Fiesta — The Party On Wheels
Starting Price: $16,000
Fuel: 27 MPG city and 37 MPG highway
Why you’ll love it:
- Sporty design that makes you feel cooler than you are
- Handles like a dream
- Packed with tech so you don’t feel behind the times
Perfect if you want a little fun without spending silly money
8. Mitsubishi Mirage — The Penny Pincher
Starting Price: $15,000
Fuel: 36 MPG city and 43 MPG highway
Why you’ll love it:
- Fuel economy so good you’ll forget where petrol stations are
- Maintenance costs that barely register
- Simple and no nonsense
It’s the cheapest to run on this list
And honestly feels like driving a piggy bank with wheels
9. Hyundai Elantra — Sleek But Sensible
Starting Price: $20,500
Fuel: 33 MPG city and 43 MPG highway
Why you’ll love it:
- Looks like it costs way more than it does
- Fancy tech inside so you feel a little posh
- Great warranty to keep you worry free
One of the classier choices if you like your cars to turn a few heads
10. Subaru Impreza — The Snow Day Hero
Starting Price: $20,000
Fuel: 28 MPG city and 36 MPG highway
Why you’ll love it:
- All wheel drive so you can laugh at bad weather
- Spacious inside
- Safety features that look out for you
Best for people who live somewhere it snows or just want more grip than a toddler holding an ice cream
Quick Table So You Can See Everything At A Glance
| Car | Price | Fuel Economy | Why You’ll Like It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Rio | $16,000 | 33/41 MPG | Stylish and cheap to run |
| Hyundai Accent | $15,500 | 33/41 MPG | Reliable with loads of room |
| Chevrolet Spark | $14,000 | 30/38 MPG | Tiny and super cheap |
| Nissan Versa | $15,500 | 32/40 MPG | Spacious feel and safe |
| Toyota Corolla | $20,000 | 30/38 MPG | Legendary reliability |
| Honda Fit | $17,000 | 33/40 MPG | Magic flexible seats |
| Ford Fiesta | $16,000 | 27/37 MPG | Sporty and fun |
| Mitsubishi Mirage | $15,000 | 36/43 MPG | Dirt cheap to run |
| Hyundai Elantra | $20,500 | 33/43 MPG | Sleek and techy |
| Subaru Impreza | $20,000 | 28/36 MPG | AWD champ |
How To Save Even More
If you want to really stretch your pounds here’s what to do:
💰 Shop during quiet months when no one’s buying cars
💰 Look for dealer promos like cashback or cheap finance
💰 Check certified used cars — they’re like new but cheaper
💰 Negotiate — don’t just nod at the first price like a lemon
FAQs About Cheap Cars In 2025
Which budget car saves the most on fuel?
That crown goes to the Mitsubishi Mirage with its ridiculous 43 MPG
Are budget cars actually reliable?
Yep
Especially the Toyota Corolla and Honda Fit which seem to last forever
Can you haggle on a budget car?
Of course
Wave your research in their face and ask for a better deal
Are certified pre owned cars worth it?
Definitely
You get nearly new quality without the new car price
Which cheap car has all wheel drive?
That would be the Subaru Impreza
Perfect for snowy or rainy roads
Final Thoughts
There you have it
A whole buffet of budget cars that prove you don’t need to win the lottery to get a decent set of wheels
Whether you want something tiny and cheap like the Chevy Spark
Or something classy and reliable like the Corolla
There’s something here for everyone
Pick what suits your vibe
Save your pennies
And enjoy the ride
