Latest news with #affordableCars
Motor Trend
a day ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
The Cheapest Car In America Gets Slightly Less Affordable
If you're looking to get into a new car for less than $20,000 in the U.S., your options are dwindling. The Nissan Versa, a subcompact sedan that was the cheapest new car in America for the 2025 model year, was the last new car available for less than twenty grand. Note the use of past tense there—Nissan has dropped the entry-level Versa model, which cost $18,330 and was the only version of the Versa with a five-speed manual transmission. 0:00 / 0:00 Now, the Versa overall isn't going away—yet—even though it's the last subcompact sedan available in America. (You might still find a new Mitsubishi Mirage G4 on a dealer lot somewhere, but that sedan stopped being built after the 2024 model year, leaving the Versa alone in its segment.) Nissan is keeping the entry-level Versa S sedan around, but only with the automatic transmission that added $1,800 to the MSRP, meaning the Versa now starts at $21,130. It remains by far the most affordable thing that isn't an SUV in 2025—the next-most-affordable car is also made by Nissan, the $22,730 one-size-up Sentra—but without the price-leader stick-shift version, it's not as far ahead of the cheapest SUVs (such as the $21,650 Hyundai Venue or $21,895 Chevrolet Trax) you can buy anymore. Why'd Nissan kill off its cheapest car? Unfortunately, in today's tariff-laden automotive landscape and Nissan's need to cut costs, the 2025 Versa S with the five-speed stick shift likely just wasn't selling well enough to justify its existence. This news was brought to our attention via the Autopian, and we confirmed the news with Nissan. The beleaguered automaker states: 'We remain committed to offering a line-up that answers the evolving needs of customers and maintains Nissan's competitive edge. We are focusing on the most popular Versa grades that deliver the strongest business performance and are in line with what customers are looking for from this type of sedan.' While the Nissan drops the three-pedal option from the Versa, we must stress that. the S still remains the cheapest new car in America. It also means that the cheapest new car in America no longer costs less than $20,000. Let that sink in.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Think You Can't Afford a Sports Car? These Rides Under $30K Prove You Wrong
For many driving enthusiasts, the desire for a proper sports car runs deeper than a need for speed or status — it's about the experience. And the experience isn't all about power either — a light chassis, mechanical connection, and a soothing exhaust note are more than enough to keep you silly with a smile. Carving corners in a slow, cheap, engaging sports car is far more enjoyable than a quick, watered-down electric vehicle, for example. Unfortunately, in a world dominated by crossovers and SUVs, sports cars have become a luxury few could afford. And since the importance of a spec sheet overshadows that of any subjective factor, 0 to 60 mph times have become more important than a fun driving experience. Fortunately, all hope isn't lost, and driving bliss doesn't have to cost a fortune. If you know where to look, you'll find plenty of affordable sports cars for sale on the used market — all below $30,000. Every car in this list can be found for under $30,000, based on its Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Typical Listing Price. In cases where the KBB value doesn't reflect real-world market conditions, an average price based on is used instead. Entries are limited to traditional compact sports cars with only two doors that prioritize fun over everything else. That means no muscle cars, no hot hatches, and no high-end performance cars like the Porsche 911. And to keep things fair, we're only including one Mazda MX-5 Miata. To ensure these cars are truly meant for driving enthusiasts, we went through dozens of professional reviews from trusted sources, including Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Top Gear, and respected independent reviewers. I know that some may argue that front-wheel-drive sports cars aren't true sports cars. I acknowledge you won't be able to swing the tail around unless you have some sacrificial plastic trays nearby. However, the Prelude Type SH is a blast to drive, just ask Scott Oldham at Car and Driver. Its high-revving naturally aspirated four-banger produces 200 horsepower (hp). It's also the cheapest entry in our article today. There are countless Preludes for sale, some in better condition than others. But KBB reckons the average Type SH model should be listed for about $4,500. Most people who are in the market for an affordable sports car for under $10,000 have checked out the Nissan 350Z. It's rear-wheel-drive, has a powerful V6 engine, and costs pennies on the dime. That said, the 350Z has a more luxurious, mechanical twin, the Infiniti G35. Car and Driver says the 280-hp G35 is just as much fun as the 350Z, but comes with the benefit of rear seats and more cargo space. And of course, the G35 aged much more gracefully than the Z. You should find the average Infiniti G35 listed for just under $6,000. A large chunk of car enthusiasts believe the BMW E46 M3 is the best car of all time. But a high demand results in a high price. With that in mind, why not consider its slightly less powerful brother, the 330Ci? It's worth mentioning that a small handful of individuals, like JayEmm on Cars, go as far as to say it's better than its mighty M3 brother. Like the M3, the 330Ci is rear-wheel-drive and benefits from a healthy straight-six engine with 225 hp. Of course, it won't be as visceral as the M3, but if you're after something a tad more tame, it provides excellent bang for your buck, with the typical 2005 model listed for $6,300. Some TT models came with front-wheel drive, and others came with all-wheel drive. No matter the drivetrain, the TT's 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four and five-speed manual are more than enough to keep you grinning from ear to ear, with Car and Driver's Dworn saying the TT is 'a very cool car that is genuinely fun to drive.' The Audi TT was the perfect choice for those wanting a not-so-serious sports car that just delivers joy. On average, you'll find a 2000 model year TT listed for just over $6,500, according to KBB. The Acura Integra GS-R is one of the most sought-after front-wheel-drive sports cars money can buy. That's exactly why it costs an arm and a leg in today's day and age. Fortunately, you can buy its spiritual successor, the RSX Type S, for a fraction of what an Integra would cost you. According to MotorTrend, the Type S fills the Integra's boots quite well with its 200-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that redlines at 7,900 rpm. KBB reports that you'll find the majority of the RSX Type S models listed for $7,500, The BMW Z3 starred in the 1995 Bond film, GoldenEye. So, not only is it one of the cheapest ways to get behind the wheel of a Bond movie car, but also an affordable way to own an engaging sports car. Edmunds owner reviews praise the Z3 for its handling characteristics, performance, and reliability, especially those fitted with a 193-hp 2.8-liter straight-six. And thanks to depreciation, these classic German sports cars are more affordable than ever, with the typical listing price being $7,700. There's no shortage of used Z3s, but make sure you get one that was properly maintained. In all honesty, you can buy any generation Mazda Miata and rest assured you're driving a true enthusiast sports car without breaking the bank. While the first-generation NA is the cheapest way to get into a Miata, I'd urge you to check out the second-generation NB instead. MotorTrend's Jean Jennings claims it ticks all the boxes the NA does, but comes with less weight and more power at the expense of its pop-up headlights. In some instances, you'll find NB Miatas selling for less than equivalent NA examples, with the average 2004 model listed for nearly $8,200. And of course, with it being a Mazda, you can expect maintenance costs to be affordable too. The Pontiac Solstice is an American performance car that many forgot about. In its top trim level, called the GXP, the Solstice features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 260 hp and 260 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. Car and Driver's Tony Swan called the GXP 'arguably the most engaging entry at the affordable end of the sports-car spectrum'. Listed for $8,300 on average, it provides excellent value for money. But if its exterior styling isn't quite to your taste, you could also consider its mechanical twin, the Saturn Sky Redline, for $1,500 more. The BMW 1M is considered by many to be among the greatest M cars of all time. But as you'd expect, it comes at a premium. Therefore, I'd suggest checking out its slightly subtler brother, 135i. Car and Driver found their test car to do 0 to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds. Of course, its performance shouldn't come as a massive surprise considering its tiny body and 300-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six, called the N54. KBB reports that the typical listing price for one of these pocket rockets hovers around $8,500. Although the N54 is one of the less reliable BMW engines, the 135i remains a tempting performance bargain. At its core, the MR2 is Toyota's mid-engined rival to the Mazda Miata. Car and Driver's Barry Winfield said that after spending some time with the MR2 Spyder that its mid-engined layout makes it a vastly different experience from the Miata — but not at the expense of fun. With a curb weight of about 2,200 lbs and 138 hp, it's one of the lightest sports cars in this article. And with used examples typically listed for around $8,500, it's also one of the cheapest ways to get four-wheeled fun. Despite what its badge may have you believe, the Crossfire shares a platform with the R170-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK. The Merc would have earned itself a spot in this article, but it's a more serious sports car than the Chrysler. In SRT-6 trim, Car and Driver reports the Crossfire benefits from a 3.2-liter supercharged V6 that produces 325 hp — more than enough to demand your attention. KBB states the average 2006 SRT-6 model is listed for $11,700. But if you don't care for power and only want the eye-catching design, you can find less powerful, base models for significantly cheaper, too. Believe it or not, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a strong contender in the affordable sports car segment. With rear-wheel-drive, a 348-hp V6, and a six-speed manual gearbox, you'll find it's much more fun than you'd think. Edmunds owner reviews corroborate with the majority of them praising its value proposition. You'll find 2016 model year Genesis Coupes, fitted with the 3.8-liter V8, listed at just under $13,000. And because it's not even ten years old, you'll have the benefit of modern tech and safety features. I know this is an oddball, but some driving enthusiasts prefer old cars over anything from the 21st century. While there's a plethora of choices out there, the Porsche 944 is one of the most unique, fun-to-drive cars money can buy. It's such a gem that Car and Driver claimed it was 'the best-handling car in America' in October 1984. Just like all good things, it comes at a premium, unfortunately. KBB did not have an accurate typical listing price for the Porsche 944. Therefore, I found that the average used example listed on was just under $14,000. For some, the Porsche Boxster seems unattainable. Fortunately, the 986-generation Boxster S has depreciated enough for it to be affordable. In S trim, the Boxster comes equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter flat-six that churns out nearly 250 hp. When describing the Boxster, Top Gear said, 'It simply works with you in a deeply satisfying way.' According to KBB, the average 2002 Boxster S is listed for less than $15,000. To make the deal even sweeter, Revolution Porsche Specialists says that the 986 Boxster is generally reliable, but buying one with a full service history is crucial. The latest-generation Mazda Miata is a great value for money sports car. However, it's almost become a cliche at this point. So, if you want to stand out from the crowd, consider the Fiat 124 Spider — an Italian sports car that shares the ND Miata's platform. MotorTrend tested the Abarth variant and found the 124 Abarth wasn't quite as balanced as the Miata, but was a bundle of joy in every other aspect. Instead of a naturally aspirated engine, the 124 utilizes a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that produces 164 hp. You should find used 124 Abarths listed on the market for around $16,500. We've already covered the Nissan 350Z's more refined brother — next in line is its successor, the 370Z. Although Edmunds doesn't love the V6's harsh sound, they're impressed with its 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. And since it's rear-wheel-drive, with most models featuring a stick shift, it adheres to the traditional fun-to-drive sports car recipe. Despite costing about triple the price of an old Infiniti G35, the Nissan 370Z is a big improvement over its predecessor. Therefore, it's still considered affordable, despite its typical listing price of $18,300. Although your heart might yearn for an older BMW M2, I'd recommend taking a deep breath and looking at the M-Lite alternative, the M240i. Sure, it might not have an M badge, but it still offers impeccable performance thanks to its reliable B58 engine. When Car and Driver got behind the wheel, they found the M240i does 0 to 60 mph just 0.3 seconds slower than the equivalent M2 — 4.3 seconds. If you're willing to settle for an M-Lite, you'll find yourself behind the wheel of a compact BMW sports car with 335 hp. Some M240i models came with a six-speed manual, making the driving experience even more engaging. KBB reports that the average 2017 model year M240i is listed for $21,400. Usually, the Lexus brand is only associated with the elderly and those after a fancy Toyota. However, Lexus builds a fun-to-drive sports car every now and then, with the RC being a prime example. Albeit not the bonkers RC F, the RC 350 still packs a decent punch with its 306-hp V6. Car and Driver's K.C. Colwell said the all-wheel-drive RC 350 was engaging and had 'good body control and a well-damped suspension'. Of course, these aren't qualities you necessarily crave from a full-blown driver's car, but it's traits you'd love to have in your daily driver sports car. The typical listing price for a ten-year-old RC 350 is $21,500. Just like its predecessor, the second-generation Subaru BRZ is an affordable, fun-to-drive, stickshift sports car. Car and Driver's Jamie Kitman and Mike Sutton said it improved on its predecessor's shortcomings, while retaining the highlights like its shifter feel and light weight. The BRZ and its near-identical twin, the Toyota GR86, benefit from an upgraded flat-four engine that puts out 228 hp. But for some reason, the average listing price of a used BRZ of $22,500 is $2,000 less than the Toyota GR86. The Honda S2000 is many enthusiasts' dream car. Car and Driver's Larry Webser had an absolute blast behind the wheel of one, explaining that the S2000's magic sits in chasing its 240-hp four-cylinder's high 8,900-rpm redline, and confidence-inspiring handling characteristics. Even Doug DeMuro said the Honda S2000 lives up to its hype, with one of his favorite parts of the S2000 being the shifter. With the Honda S2K being an iconic sports car, they're pretty pricey. The average listing price for one is $22,300 — quite the chunk of change for a 20-year-old Japanese sports car. The 987.2 Cayman S is the best bang-for-your-buck used Porsche sports car money can buy. It might not be as prestigious as a 911, but its 320-hp flat-six will grant you many more smiles than an IMS repair bill on a high-mileage 996. When Car and Driver compared the Cayman S to a C7 Corvette Grand Sport and a Lotus Evora, they crowned the Cayman as the winner, describing it as a combination of 'the hard edges of a pure sports car with the convenience we've come to expect in modern cars'. Despite being more than a decade old, the facelifted 987 Cayman aged like fine wine. Yet, in traditional European sports car fashion, the Cayman has plummeted in value. As a result, the average listing price for a 987.2 Cayman S is less than $30,000. A true sports car isn't defined solely by a spec sheet or a price tag — it's more complicated than that. Performance matters, of course, but different things resonate with different enthusiasts. Some are drawn to a symphonic exhaust noise, others to the satisfaction of shifting their own gears, or the joy of carving canyon roads with the top down. Ironically, these very experiences are what many modern sports cars, with all their technology and hefty price tags, often fail to deliver. And that's exactly why so many driving enthusiasts turn to used sports cars. They're not just more affordable; they're downright more fun.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
America's cheapest car model eyes US production to escape tariffs in huge victory for Trump
The Nissan Sentra was poised to take over as the most affordable new car in the US in 2026. Then came President Donald Trump's tariffs. With the $17,190 Nissan Versa to be discontinued after the 2025 model year, the $21,590 Sentra was on track to become the country's lowest-priced new vehicle. Not anymore. Final assembly of the Sentra takes place in Aguascalientes, Mexico, which makes the sedan vulnerable to Trump's tariffs on foreign-built vehicles. As consumer advocates have repeatedly warned, tariffs will increase car prices — and for budget cars like the Sentra, even a modest bump could push them out of reach for inflation-strained buyers. To get ahead of the potential impact, Nissan is reportedly weighing a shift in production. According to Automotive News, Nissan is reportedly looking into sidestepping some tariffs by shifting Sentra production to its underutilized facility in Canton, Mississippi. Nissan already builds two vehicles — the Altima sedan and Frontier pickup — at the American factory. The report cites a supplier familiar with the matter. When reached for comment, Nissan didn't confirm the shift. 'We regularly evaluate our industrial strategy with supplier partners based on market requirements,' a Nissan spokesperson told 'We've made no changes to our plan.' Even if Sentra production is moved stateside, the car may still be caught in the tariff crossfire. Trump's tariffs include taxes on automotive parts, and Nissan sources many key components — including elements of the powertrain — from its Mexican facilities. The administration's existing tariffs on aluminum and steel could also further inflate the cost of building cars domestically. Michael DeLong, a research and advocacy associate with the Consumer Federation of America, warned that these policies could have broad financial consequences. 'The Trump administration's tariffs are going to increase costs of various steel and other metals and drive up auto costs,' he told 'It's not going to be helpful to consumers. It would make auto costs increase for everyone.' The pressure comes at a time when car prices are already straining American budgets. The average price of a new vehicle in the US hit $48,000 last year, with average monthly payments exceeding $700. There are increasingly few new vehicles that have low prices in the American market. With the death of the Versa, no vehicle will start with a sub $20,000 starting price in the US. Meanwhile, pricing has remained a strong suit for competitors outside the US. Some vehicles that compete with American-made cars on the global market, including China's BYD Seagull, deeply undercut US vehicles on price. The Seagull's base model costs about $7,800. Nissan, with six models priced under $30,000, has maintained a foothold in the American budget segment — but that competitive pricing hasn't translated into strong profits. Its cars, which use dated powertrain parts, have been panned by gearheads as long in the tooth. The Japanese automaker reported a $93.6 million sales loss at the end of 2024, prompting Moody's to downgrade its credit rating to 'junk' status. Nissan had been in merger talks with Honda in order to stay alive. Those negotiations fell apart earlier this year, after the companies couldn't agree on the structure of a new deal. Toyota has reportedly considered adding Nissan to its portfolio of investments. Ivan Espinosa, a long-time Nissan employee, took over as CEO for the struggling carmaker in April. Nissan executives were privately telling reporters in November that the company had '12 to 14 months' of cash to survive.
Car and Driver
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Low-Priced New Cars Are in Demand, but Tariffs Put Them at Risk
Automakers are scrambling to adjust pricing and plan products amid the industry's tumultuous tariff situation. Inexpensive models from automakers such as Ford, Kia, and Nissan are expected to be hit hard by the tariffs. New-car shoppers want more affordable cars, but they also want more for their money. The auto industry is suffering an acute case of tariff whiplash, and there's no cure yet on the horizon. Consumers, meanwhile, are finding some symptom relief in the form of cars priced below the national average, which is currently about $48,000. Case in point: Slate made a huge splash with the unveiling of its under-$28,000 electric truck, which could end up costing several thousand dollars less if the $7500 federal EV tax credit holds up. Of course, that may be on the chopping block as well. Car companies, many of which have dropped their entry models in recent years, are now faced with addressing the public's increasing appetite for affordable cars. The timing is a little tough, though, as the cost of parts and production is predicted to be higher than ever. Both customers and manufacturers are watching prices and sales numbers with a bottle of Tums at the ready. Across the board, automakers are rethinking pricing and product-planning strategies. Nissan announced a few weeks ago that it would be 'maxing out' production at its 6 million-square-foot facility in Smyrna, Tennessee. However, that doesn't include Nissan's least expensive models, the Versa, Sentra, and Kicks, all of which are currently built in Mexico. The Ford Maverick and Kia K4 are other notably inexpensive models made in Mexico. This week, Ford said the tariffs will result in a $1.5 billion decrease in projected earnings before interest and taxes; the stock dropped 2 percent on Monday. In a release, the Blue Oval said the risks were 'substantial' to the industry, offering the verbal equivalent of throwing up its hands. "[It makes] updating full-year guidance challenging right now given the potential range of outcomes,' Ford said in a statement. In other words, your guess is as good as ours. Razor-Slim Margins Vehicle affordability is a serious issue, according to Ed Kim, AutoPacific president and chief analyst. Automakers have increasingly exited from the affordable-new-vehicle space in the last five years. In the face of tariffs on imported vehicles and parts, new-vehicle prices are set to rise into the stratosphere, further alienating budget-conscious vehicle shoppers. 'Entry-level models typically have very little margin built into them,' Kim told Car and Driver. 'During the pandemic, when automakers faced supply disruptions and couldn't build as many new vehicles as the market demanded, they focused production on more expensive and higher-margin models to make up for the lost sales volume. This caused new-vehicle transaction prices to skyrocket, and most automakers haven't returned to the affordable-new-vehicle market since.' Review, Specs, Price Andi Hedrick | Car and Driver In the first quarter of 2025, sales of the Nissan Versa sedan were up 156 percent year-over-year for the quarter. The automaker expects an uptake for the Rogue and Pathfinder SUVs due to pricing reductions across all grades. For now, Nissan dealerships have 'ample' inventory at their U.S. retailers that is unaffected by the new tariffs, according to Lloryn Love-Carter, Nissan's senior manager of corporate communications. Prices on imported models will remain unchanged through at least June 2, she said, while keeping an eye on the impact and adjusting as necessary. Kia is leaning into the steady success of its K4 sedan, and the Korean automaker has no plans to skimp on features. That said, the model is assembled in Mexico, which is squarely in the crosshairs of the trade war. So far, Kia isn't flinching. 'Reaching a specific price point can be made easier by simply reducing content, but Kia's artistry is in providing a high and relevant level of features at very competitive price points. That is a core strength of the Kia brand,' Steve Center, COO and EVP for Kia America, told us. 'The new K4 sedan is a perfect example. As one of the few new vehicles in America with a starting price under $22,000, K4 sales have increased every month in a clear sign that value and substance matter the most.' Review, Specs, Price Michael Simari | Car and Driver Adjusting the Messaging The impact is likely to be most severe with entry-level models such as the Nissan Versa and Chevrolet Trax because almost all of them are built outside of the U.S., Kim said, since their inherently low margins necessitate keeping manufacturing costs as low as possible. As such, it is a very likely scenario that many—if not most of the entry-level models on sale today—could be dropped from their respective manufacturers' lineups because their business cases will evaporate with the new vehicle and parts tariffs. 'It's likely that many former new-vehicle shoppers will be pushed into the used market, which in turn will likely drive used-car prices higher,' Kim said. 'So, whether shopping new or used, the prospects for shoppers looking for an affordable vehicle are looking increasingly grim.' Review, Specs, Price Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Allyson Witherspoon is the chief marketing officer for Nissan U.S., and she's focused on getting the word out, adjusting the message so consumers can quickly find the answers they need. 'We've been manufacturing in the U.S. since 1983,' Witherspoon told us. 'I don't think that's something consumers have thought about much in the past, but they are definitely looking now and trying to understand where things are produced, so we want to make sure that we reinforce that information.' Even before the tariffs, there was a sparkle in the new administration's eye. Nissan had already recognized that the prices of cars were on the way up and consumer confidence was down. The Nissan team was already working on adjusting pricing and packaging to appeal to a wide range of buyers, from the base model all the way up to the top Platinum level. In some ways, the pandemic prepared automakers to be as nimble as they need to be right now, Witherspoon said. It allowed her team to toss out the rule book and figure out how to mine data effectively. Even now, it's not all doom and gloom, Witherspoon said. Once the tariffs were announced, Nissan saw a massive spike in search traffic. So, the interest is there—at least while inventory is still in stock with pre-tariff pricing. Kristin Shaw Writer Kristin Shaw fell in love with cars while visiting dozens of auto shows as a kid, which explains her fascination with fins and hood ornaments. She has competed twice in the Rebelle Rally, an all-female eight-day off-roading competition in a lifted Hyundai Santa Cruz. Her work has appeared in numerous publications like Popular Science, Road & Track, Edmunds, The Drive, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, Today, The Washington Post, and more. Yes, she knows she has the best job in the world.
