These are the cheapest cars to drive according to the analysis of ISEeCars.com.
President Trump signs executive orders to ease some automobile fares
President Donald Trump has signed several executive orders to ease car rates, but the industry does not see a complete exemption.
- The cheapest cars to drive include several hatchbacks and small car models.
- The Mitsubishi Mirage is at the top of the list of used cars, but it is no longer available as a new model.
- Nissan’s Versa is still the cheapest car available as a new model.
Buying and maintaining the vehicle is very expensive. According to CNBC, the new car could cost nearly $50,000 in 2025. So how do drivers get the most value from purchasing a vehicle?
One way to save on ownership of a car is to get a car that’s cheaper to drive. A vehicle with a proven track record of fuel economy and reliability can save you a lot of money with pumps and mechanic shops. Automotive research company ISEeCars.com has searched for the most affordable vehicles to drive based on average miles per year and new car prices. The results may surprise some car buyers.
According to ISEeCars.com, the cheapest car to drive
- Mitsubishi Mirage (Average new price: $18,281)
- Kia Rio (Average new price: $18,553)
- Chevro Race Park (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)
Some of the models listed are from Japanese automakers such as Nissan, Toyota and Mitsubishi, but Japanese cars don’t dominate the list at all. It also includes Korean and American models, such as the Kia Rio and Chevrolet Spark. One of the similarities between all the vehicles listed is that they are all either subcompact cars, subcompact SUVs or sedans. Therefore, size and fuel efficiency play a role in the overall cost of ownership.
The methodology for this study included analysis of odometer measurements from cars over one million years ago. The models listed are the cheapest cars to drive based on average annual mileage and the price of a new car. So, while the starting MSRP of a vehicle is a factor that is listed, it is not the only factor that is determinant.
Some of the cheapest cars to drive are no longer on sale
If you own a Mitsubishi Mirage, Kiario, or Chevrolet Spark, you are in luck as these little cars have been officially cancelled. That’s right, some of the cheapest cars to drive (according to ISEECARS) are no longer being sold as new models. You can find second hand Mitsubishi Mirage, Kiario and Shivro Race Park models at used car dealers, Carmax or Carbana.
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On the list, the Nissan Versa is the first to be sold as a new vehicle. Nissan’s subcompact car starts at $17,190 ($18,330 for an automatic transmission) and comes 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 generate 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. It reaches 32 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway. This is excellent fuel economy. The Versa Nameplate remains reasonably priced to buy as a new vehicle.
How much should I pay for a new car in 2025?
The average price for a new car in 2025 could be close to $50,000, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to pay $50,000 for a new car. In fact, there are several new cars on the market, with departure prices below $40,000, offering great value for money. The 2025 Nissan Versa ($17,190), the 2025 Nissan Sentra ($21,590), and the 2025 Hyundai Ion Ik 6 ($37,850) are listed as the 2025 “Best Value Winners” by Cars.com, the leading online car market.
Cars.com also recognizes several SUVs with strong value propositions, such as the 2025 Ford Escape ($29,150) and the 2025 Kia Sorento ($31,990).
Finding the right new car to buy can be a disastrous task. This list of the cheapest cars to own will help you make a purchase decision based on research-backed information.
