Cheapest Cars in the World: The Ultimate List

Buying and maintaining a car is costly, but it is necessary for many people who do not have access to public transportation. As a result, affordability is one of the top factors drivers consider when purchasing a new vehicle. Thankfully, there are a lot of cars all over the world that are priced reasonably.

What’s the Cheapest Car in the World?

The cheapest car in the world is the Tata Nano. Tata Motors designed the Nano with the goal of allowing families in India to own vehicles at an affordable price. The first Nano was only 100,000 rupees or slightly over $1,400. The price has increased slightly over ten years but remains well below five digits in US dollars. The most recent Nano costs only $3,338.87.

What’s the Cheapest Car in the US?

The newest Chevrolet Spark, with an MSRP slightly over $13,000, is the cheapest new car you can buy in the United States. Even though it appears to be inexpensive, it includes many necessary features, such as a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Like many expensive vehicles, the Spark is available in a plethora of colors so you can choose which one fits your style.

Affordable Vehicles in the US

Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa is one of the cheapest sedans you can find on the market today, retailing for only $15,380. The Versa’s aggressive exterior partnered with its sleek lights make it a beautiful car to drive. The model has a 1.6L engine that produces 122hp, making it one of the most affordable fun-to-drive cars on the market right now.

Kia Rio

The base LX variant of the Kia Rio is only priced at $16,450. The model is equipped with a lot of features like lane keeping, high beam assists, and pedestrian detection. So if you’re looking for a cheap car that won’t compromise your safety, you won’t go wrong with a Kia Rio.

Hyundai Accent

If you’re looking for an affordable car that has options for convenient features, consider the Hyundai Accent. An Accent can be purchased for as little as $16,645. The top trim model includes features such as a hands-free trunk release and a proximity key. It even has heated seats, just like the more expensive Hyundai models.

Mitsubishi Mirage

You can buy a Mitsubishi Mirage for only $14,645. It is the best option for those who are looking for a comfortable five-seater family car with plenty of cargo space. With an incredible combined fuel economy of 37 mpg, it is the best option for gas-conscious buyers on a tight budget. The Mirage is available in hatchback and sedan body styles, with numerous color options for you to choose from.

Cheapest Cars in the Rest of the World

Datsuin Redi Go

Selling for only $3,000, the Datsuin Redi Go is one of the least expensive cars in the world. It has a small 800cc engine and manual transmission system under the hood. Inside, this city car offers a relatively spacious cabin equipped with an air conditioning (A/C) system, FM radio, and power windows. 

Renault Kwid

The Renault Kwid is a small city car that looks just like an SUV. The interior has a fully digital dashboard, a touchscreen system, and other features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Under the hood, you get a 799cc engine that can produce 53 horsepower and around 55 lb-ft. It’s not a bad deal, considering it has a starting price of less than $3,400.

Maruti Suzuki Alto 800

With a price tag of around $3,500, the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is a hatchback for drivers on a budget. This popular car dominated the Indian market during its production from 1983 to 2014. It comes with a 796 cc engine that can produce 47 hp with a maximum engine speed of 6,000 revolutions per minute (RPM).

Chery QQ

The Chery QQ is a city car manufactured by the Chinese company Chery. The model is only priced at $4,781. This model is only available in the Asian market.  When Chery launched their new supermini, the Chery QQ6, in 2006, the 5-door hatchback was renamed the Chery QQ3. The model has a 5-speed manual EZ-drive transmission. The Cherry QQ gained the title of “Best Chinese Car Brand” in the year 2010.

Bajaj Qute

Manufactured by Bajaj, Nissan, and Renault, the Bajaj Qute, is a microcar priced at around $5,430. While it isn’t legally classified as a car, it is a quadricycle equipped with a four-stroke, single-cylinder engine and a five-speed transmission. It isn’t the most spacious vehicle, but it can fit one driver and three passengers. You can also attach a roof rack, which allows you to carry an additional 88 lbs. of cargo.

Geely MR

The Geely Merrie (Geely MR) is a subcompact car manufactured by Geely Automobile in China from 2003 to 2006. It is priced at $5,500. Like the Cherry QQ, the Geely MR is only available in select Asian countries. The model is a five-door hatchback with a short protruding trunk that gives it the appearance of a sedan. The MR 203 received the same styling changes as the MR 303 sedan from the previous year, but unlike the sedan, the hatchback is only available with the 1.5-liter engine, hence the official model code of JL 7150 X6.

How Do Automakers Keep Manufacturing Costs Low?

Automakers need to keep their prices competitive to attract buyers and convince drivers to choose new over used vehicles. Here are some ways they keep the prices of new vehicles low:

Platform Sharing

Automakers reduce development and production costs by using standard mounting points for suspension and powertrain components. For example, Subaru and VW are reducing the number of platforms they use to build everything from small cars to three-row crossover SUVs.

Restricting Features

Small features like one-touch power windows, map pockets, rear-seat air vents, split-folding rear seats, and illuminated vanity mirrors are occasionally reserved for higher-spec trim levels by automakers. These are typically not deal-breakers and assist automakers in cost-cutting to keep models and trim levels competitively priced.

Designing Simpler Suspension Systems

Although the suspension is likely the part of a car that works the hardest, automakers can save money here. For years, low-cost cars have relied on the straightforward, enduring design of a torsion-beam rear suspension. Torsion beams have fewer moving parts than more intricate multi-link rear suspension systems found in more expensive and sportier vehicles. While they do the job, there is often a trade-off in ride quality and handling on rough roads.

Is a Cheap Car Worth Buying?

An unsafe or poorly constructed vehicle on the road can cause fatalities. An affordable car is worthwhile if it has a stellar reputation and acceptable ratings in terms of safety and comfort.

Before purchasing any vehicle, make sure to read up on the issues you might encounter when driving the model. This will help you prepare for possible repairs to maximize your vehicle’s service life.