According to the industry analysts, the average cost of the new vehicle has gone over the $35,000 mark and purchasing a new car can be difficult to some. This is why loan terms of seven and eight years are more and more common, but if you are not willing to get a loan, we present you 10 new cars that don’t cost more than $25,000.
Chevrolet Cruze – $17,850
Thanks to the redesign last year, the Chevrolet Cruze has improved especially in terms of practicality. Its 1.4-liter turbocharged I4 is good for 153 horses, and it is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed auto. The ride is smooth, and handling is above average for the segment, while the entry-level model is decently equipped. Even if you opt for the upper trims, you will not exceed the price of $25,000, but you will get features such as heated front seats, the MyLink touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and leather upholstery.
Ford Fiesta ST – 22,015
With $3,000 shy of $25,000, you can add power/heated Recaro sport seats package and the best infotainment system with the navigation to the Ford Fiesta ST. Under its hood is the 1.6-liter EcoBoost I4 unit that delivers 197 ponies and 202 lb-ft of torque and it is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. The ST sits on the 17-inch summer performance tires, and it also comes with company’s electronic Torque Vectoring control meaning that it is built for the more aggressive drivers.
Honda Fit – $16,965
The Honda Fit is a four-door hatch that offers a decent amount of room inside, plus you can fold the rear seats flat for additional cargo space. The 1.5-liter engine good for 130 hp is under the hood, and it is mated to a six-speed manual or a CVT transmission which increases power and fuel efficiency. The top trim is called the EX-L CVT, it offers leather upholstery, a navigation system, LaneWatch blind-spot video monitor system and heated front seats and it can be bought for $22,000.
Honda Civic – $19,615
Probably the most attractive car on the list and my favorite is the Honda Civic. This sophisticated model comes with the base 2.0-liter four cylinder that generates 158 hp in a sedan, but the, higher trims, coupes and hatchbacks come with more powerful turbocharged 1.5-liter I4 good for up to 180 hp. Six-speed manual transmission and a CVT automatic are offered, and some of the equipment you can add is automatic climate control, Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features, moonroof, etc.
Kia Soul – $16,995
Kia Soul’s angular exterior is not the prettiest one, but there is enough space in the cabin, which is rather stylish. The Base Soul delivers 130, but you can opt for the 161 hp + (Plus) or 201 hp !
(Exclaim) model. The engine in the top trim is a turbocharged 1.6-liter, and it is mated to a new seven-speed dual clutch automatic while all of these models cost under $25,000. However, if you want to add some optional features, such as a heated steering wheel and cooled front seats, the price will go over the $25,000 mark.
Mazda 3 – $18,720
Mazda 3 is a fun vehicle that is comfortable and practical. The powerplant in the base model is a 2.0-liter four cylinder rated at 155 hp, while the Touring and the Grand Touring are equipped with a 2.5-liter unit good for 185 ponies. You will not regret giving $18,720 for the Mazda 3 because its ride quality and handling are extraordinary and the latest model also comes with G-Vectoring. All of the trims are under $25K, so if you want more equipment, don’t be afraid to go up the ladder.
Mini Cooper Clubman – $24,950
When it was modified last year, the Mini Cooper Clubman grew in size, which consequently led to the increase of the interior space. Even though it comes with a not so stylish split “barn door” tailgate, it is hard to resist this vehicle, which is available in either coupe or hatchback form. A turbocharged three-cylinder engine is the heart of this car, and the complete output is 139 hp, while it can be connected to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The handling of the Clubman is outstanding in all trims, and if you want more power, you can go for the S version that is equipped with a more powerful I4 good for 189 hp.
Subaru Impreza – $19,215
The compact Subaru Impreza was redesigned this year, and it can now beat every weather condition because of the standard AWD configuration. You can have it as sedan or hatchback with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit that produces 152 hp. The best within the range is the 2.0i Premium sedan that has the optional EyeSight suite, and this model costs $23,410. This means that you can add a power moonroof and blind spot warning system and not go over the budget.
Toyota Yaris iA – $16,835
This vehicle used to be called the Scion iA before Toyota closed its small car division, but in other markets, it goes on sale as the Mazda2. It is powered by the 1.5-liter I4 engine that delivers 106 hp, and it is rated at 32/40 mpg according to the EPA estimates. The iA is fun to drive, and the interior is elegant, but the biggest problem with this one could be the legroom in the back which may not be that great. For this price, the Toyota Yaris iA is definitely a good choice.
VW Golf SportWagen – $22,400
Unfortunately, the VW Golf GTI and Type R are not under $25,000, but the Golf SportWagen is, and we can praise it for its practicality and a lot of space for the cargo. It is also equipped with sporty, European-tuned suspension, while it is powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged I4 powerplant that generates 170 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual, but you can choose the six-speed auto if you like. Some of the features included are a backup camera, touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and numerous safety systems.
