For young, new drivers seeking affordable cars, there are a lot of choices available today. And there are a number of important considerations for those who are new to the road, like good mileage, reliability, plenty of safety features, and insurance costs.
Fortunately, there are models that meet these needs and a $25k budget. Here’s a list of 5 of the most affordable cars available for new drivers at the moment.
Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa might not be the sexiest new car, but with a starting MSRP of just $12,360, buyers can get two of them and change from with a $25k budget. That’s not all though. The 2019 Nissan Versa sedan has a very spacious interior for a compact offering, and that’s good news for any new driver wanting to ferry friends around in their new ride.
Under the hood is a modest 1.6-liter inline-four engine that develops 109 horsepower. That might not sound like a lot, but a modest amount of horsepower for a new driver will restrict the temptation to speed, and it’s good news when it comes to insurance. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual, and the optional CVT won’t break the bank. The 34 mpg combined it delivers is another big plus-point.
Hyundai Accent
New drivers on a budget can get into a brand new 2019 Hyundai Accent from just $14,995. For that price, buyers get a modern and stylish exterior design, a good set of standard features, and one of the best new car warranties out there today.
The Hyundai Accent has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood, but this time it develops a livelier 130 hp. It’s a relatively light car, weighing in at around 2,500 pounds, which can be a bonus when it comes to fuel economy. The power of this engine won’t scare off too many insurers, but it will get you from 0 to 60 mph.
Standard features include power features, keyless entry, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, a five-inch color touchscreen audio system, steering-wheel audio and phone controls, cruise control, and air conditioning.
Chevrolet Cruze
If how a car looks is important for you, the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze is a compact car you need to consider. It looks far more expensive than its modest starting MSRP of just $17,995, and buyers can get a seriously well-equipped version and still stay within a $25k budget. And if you’re not set on a sedan, the hatchback version is even better-looking and sportier.
A 1.4-liter engine is standard with the Cruze, but it’s a turbo-four that develops a healthy 153 hp. And if fuel economy is a high priority, drivers can opt for a 137 hp 1.6-liter turbodiesel with a combined rating of up to 48 mpg.
Although most versions on lots will be higher trims than the fleet-focused Cruze L entry model, you can’t fail to be impressed with its standard air conditioning, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and GM’s OnStar concierge and safety service.
Honda Civic
It’s fair to say it would be easy to get carried away and go well above the starting MSRP of $19,450 for a 2019 Honda Civic, but for under $25k the Honda can still provide an awful lot of car for the money.
The Civic isn’t one of the best-selling and most enduring cars there is for no reason. And with the latest version, Honda has achieved the seemingly impossible by making it even better than its predecessor. Forget about any preconceptions you might have about the brand and its customers. The Honda Civic is as cool and youthful as you want it to be.
All the sensible new driver boxes are checked for styling, performance, practicality and reliability, but this is also a very safe small car too. The standard safety kit includes automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control, and some new headlights make this year’s model even safer than it already was.
Volkswagen Golf
A 2019 Volkswagen Golf has a starting MSRP of $21,845 – , the quality of the Golf is hard to argue with, especially for a new driver. The Volkswagen Golf has an enviable reputation for its styling, performance, value for money, and the quality of its engineering and interior.
The standard 1.4-liter turbo-four under the hood of the Golf delivers plenty of power with 147 hp, but its modest displacement will keep insurance affordable. With an automatic transmission, the Golf returns an EPA highway fuel economy rating of 37 mpg.
Most versions get standard forward-collision warnings and automatic emergency braking, while blind-spot monitors, active lane control, and rear cross-traffic alerts are available safety features worth paying the extra for.
Give These Affordable New Cars a Test Drive Today
This list includes just a few of the new cars available today that are perfect for new drivers and under $25,000 – and that’s before even considering any of the many affordable compact SUVs that are now available. Every model mentioned here offers new drivers everything they ought to consider important, and then some.
If you’re starting your search for your very first car, consider these models as well as other options within your budget. Finding models that suit your needs – with plenty of safety features, an affordable price tag, and strong fuel economy – is as easy as starting to search online. You can see the ins and outs of every model you’re interested in before you even head to the dealership, so you can begin your search today.
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