Frugality is the smart way to save money, and frugal individuals often make intelligent, cost-effective choices without sacrificing quality. When buying a new car, frugal people focus on fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and long-term value within their budget. These factors help them select and invest in the right and affordable car.
Although cars are not inexpensive, spending more generally means getting more features. However, Cars.com published a list of 10 cheapest cars, especially for frugal people. These cars are ordered at a low to high price, including destination charges, but excluding cash incentives or taxes and fees.
Mitsubishi Mirage ES
Price – $18,160
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage ES is a budget-friendly subcompact car with an impressive combined fuel economy of up to 39 mpg. It features a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission for smooth city driving. This 5-seater car includes a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, automatic temperature control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a four-speaker audio system. It also has safety features like a rearview camera, stability control, and a Forward Collision Mitigation system with Pedestrian Detection. Additionally, it offers a warranty package that covers a 10-year or 100,00 miles powertrain warranty.
Nissan Versa S
Price – $19,200
The 2024 Nissan Versa S is a versatile sedan that combines efficiency, elegance, and modern features at a very affordable price. Its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine offers a smooth and fuel-efficient ride, achieving up to 35 mpg. Inside, the car is designed for comfort and convenience, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, a four-speaker audio system, and air conditioning. It adds safety features such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera to prioritize safety. It also offers a practical storage solution of 14.7 cubic feet to trunk space. This car is a great choice with its comprehensive warranty and sleek design.
Kia Forte LX
Price – $21,145
The 2024 Kia Forte’s LX perfectly blends style and value. It has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers balanced performance with up to 34 mpg in combined fuel economy. The car interior features an 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a four-speaker audio system, and two front USB ports. It offers vital safety features like Auto Emergency Braking Technology, Driver Attention Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and Lane Following Assist. It has a spacious trunk with 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, rides on 15-inch steel wheels, and includes a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program.
Hyundai Venue SE
Price – $21,275
The 2024 Hyundai Venue SE is an SUV powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, providing a smooth ride and excellent combined fuel efficiency of up to 31 mpg. The interior of the Venue SE features an 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with comfortable seating for 5 passengers. For safety, it has features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and a rearview camera. With 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space, 15-inch alloy wheels, and a Hyundai warranty package, it’s an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Chevrolet Trax LS
Price – $21,495
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax LS is powered by a 1.2 liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with a combined fuel economy of up to 30 mpg. The interior of Trax LS has features like an 8-inch diagonal touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a four-speaker audio system, and comfortable seating of five. Safety features include forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. It offers 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space and rides on 17-inch steel wheels, backed by a comprehensive warranty.
Kia Soul LX
Price – $21,565
The Kia Soul LX has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an impressive fuel economy of up to 30 mpg. The comfortable interior of Soul LX is designed for convenience, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, and seating for five passengers. For safety, it provides features like Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Technology, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Lane Following Assist. Additionally, it comes with a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited warranty.
Nissan Sentra S
Price – $22,320
The Nissan Sentra S is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering a smooth ride and combined fuel efficiency of up to 34 mpg. The interior features a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, comfortable five-person seating, and a four-speaker audio system. The safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.
Nissan Kicks S
Price – $22,730
The Nissan Kicks S has a 1.6-liter 4—4-cylinder engine, offering up to 33 mpg combined fuel economy. The modern interior of the Kicks S features a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, comfortable seating for five, and six-speaker audio systems. The safety features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot warning, reverse automatic braking, automatic high-beam assist, and tire Pressure Monitoring System. Additionally, it has cargo space of 25.3 cubic feet, rides on 16-inch steel wheels, and includes a comprehensive warranty.
Hyundai Elantra SE
Price – $22,775
The Hyundai Elantra SE is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a combined fuel economy of up to 36 mpg. Inside, it features an 8-inch color touchscreen display with Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Climate controls, power door locks, and windows. The safety features of the car include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.
Toyota Corolla LE
Price – $23,145
The Toyota Corolla LE has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a combined fuel economy of up to 35 mpg. The modern and comfortable interior of the Corolla LE features an 8-inch color touchscreen display with Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Automatic climate control with dust and pollen filter, push-button controls, a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, and a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, and a six-speaker audio system. To prioritize safety, it provides features like a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Driver and front passenger Whiplash-Injury-Lessening, Electric Parking Brake, Hill Start Assist Control, Tire Pressure Monitor System, lane departure warning with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control.