If you know me in person then you know that I am a big fan of cars. I think I know too much about cars especially when it comes to sport cars. For that reason, I would like to make a post every year on cheapest cars that you can buy in US market. I really enjoy reading about cars and wanted to share this research with you I did on the Top 10 of the Cheapest New Cars in 2018 to consider. Personally I do not know what I would do without vehicle and having one is a necessity and I’m sure for 90% of you reading my blog as well.

If you are currently in market to buy a car. Because it is still beginning of the year, consider comparing last years models to the one you are looking at. This could save you a good amount of money. I have worked at a dealer and definitely one thing I learned was that dealerships must get rid of the last years model as soon as possible. You could score a great deal on your next vehicle by doing this, and in the end it will be exact the same car with options you wanted.

I have built this list with only basic options so it will actually match what this post is about “Top 10 of the Cheapest New Cars in 2018”. Additional options will cost you extra money on top of the base price.

What Changed in 2018?

You must have noticed in the past few years that many fuel efficient vehicles on the road. It is true because people switching to fuel efficient vehicles like hybrids or fully electric vehicles realize the savings and this days cars seem to last for well over 100k miles. I, myself switched to hybrid and don’t think I will ever go back from fuel efficient vehicles. Every manufacture now produces some sort of hybrid or electric version to keep up with changing industry. See my post on cars I had if you are wondering why I switched to having a hybrid.

Here is the list of top 10 cars in 2018:

Ford Fiesta

MSRP Starting at: $13,880

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,150

Engine: 1.6L, 6-Speed Auto Trans, 120HP

City/Hwy MPG: 27/37 (City/Highway)

Basic Warranty: 3 yrs/36,000 miles (whichever comes first)

Powertrain Warranty: 5 yrs/60,000 miles

Review: Badge “Ford” on this car really is represents the value of this vehicle. It is like a focus but smaller and with extra options like ST package, it could really show it character. It is also one of the best selling compact cars in U.S. A great option for you to consider as a student.

Nissan Versa

MSRP Starting at: $12,110

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,080

Engine: 1.6L, CVT Transmission, 109HP. (What is CVT?)

City/Hwy MPG: 31/39 (City/Highway)

Basic Warranty: 3 yrs/36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 yrs/60,000 miles

Review: This vehicle has been number one choice for a while over the past year, unfortunately it has moved down. It is a great car for a student hands down, it is also rather large and when I was in one I was pretty blown away by how much this car packs. If talking about looks then I will go with nah. Do you really care about looks though as a student?

Hyundai Accent

MSRP Starting at: $14,995

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,140

Engine: 1.6L, 6-Speed Auto Transmission, 130HP.

City/Hwy MPG: 26/36 (City/Highway)

Basic Warranty: 5 yrs/60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 yrs/100,000 miles

Review: Hyundai might be known as unreliable car but it had changed over the past years. They also offer the a very generous warranty and the best in industry of car manufactures.

 

Mitsubishi Mirage

MSRP Starting at: $13,395

Annual Fuel Cost: $960

Engine: 1.2L, CVT Transmission, 78HP. (What is CVT?)

City/Hwy MPG: 37/43 (City/Highway)

Basic Warranty: 5 yrs/60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 yrs/100,000 miles

Review: Another top pick, this is the only vehicle out there with 3 cylinders. Also, offers a great warranty at 10 years or 100,000 miles. Great little economical car for anybody to get you from point A to B, but if you need that extra kick, you might want to look for other vehicle.

Fiat 500 

MSRP Starting at: $14,395

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,395

Engine: 1.4L, 6-Speed Auto Transmission, 101HP.

City/Hwy MPG: 27/33 (City/Highway)

Basic Warranty: 4 yrs/50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 yrs/50,000 miles

Review: Lately, I have noticed that this car is becoming very popular here in Southern California. Great little commuter car. This car also comes in “Abarth” version if you want some nice sound and willing to spend about 50% more. I drove an “Abarth” version when I worked at a dealer and loved it.

Kia Rio 

MSRP Starting at: $13,900

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,395

Engine: 1.6L, 6-Speed Auto Transmission, 130HP.

City/Hwy MPG: 28/37 (City/Highway)

Basic Warranty: 5 yrs/60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 yrs/100,000 miles

Review: In 2018, this car was redesigned with more headroom and legroom. Also a great warranty, just tells you that you will not go wrong with this car for a while.

Toyota Yaris

MSRP Starting at: $17,275

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,140

Engine: 1.5L, 4-Speed Auto Transmission, 106HP.

City/Hwy MPG: 28/37 (City/Highway)

Basic Warranty: 3 yrs/36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 yrs/60,000 miles

Review: Don’t have much to say about this car. It really needs an update in many categories to catch up with industry like upgrading transmission. It’s Toyota though, you cant go wrong.

Chevy Sonic

MSRP Starting at: $15,295

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,290

Engine: 1.8L, 6-Speed Auto Transmission, 138HP.

City/Hwy MPG: 25/34 (City/Highway)

Basic Warranty: 3 yrs/36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 yrs/60,000 miles

Review: A great car but lacks efficiency. Have been in one and it is pretty bumpy and loud inside. Overall though, I was not expecting much from it. It is rather easy to park because it is small in width.

Honda Fit

MSRP Starting at: $16,190

Annual Fuel Cost: $999

Engine: 1.5L, 6-Speed Auto Transmission, 130HP.

City/Hwy MPG: 33/40 (City/Highway)

Basic Warranty: 3 yrs/36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 yrs/60,000 miles

Review: I know many people driving this car and they love it! The 2018 model brings new trim work and more cargo space. This is one of the vehicles that will also hold it’s value for a long time because it is a Honda.

Chevy Spark

MSRP Starting at: $13,050

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,099

Engine: 1.5L, CVT Transmission, 98HP. (What is CVT?)

City/Hwy MPG: 30/38 (City/Highway)

Basic Warranty: 3 yrs/36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 yrs/60,000 miles

Review: Great vehicle that will get you safely anywhere you need to go. Makes it the best value and a great car for student.