A new car can be an expensive purchase, especially if you are on a tight budget. The good news is that some great options are available that will go easy on your wallet.
Check out these affordable options that come in around $25,000 based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). That makes them great finds that can help eliminate some money stress.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Honda Civic
MSRP: $24,250
The 2025 version of the Honda Civic includes a hybrid engine option that can recover energy from braking. The power recovery means it can get more miles per gallon and potentially save you money on gas.
With the hybrid engine, the Civic can get around 50 miles per gallon in the city and 47 miles per gallon on highways.
Hyundai Kona
MSRP: $24,350
The 2025 Hyundai Kona can get up to 35 miles per gallon on the highway, depending on the model you choose. That could come in handy if you are trying to save money on gas.
The Kona earned a Top Safety Pick Plus ranking for its 2024 model from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Toyota Corolla
MSRP: $22,050
The Toyota Corolla is a popular model that routinely is among the top sellers in the U.S. One reason for its popularity may be the sleek styling that makes it as attractive as it is affordable.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Ford Maverick
MSRP: $23,920
You may be surprised that you can get a pickup truck for less than $25,000, but Ford gives you that option with the Ford Maverick. The four-door truck has a 4,000-pound towing capacity.
Mazda3
MSRP: $23,950
The new model of the Mazda3 has the option for I-Activ all-wheel drive, which might be something you want to consider if you live in a winter-weather environment and need extra traction on roads.
The 2024 model of the Mazda3 earned a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from the IIHS.
Trending Stories
Chevrolet Trailblazer
MSRP: $23,100
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a stylish compact SUV that has all-wheel drive available as an option.
It has room for five passengers. Or, lay the front passenger seat flat if you need extra storage capacity.
Subaru Legacy
MSRP: $24,895
The Subaru Legacy has a starting price close to the maximum of $25,000 in your budget.
However, it might be worth the price, as you get room for five passengers and a large display screen for maps, entertainment, hands-free calls, and more.
Honda HR-V
MSRP: $25,100
The Honda HR-V has a starting price of just over $25,000, but it might be worth paying slightly more cash for a compact SUV.
The vehicle’s options include extras for sports enthusiasts, such as attachments for bikes, snowboards, surfboards, and more.
Volkswagen Taos
MSRP: $23,995
Another good compact SUV option is the Volkswagen Taos, which offers seating for five passengers.
Volkswagen touts the vehicle’s affordable maintenance costs, which are lower than other vehicles in the segment.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Kia Seltos
MSRP: $24,590
The Kia Seltos has a price tag under $25,000 for its base model. The vehicle includes safety features such as lane assist and pedestrian and cyclist detection.
You can also get all-wheel drive, an important feature if you live in a winter-weather climate.
Bottom line
Even on a tight budget, you can still nab a good vehicle without busting your wallet.
Another great way to cut the cost of car ownership is to compare several quotes so you can find a policy that will help you save on car insurance.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.