Choosing a "cheap" car in 2017 meant navigating a thin line between low upfront costs and "bare-bones" utility. Below is a breakdown of the most affordable options from that year across different categories. Top 3 Absolute Cheapest New Cars (MSRP)
The (sedan) was the absolute cheapest new car you could buy in 2017, starting at an MSRP of $11,990 .
If you were willing to spend slightly more, these models offered better overall value or entry into specific segments: cheapest car you can buy 2017
: The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid was the most affordable entry point for hybrid buyers, starting around $22,200.
: The 2017 Toyota Corolla was cited for having the lowest long-term costs due to high resale value and reliability. Choosing a "cheap" car in 2017 meant navigating
: Starting at $11,990 , it was the only new car in America with a base price under $12,000. It featured a 109-hp engine and a 5-speed manual transmission but lacked power windows and locks at the base level.
: The 2017 Ford Fiesta (base model) or 2017 Toyota 86 ($26,255) were the go-to choices for affordable performance. If you were willing to spend slightly more,
### Budget Reality: The "A/C Tax"For many 2017 buyers, the "sticker price" was misleading because the absolute cheapest trims often omitted air conditioning. To get a car with A/C, you often had to jump to a higher trim: