Best Budget Cars for 2024!

There are countless cars to serve countless needs, but less of them prioritize value than ever. Today, I'm going to show you some of the best new cars for the budget-minded people out there!

Best used budget cars ($10-30k)

Thank you, Royal on the Eastside, for letting me stand next to this wrx and drive many of the vehicles discussed in today's video!

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00:00 Intro
00:53 Sub $20k
01:39 $20-25k Cars & SUVs
03:45 $25-31k Family-ish Rides
06:05 $29-35k Enthusiast Cars
09:02 $35-40k 3-Row Family Rides
11:14 $33-40k Luxury Cars

All Cars mentioned (MSRP w/ Dest.)
2023 Nissan Versa S 5-spd MT / $17,075
2023 Toyota Corolla LE / $22,795
2023 Toyota Corolla LE Hybrid / $24,145
2023 Hyundai Elantra SE / $22,065
2024 VW Jetta S 6-spd MT / $22,585
2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S / $24,325
2024 Ford Maverick XL / $24,995
2024 Chevrolet Trax (FWD only) / $21,495
2024 Mazda CX-5 Select / $30,675
2024 Subaru Forester Base / $28,190
2024 Subaru Legacy Base / $25,895
2024 Subaru Legacy Premium / $28,285
2024 Kia K5 LXS / $26,615
2024 Honda Civic SI / $30,095 (common $5k markups)
2023 Subaru WRX Base 6-spd MT / $31,625
2024 VW GTI S 6-spd MT / $33,865
2023 Hyundai Elantra N 6-spd MT / $34,015
2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 6-spd MT / $29,215
2023 Subaru BR-Z / $29,615
2024 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Base (AT only) / $32,515
2024 Ford Mustang GT Base 6-spd MT / $44,090
2024 Honda Pilot LX FWD / $38,465
2024 Subaru Ascent Base / $35,490
2024 Subaru Ascent Premium / $38,090
2024 Honda Odyssey EX / $39,215
2023 Toyota Highlander / $38,015
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander / $44,465
2024 Audi A3 Premium FWD / $36,495
2024 Acura Integra Base AT (FWD) / $32,695
2024 Acura Integra A-spec 6-spd MT (FWD) / $37,695

[colechapman]

When 30k-40k is now considered budget. We're screwed

[jbandt]

Definitely do one for used cars. Preferably 5 yrs old or older.

[dinosoup]

Jesus 20-40k being affordable is the new normal, depressing

[Yeroc]

Seeing high 20s listed as "budget" makes me want out of this timeline

[andrewSUN]

Nice pics! I do love how you stand in front of the WRX the whole time, subliminally giving us all a jones for it, once again haha!

[JP-nllb]

I would watch and value your videos about used vehicle spectrums. From my experience, new to 10-year-old vehicles make up a lot of the bank loan territory? Classics really deserve their own video. xD Keep doing great Tyler!

[rowyourownthrows]

The 23 impreza sedan 5 MT is a really good value if you can find one. Picked a new one up a few months ago for 22k with add on features and AWD. Fill ups have ranged between 34 - 41 mpg us.

Good informative video btw.

[afcgeo]

The Rav4 Hybrid LE I think should be the TOP of the list. The reliability, standard features, room, power and fuel economy are all fantastic.

[rreichar]

I would add the VW Jetta GLI to the list. My son bought a 2023 with the DSG for $31, 000 and with 20K miles on it now he loves it. Black with the Black package it is the best looking Jetta of this generation that I’ve seen. To me it feels like a long wheelbase GTI without the sketchy Haptic Touch controls.

[jetx]

Very good video, I agree with most of these choices

[hypnoticimage]

Damn $40k is consider budget nowadays.

[diallo]

I'm only interested in manual cars so my options are limited. Luckily there are still some options new.

[bag]

Hi, very useful video Tyler. The video about used cars would be really nice, maybe even some performance options too(?)

[joeybu]

Hats off to the brands that build the infotainment system into the dash and don't slam it on the dash like an afterthought.

[zaboe]

We personally got a Santa Cruz this year as it is incredibly practical, available at 4yr 0% apr, and around 28k. Very hard to beat that!

[katiecannon]

Honestly, I think the GTI base trim and Mazdas (CX30 or the Sedan) are the best value cars out there.

The sedan Carbon Edition is hard to beat if you want “luxury”. GTI base trim if you want fun with lots of tech (compared to its rivals).

[firehawk]

I was about to ask about the Jetta GLI as a recommendation. Any reliability insight on those?
Great video and overview

[Darthvolvo]

I'd be interested in seeing you review some used cars. It would love to see a review on an Integra or 2024 Pilot.

[kimochi]

Subaru WRX is selling for a really good deal here in Canada. I just quoted a lease base WRX for $155 biweekly/24months and it's avaible!

[HealingDoc]

Yes please! Do a video like this for used cars.