10 New Cars Under $30,000 To Avoid & 10 That Are Actually Good Value
Get More Bang For Your Buck
A new car under $30,000 is bound to have some downsides. From cheap quality materials to outdated infotainment systems, certain options are clearly not it. However, there are still some out there that offer excellent value. While ol' faithfuls like Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas never disappoint, there are also new players on the market worth looking at. Here are 10 new cars under $30,000 to avoid and 10 that are actually good value.
1. Mazda MX-30 EV
It's exciting to see affordable EVs finally hitting the market. However, in the case of the Mazda MX-30 EV, you get what you pay for. Drivers complain of its limited driving range, sluggish acceleration, and weird rear-opening doors.
2. Fiat 500X
The 500X takes all the appeal of Fiat away by making the cute little car maxi-sized. Even if you like the exterior look of this compact SUV, you might not be able to get past the plastic, cheap-looking interior and lack of trunk space.
3. Jeep Patriot
Jeep has somewhat of a reputation for making poor vehicles unless they're off-roaders. The Patriot is no exception. Poor ride quality, a cheap interior, and underwhelming acceleration are some of the most common criticisms.
4. Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen, what happened? We remember the days when VW made robust, reliable, premium cars. The 2025 Jetta looks cheap, and what's more, owners have reported problems with the transmission and electronics.
5. Ford Fiesta
Previous Ford Fiesta models garnered a reputation for being reliable and fun to drive. However, the 2025 model doesn't measure up to its predecessors. Owners have reported poor engine and transmission performance, an outdated infotainment system, aa nd lack of comfort.
6. Mitsubishi Mirage
At only $18,000, the Mitsubishi Mirage really is a budget vehicle. Unfortunately, you get what you pay for, though. Owners complain it has poor engine performance, is unrefined, and has an extremely cheap feel.
7. Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos has the reasonable price tag of $25,000; however, even for that price, it's not a great buy. The infotainment system is sluggish, and the interior looks cheap.
8. Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet has announced that after 60 years, the 2025 model will be the final Malibu. It's a shame, then, that it's not going out with a bang. This year's model has a dated-looking interior, underwhelming power, and super basic tech.
9. Jeep Compass
While the Jeep Compass offers a robust 4x4 system capable of off-roading, that's really all it's good for. It's unrefined, with a lack of modern tech features, and drives bumpy.
10. Nissan Sentra
The 2025 Nissan Sentra is only $22,000, but that may not be enough to attract buyers, considering its downsides. Owners frequently complain about its noisy powertrain, uninspired driving dynamics, and firm ride quality.
Now that we've covered some of the worst budget-friendly cars you shouldn't waste your money on, let's talk about the ones that are actually good value.
1. Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek has gained a dedicated fanbase of outdoor adventurers for its off-road capabilities and roomy trunk space. The 2025 model doesn't disappoint. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, has high safety ratings, and a spacious interior.
2. Hyundai Venue
With a starting price of only $22,000, the Hyundai Venua offers a lot of bang for your buck. It's compact and city-friendly but somehow doesn't sacrifice interior space, drives smoothly, and offers a long list of safety and tech features.
Hyundai Motor Group on Unsplash
3. Kia K5
In addition to being one good-looking car, the Kia K5 is undeniably fun to drive. With its plethora of tech features and zippy little engine, it looks and feels much more expensive than its $28,000 price tag.
Hyundai Motor Group on Unsplash
4. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic never disappoints. For only $25,000, the 2025 model checks all the boxes of driving dynamics, style, fuel efficiency, and modern tech features.
5. Toyota Camry
Just barely under $30,000 is the Toyota Camry. This car has a well-earned reputation for being consistently reliable, and the 2025 model is no exception. It's an impressively fuel-efficient hybrid with a deluxe-feeling interior and welcome infotainment upgrades.
6. Honda Accord
Another car with a stellar reputation, the 2025 Honda Accord has a 10/10 driver rating. It's a family sedan that's fun to drive and has no discernable downsides.
7. Hyundai Kona Electric
Finally, an affordable EV that works! The 2025 Kona Electric boasts a large cargo capacity, excellent range, comfortable ride quality, and very sleek modern styling.
8. Mazda The 3
Mazda 3 has long had a reputation for being a fun car to drive. In addition to being playful, the 2025 model has all-wheel drive capabilities, a premium-feeling interior, and a modern infotainment system.
9. Nissan Versa
While the 2025 Sentra did not hit, Nissan redeemed itself with this year's Versa. It's reliable, comfortable, and easy to drive. Not to mention, it has a sub-$20,000 price tag.
10. Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai has been making some pretty sweet rides in recent years. The Elantra, with its sleek lines, has modern details fit for a much more expensive vehicle. It also boasts excellent fuel efficiency, impressive power, a pleasant interior, and a dual-screen infotainment system.
