Attention, Cheapskates: Here Are the Most Affordable Cars to Own in Every Segment

There are few things sweeter in life than bragging to your friends and family about the good deal you just negotiated on a new car. They certainly won’t care, but the amount of self-satisfaction received from reminding yourself that you are a force to be reckoned with at the dealership is immeasurable.

Of course, the bargain in the driveway can turn into a money pit once you calculate all the costs associated with vehicle ownership. Fuel costs, financing, insurance, and depreciation can all add up — especially if you purchased the wrong model. So what’s a thrift-obsessed shopper to do, calculate the total cost of ownership on every model in every segment over a five-year period to determine which is the best value overall?

Don’t be ridiculous, someone has already done that.

Read more
  • Steve Biro At a $27K starting point - often with additional dealer discounts - the Equinox was an attractive option for many on a tighter budget. Especially when the FWD model came with a traditional six-speed automatic.Now, with a starting point of just under $30K (and discounts much smaller and/or less likely for a couple of years) and a CVT, the Equinox is suddenly much less competitive.Add to that the need to pay an extra $2K for AWD just to get a real transmission, and the Equinox isn't very competitive at all. An AWD base version will start at about $32K and an RS or Activ will be $36K and change - quite laughable. And one is still stuck with that 1.5-liter turbo powerplant.If this is what Chevy is demanding for the ICE Equinox, it's no wonder a $30K EV version turned out to be vaporware.
  • AZFelix I know someone who spent a night in a Dodge Dynasty. The velour interior was the best part of the experience.
  • MKizzy Looking at the high-nosed Equinox and its assumed huge front blind spots, I see why Mayor Pete wants to mandate improved AEB on all vehicles.In addition, GM's lack of commitment to its ICE powertrains is on full display with its continued use of its class-trailing 1.xT engines. The new Equinox may be all show/no go, but at least after a decade of shoving its 1.5T into the Equinox and Malibu, you'd think GM would've at least made it top flight reliable by now.
  • Daniel China can absolutely make quality products when contracted at the right prices or their car companies trying to compete. However, I doubt any of their nearly 100 EV companies would even want to try to break into the US market with a 25% tariff (Polestar pays this) and the huge service and support network needed other than *maaaaybe* BYD eventually and only then if they end up using their upcoming plant in Mexico for not just Latin America, but decide to try the US market without the tariffs. They def would need to have excellent quality and support to be taken seriously, we'll see!
  • VoGhost I know one commenter who would love to live in Kia towers.