The most important facts in brief
- Only a few vehicles are still available for less than 15,000 euros.
- The range extends from the smallest car to the compact sedan.
- The cheapest basic models often offer only the bare minimum of equipment.
Lots of power, an unusual design or state-of-the-art technology? Not the top priority for every motorist. For many buyers, the price is in the foreground instead: the car as a means to an end of locomotion, not as an object to impress the neighbor.
However, you don't have to do without a new car, because there is a selection of inexpensive models from different manufacturers. We introduce you to five of the cheapest new cars in more detail - and tell you what you need to look out for when buying a new car.
Below are the cheapest basic models in each case. Higher equipment lines usually offer more power, but are more expensive.
The cheapest new cars at a glance
| Model | Price (Euro) | Achievement | Consumption/100 km | Trunk volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dacia Sandero SCe 65 Essential | from 11,800 euros | 49 kW (67 hp) | 5.3 liters of gasoline | 328 to 1,108 litres |
| Mitsubishi Space Star Base 1.2 | from 11,990 euros | 52 kW (71 hp) | 5.0 liter gasoline | 235 to 912 litres |
| Citroën C3 You PureTech 100 | from 14.990 Euro | 74 kW (101 hp) | 5.6 liters of gasoline | 310 to 922 litres |
| Fiat Panda Hybrid | from 15,990 euros | 51 kw (70 HP) | 5.1 liters of gasoline | 225 to 870 litres |
| Kia Picanto Edition 7 | from 16,690 euros | 46 kW (63 hp) | 4.9 liters of gasoline | 255 to 1,010 litres |
| Hyundai i10 Select | from 16,990 euros | 46 kW (63 hp) | 4.9 liters of gasoline | 252 to 1,050 litres |
| Toyota Aygo X Play | from 17.550 Euro | 53 kW (72 hp) | 4.8 liters of gasoline | 231 to 829 litres |
| Renault Clio SCe 65 Evolution | from 18.750 Euro | 49 kW (67 hp) | 5.3 liters of gasoline | 391 to 1,069 litres |
| Suzuki Swift Club | from 18.900 Euro | 61 kW (82 hp) | 4.4 liters of gasoline | 265 to 980 litres |
| Škoda Fabia Essence | from 19.320 Euro | 59 kW (80 hp) | 4.8 liters of gasoline | 380 to 1,190 litres |
| Seat Ibiza Reference | from 19,470 euros | 70 kW (95 hp) | 5.1 liters of gasoline | 355 to 1,165 litres |
| Fiat Tipo Sedan Easy | from 19,490 euros | 96 kW (130 hp) | 4.6 litre diesel | 520 to 1,310 litres |
| VW Polo | from 19,835 euros | 59 kW (80 hp) | 5.5 liters of gasoline | 351 to 1,125 litres |
Dacia Sandero: The cheapest new car in Germany
Er ist seit Jahren das günstigste Auto, das man hierzulande kaufen kann: der Dacia Sandero. Zwar gab es den Dacia vor zwei Jahren noch für unter 10.000 Euro, aber mit einem Listenpreis von 11.800 Euro ist der kleine Rumäne immer noch das günstigste Auto Deutschlands – wenn auch nur knapp vor dem Mitsubishi Space Star. Beim Preisanstieg muss man jedoch beachten, dass Dacia die Einstiegsversion des Sandero – Access – gestrichen hat. War früher Essential die zweithöhere Ausstattungslinie, ist diese nun die Grundausstattung. Sie bietet Tempomat, akustische Einparkhilfe hinten und einen höhenverstellbaren Fahrersitz serienmäßig.
For just under 12,000 euros, you get a 49 kW (67 hp) three-cylinder petrol engine with a consumption of 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres. For around 1,000 euros more, there is 67 kW (91 hp) of power. Dacia also offers a liquefied gas model of the Sandero (from 13,250 euros). The big advantage: an impressive range of up to 1,300 kilometres thanks to additional 40-litre gas tanks. And how much space does the price dwarf offer? The luggage compartment has a capacity of 328 to 1,108 litres, passengers up to 1.90 metres tall have enough space in the front, but it is narrower in the rear: a maximum of two adults can sit in the back. But they shouldn't have grown too high. This makes the Sandero particularly suitable for singles and couples without or with small children.
The advantages and disadvantages of the Dacia Sandero
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Cheapest new car price
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LPG version
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Trunk with plenty of space
Weaken
- High loading sill
- Hardly any special equipment
- Simple materials
Fiat Tipo: No sedan is as cheap as a new car
A sedan for less than 20,000 euros? Sounds almost utopian, but Fiat makes this possible with the Tipo. The current sedan has since been removed from the range in Germany, but has been resumed this year as a price breaker. Currently, the four-door model is on offer from 16,990 euros, while the regular Fiat Tipo costs 19,490 euros. And at the same time, the Italian is one of the cheapest diesel cars on the market. Alternatively, Fiat also offers the Tipo as a five-door and station wagon - each as a diesel or as a hybrid gasoline engine. However, the price differences to the sedan are sometimes significant. The diesel variant costs just under 23,000 euros and the hybrid only starts at almost 29,000 euros.
And what does the Tipo sedan offer for this price? Above all, plenty of space: The luggage volume is 520 to 1,310 litres, top values in this price range. And it also offers enough space for the passengers. No wonder: with a length of 4.53 meters, it is also the largest vehicle here. Fiat uses only a 1.6-liter MultiJet diesel with 96 kW (130 hp) as the engine. It consumes 4.6 liters per 100 kilometers. In the Easy version, there are electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, manual air conditioning, a reversing camera and shift paddles on the steering wheel as standard. In the more expensive Urban trim level, there is an asymmetrically split rear bench with center armrest, automatic climate control, LED rear lights and a multifunction steering wheel ex works. However, you won't find too many optional extras on the Fiat. The choices include reversing parking sensors, chrome-plated exterior mirrors or a bicycle rack.
The advantages and disadvantages of the Fiat Tipo
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Above-average luggage compartment
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Powerful diesel engine
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Good standard equipment
Weaken
- Only one engine to choose from
- Manageable extras
- Only available in four colors
Hyundai i10: The city runabout among the cheapest new cars
Hyundai has been offering the i10 in the third generation since 2019 - still only as a five-door model. With a length of just 3.67 meters, it is the smallest car in our top 5. Hyundai's microcar now costs 16,990 euros in the basic Select trim level. As standard, this includes air conditioning, reversing camera and parking aid. The Hyundai i10 is therefore primarily practical for the city and rather not a long-distance car. With the rear seats up, around 252 liters fit in the trunk. When the seats are folded down, the volume expands to up to 1,050 litres – a little less overall than the cheaper Sandero.
There are no optional extras for the basic model. If you don't want to do without heated seats, heated steering wheel, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors or LED taillights, you have to choose the more expensive equipment variants (surcharge at least 1,460 euros). The engine of the cheapest i10 is a 1-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with 46 kW (63 hp). This consumes a frugal 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers. More power is only available from the Trend line. Here, the 1.2-liter gasoline engine delivers 58 kW (79 hp). At 19,200 euros, this model is still one of the cheaper new cars. On the other hand, the top model i10 N Line with 66 kW (90 hp) is not a bargain. It costs 22,190 euros - and is therefore over 9,000 euros more expensive than a Dacia Sandero with comparable engine power. A plus point of the i10: a 5-year vehicle warranty with no mileage limit. With most other manufacturers, this is usually limited to two or three years or up to a maximum of 100,000 kilometers.
The pros and cons of the Hyundai i10
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Large load volume
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Long warranty
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Compact dimensions
Weaken
- Weak engine
- No optional extras for base model
- Simple materials
Škoda Fabia: Small car with plenty of space
With a list price starting at 19,320 euros in the basic Essence version, the Škoda Fabia remains just below the 20,000 euro mark. The Czech small car is a real success model and has been the best-selling import car in Germany several times. Now in its fourth generation, the Fabia, which has been built since 1999, offers a lot of space for little money. Like the VW Polo and the Seat Ibiza, it is based on the VW Group's MQB-A0 Modular Transverse Toolkit and thus has a mature and secure technical basis. The luggage compartment of the 4.11-metre-long Škoda has a standard capacity of 380 litres. With the seats folded down, the luggage compartment expands to up to 1,190 litres.
The standard equipment of the basic model includes a height- and longitudinally adjustable steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver's seat and air conditioning with allergen filter. For an extra charge, there is heated seats and a tank enlarged by 10 to 50 litres. The Selection and Monte Carlo equipment lines offer more equipment ex works – such as a multifunction steering wheel, LED headlights with cornering lights or cruise control. There are two petrol engines for the basic version: the 1.0-litre MPI with 59 kW (80 hp) and a fuel consumption of 4.8 to 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres, and the more powerful but more economical 1.0-litre direct-injection engine with 70 kW (95 hp) and a consumption of 4.7 to 5.9 litres – the latter costs 1,300 euros extra.
The pros and cons of the Škoda Fabia
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Large trunk
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Good consumption values
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Good space in the front and back
Weaken
- Base model with weak engine
- Many extras only for an extra charge
- Simple materials on the base model
VW Polo: The classic among the most affordable small cars
The VW Polo is one of Volkswagen's best-selling models. With a list price of at least 19,835 euros, it is one of the most expensive vehicles in our list, but it also offers mature, reliable technology and a good amount of space. VW has been building the Polo in its sixth generation since 2017, and it was extensively revised in 2021. The Wolfsburg-based company will offer the base model in 2024 with an engine configuration: a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with 59 kW (80 hp) and a consumption of 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers. The more powerful engines with up to 85 kW (116 hp) of power are only available with the next higher Life equipment line – but this drives up the price to up to 27,560 euros. It gets even more expensive if you choose the Polo GTI. Then at least 35,450 euros are due.
The trunk volume of the Polo from 351 to 1,125 liters corresponds to a typical small car. However, what particularly distinguishes the VW is its spacious interior, which is also suitable for long distances. And what does the basic version of the VW Polo offer? Here there is a height-adjustable driver's seat, an adjustable steering column, multifunction steering wheel, distraction and drowsiness detection, parking aid, air conditioning with active combi filter and LED headlights as standard. For an extra charge, the model can be equipped with App-Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, tinted side and rear windows as well as ashtrays and cigarette lighters – but that's where it stops.
The advantages and disadvantages of the VW Polo
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Good space
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Large engine selection
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Good standard equipment
Weaken
- Base model with one motor only
- Gasoline engines only
- Hardly any optional extras for the basic model
What do you need to look out for when buying the cheapest new cars?
First, the budget question: What is the maximum amount you want to spend on the car, including maintenance costs? Set an upper limit here and determine your equity. Then there is the question of financing: cash purchase, financing or leasing. If the equity is sufficient for the purchase price, a cash purchase is the best solution. The reason: Retailers often give high discounts; in addition, additional costs such as interest payments are eliminated when buying cash with sufficient equity. If you want to finance part of the purchase price, you can choose between leasing or car loan. With leasing, you rent the car for a certain period of time and then return it. In the case of loan financing, the car belongs to the lending bank until the last installment is paid off.
You should also set important criteria for the car in advance:
- How much space for passengers is necessary?
- How much storage space is needed?
- Is the car used more in inner-city traffic or outside built-up areas?
- Are certain equipment indispensable?
- Can the infotainment Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? Do you want to use an integrated navigation system?
The more you think about it in advance, the more targeted you can look for a cheap new car.
Vehicle warranties and quality seals: What to look out for?
If you are interested in a new car, you should pay attention to vehicle warranties and quality seals in addition to the price when buying. They provide protection and security against unexpected costs and quality issues. When it comes to the manufacturer's warranty, it makes sense to pay attention to the term and scope. As a rule, the warranty is two to seven years – depending on the brand. In some cases, the manufacturer's warranty includes a mileage limit. This means that the warranty only lasts up to a certain number of kilometers, even if the duration has not yet expired. Also check what exactly is covered: Are there exceptions for damage to the engine and gearbox or to the electronics?
Many manufacturers offer an extended warranty for new cars at an additional cost. This can be worthwhile if you want to keep the car in the long term. Pay attention to what the additional warranty covers and whether there are any differences from the regular manufacturer's warranty. Some brands also offer a mobility guarantee that covers you in the event of a vehicle breakdown and covers towing services or rental cars, for example. Check if and for how long this warranty lasts.
If you want to know more about the safety of a car, quality and test seals or breakdown statistics from TÜV, Dekra and ADAC will help you get a quick overview. If you want to know how safe a car is in an accident, Euro NCAP's crash test rating will help you.
Reimports: Are they a good option for the cheapest new cars?
Reimports are vehicles that were originally produced for sale in another EU country, but are then imported back to Germany (or another country). These cars are often offered at a lower price because they were sold at lower prices in their original destination country.
The advantages of re-imports are:
- Low Price: Due to cheaper taxes or lower manufacturer prices in other EU countries, you can save between 10 and 30 percent.
- Same quality: Reimports are usually identical to models sold in Germany. They are manufactured according to the same production standards.
- Full manufacturer's warranty: Reimports have the same manufacturer's warranty as models intended for the German market. The warranty is valid throughout the EU, so you also have the full warranty claim in Germany.
The disadvantages of re-imports are:
- Equipment differences: Reimports may differ in standard equipment or configuration options from the models sold in Germany. For example, certain functions that are common in this country could not be standard.
- Depreciation: The resale value may be lower because they are considered "re-import". Many buyers prefer original German models, which could affect the market value of a re-imported vehicle.
- Possible language and norm differences: For vehicles from other countries, user manuals or software (such as on-board computers or navigation) may be available in a different language, which may then need to be changed or adapted. Technical standards can also differ slightly, which could require adjustments.
Are reimports an alternative to new cars?
Yes, reimports can be an alternative to new cars if you want to save costs and are willing to accept any compromises in equipment or a lower resale value. Since the quality is usually identical to new cars sold in Germany and the manufacturer's warranty also applies, reimports offer a very good price-performance ratio. It is important to find out exactly what the equipment and possible differences are before buying and to choose a reputable dealer.
For many buyers, reimports are a worthwhile way to get an almost identical vehicle at a significantly lower price.