Getting your first car is a massive moment in your life. It means freedom. You can drive to uni, head to work, or go to the beach with your mates whenever you want. But let us totally honest cars cost a lot of money today. If you are a young driver or just getting your very first set of wheels, looking at price tags can feel really scary.
At Moto-Corp, we talk to first-time buyers every single day. We know that you want a car that is safe, looks good, connects to your phone, and most importantly, does not cost a fortune. That is exactly why we made this simple, easy-to-read guide. We have looked everywhere to find the top 10 cheapest car in Australia for you.
You do not have to buy an old, broken used car just to save money. Buying a brand-new, cheap car is a very smart choice. You get a big warranty, the newest safety features, and a car that will not break down on you.
Grab a hot cuppa, get comfortable, and let us show you the very best budget cars Australia has to offer right now.
Why Buying Entry Level Cars Australia is a Very Smart Choice
Many people tell young drivers to buy a cheap, old used car for their first vehicle. But here at Moto-Corp, we strongly think that buying new entry level cars Australia is much better. Here are a few simple reasons why:
1. Huge Factory Warranties
When you buy an old car, it might break down next week, and you have to pay the mechanic a lot of money. When you buy a brand-new car, it comes with a huge warranty. Most new affordable cars Australia come with a warranty that lasts for five or seven years. If the engine stops working properly, the car brand fixes it for free. This gives you total peace of mind.
2. They Keep You Very Safe
Old cars do not have modern safety features. Even the very cheapest new cars today have amazing safety technology. They have cameras to help you reverse, sensors to stop you from hitting the car in front of you, and lots of airbags. If you are a new driver still learning the ropes, these features will keep you very safe on our busy Aussie roads.
3. You Save Money on Petrol
Petrol is very expensive right now. Old cars use a lot of fuel because their engines are tired and old. New budget cars Australia have very clever, small engines. Some of them use a battery to help the engine, which we call a hybrid. Some of them do not use petrol at all! Buying a new car means you will spend less money at the petrol station every week.
4. Fixed Price Servicing
When you take a new car to the mechanic for a check-up, the price is locked in. The car company tells you exactly how much the service will cost before you even drop the car off. This means shady mechanics can never overcharge you or trick you into paying for things you do not need.
Moto-Corp’s List of the Top 10 Cheapest Car in Australia
Here is our very simple list of the best low-cost cars Australia. We have found small hatchbacks for the city, small SUVs for extra space, and even a completely electric car. Let us look at the top choices for first-time buyers.
1. Kia Picanto
At around $22,140 drive-away, the Kia Picanto is Australia’s cheapest new car. It is tiny, super easy to park, and uses barely any petrol. Plus, Kia gives you a massive seven-year warranty. The inside has a great screen that connects to your phone so you can play your music easily. It is one of the best cheapest cars Australia has today.
2. MG 3
The MG 3 is a very popular car for young drivers, starting at about $23,250 drive away. It looks very modern and sporty. It is slightly bigger inside than the Picanto, which means your friends will have more legroom in the back seats. It drives very smoothly and has great technology on the dashboard. If you want a stylish car but you are on a very tight budget, the MG 3 is a fantastic option.
3. Chery Tiggo 4
Aussies really love SUVs because they sit up high off the road. The Chery Tiggo 4 is a small SUV that costs around $23,990 drive away. Because it sits higher up, you get a much better view of the traffic in front of you. It also gives you lots of headroom inside. It comes with fake leather seats and cool screens that make it feel like a much more expensive luxury car.
4. Mahindra XUV 3XO
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a tough little SUV from India, and it also costs about $23,990 drive-away. This car is built very strongly. The inside is very wide and roomy. If you play a lot of foot, go camping on the weekends, or have a big dog, this car has plenty of space for all your stuff. It is a very clever choice for buyers looking for big value.
5. GWM Haval Jolion
If you love massive computer screens and cool buttons, you will love the GWM Haval Jolion. You can often buy the base model for about $24,990 drive-away. It is bigger than the other cars we have talked about so far. This means the boot (the trunk) is huge. It feels very premium inside. It is one of the top affordable cars Australia for young families or drivers who need to carry heaps of gear.
6. Suzuki Swift Hybrid
The Suzuki Swift is an absolute legend in Australia. The brand-new model starts at around $25,490 drive-away. This car is a mild hybrid. That means it uses a tiny electric battery to help the petrol engine. Because of this, it uses very, very little petrol, saving you heaps of money. It looks very cute, it is super reliable, and when you want to sell it later, you will get a great price for it.
7. BYD Atto 1
Do you want to stop buying petrol completely? The BYD Atto 1 is a 100% electric car! Starting at around $26,531 drive-away, it is the cheapest electric car in the country. You just plug it into the wall at home to charge it up, just like your mobile phone. It is completely silent when you drive and very quickly. If you want to help the environment and save money on fuel, this is the perfect car.
8. Hyundai Venue
Starting at about $26,862 drive-away, the Hyundai Venue is a great little SUV. It is shaped like a square box. Because it is boxy, the windows are big, and it is very easy to see out of. This makes reverse parking extremely easy for new drivers. Hyundai cars are famous because they are very strong and rarely break down. It is a very simple, safe, and happy car to drive every day.
9. MG ZS
The MG ZS is another great SUV from MG, starting around $26,990 drive-away. It is very quiet and smooth to drive. It is a very simple, honest car that does not have confusing buttons or complicated menus. If you just want a reliable car that gets you from home to work in total comfort, the MG ZS is a top choice among budget cars Australia.
10. Kia Stonic
The last car on our list is the Kia Stonic, starting around $27,990 drive away. It looks slightly taller, tougher than a hatchback. It looks very sporty on the outside and handles corners really well. Like the Picanto, it comes with Kia’s huge seven-year warranty. It costs a little bit more than the basic cars, but it feels very premium and looks fantastic on the road.
What First-Time Buyers Must Look for in Low-Cost Cars Australia
When you are trying to find the top 10 cheapest car in Australia, you need to look at more than just the price tag on the window. Cars cost money to keep running. Here is what the friendly team at Moto-Corp wants you to remember:
- Cheap Insurance: Car insurance can be very expensive for young drivers on their P-plates. Some cars cost less to ensure than others. Small cars like the Kia Picanto and Suzuki Swift are usually very cheap to ensure. Always ask for an insurance quote before you buy the car.
- Safety Rating (ANCAP): In Australia, cars are tested for safety and given a star rating out of five. Always look for a car with a high ANCAP safety rating. Make sure it has automatic braking to help you stop quickly in an emergency.
- Boot Space: Think about what you do every day. Do you need to carry a surfboard, lots of shopping bags, or a pram? Make sure you open the back of the car and check if the boot space is big enough for your actual life.
How to Budget for Your First Car
Buying affordable cars Australia requires a little bit of planning. You do not just pay for the car; you pay for other small things too.
Make sure you write down a simple budget. Add the cost of the car loan payments each week. Then, add a little bit of money for petrol (or electricity if you buy an EV). Finally, add some money for your yearly registration and insurance.
Because these entry level cars Australia are so cheap to run, your weekly budget will be much lower than if you bought a big, heavy used car. Planning your money means you will never feel stressed, and you can just enjoy driving your awesome new car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the cheapest cars Australia safe for new drivers?
Yes, they are very safe! In Australia, all new budget cars Australia must pass very strict safety tests. Even the cheapest models have lots of airbags, strong frames, and smart cameras that help stop the car if you do not break in time. First-time buyers can feel totally secure driving these entry-level vehicles.
Do affordable cars Australia come with a good warranty?
They absolutely do it. A huge benefit of buying new low-cost cars Australia is the massive factory warranty. Brands like Kia, MG, and Chery offer seven-year warranties. This means if the engine or gearbox breaks down, the car company will fix it for free. You will not have to worry about huge mechanic bills.
Is it better to buy an old used car or a cheap new car?
For most first-time drivers, buying new entry level cars Australia is much safer and smarter. Old cars often have hidden engine problems that cost thousands of dollars to fix. A new car has zero damage, modern safety technology, and capped-price servicing, making your daily life much cheaper and far less stressful.
What is the absolute top 10 cheapest car in Australia right now?
Right now, the Kia Picanto is the cheapest new car on the market, starting around $22,140 drive-away. It is a brilliant, tiny car for the city. Following closely behind are the stylish MG 3 and the roomy Chery Tiggo 4. All of these cars offer amazing value and great technology for a very low price.
Do low-cost cars Australia use a lot of petrol?
No, they are incredibly cheap to run! Most budget cars Australia use very small engines that sip fuel slowly. The Suzuki Swift is a hybrid, which saves even more petrol. If you want to use zero petrol, the BYD Atto 1 is a fully electric car, making your weekly driving costs almost nothing at all.
Is it easy to get a car loan for entry level cars Australia?
Yes, it is very easy to get a car loan for entry level cars Australia. Because these affordable cars have low prices, the weekly payments are very small. At Moto-Corp, our friendly team helps first-time buyers find the best loans. We explain everything in simple words, so you feel totally safe and happy with your choice.
Is budget cars Australia expensive to service and fix?
Not at all, mate. When you buy affordable cars Australia, the car brands offer “capped-price servicing.” This means they tell you exactly how much the mechanic will charge you before you arrive. Also, the parts for these small cars are very cheap to buy, keeping your running costs incredibly low every single year.
Ready to Drive Away in Your First Car?
Getting your first car is such a great feeling. You do not need to spend fifty thousand dollars to get a safe, reliable, and cool-looking ride. Our top 10 cheapest car in Australia list shows that there are plenty of amazing choices for every budget. Whether you want the tiny Kia Picanto for city parking, the Suzuki Swift hybrid to save on petrol, or the BYD Atto 1 to go fully electric, your perfect first car is out there waiting.
Here at Moto-Corp, we want to make buying your first car incredibly simple and fun. We hate stressful sales tactics and confusing big words. We just want to give you honest Aussie advice so you can make a smart choice.
Contact the friendly team at Moto-Corp today, and let us help you find, test drive, and easily finance your new budget car!