The Most Affordable New Car You Can Get In 2023

A few years ago, shortly before the pandemic and supply chain snags resulted in chip shortages, if you wanted a brand-new car for under $20,000, there were about a dozen to choose from.

Five years later, there’s only one:  the Mitsubishi Mirage.  That’s it.

The Mirage has been sold in the U.S. for about a decade, and last month, according to Cox Automotive, it was selling on average for $19,205.  There are a couple other small vehicles that have starting prices under $20,000. But their actual prices, including shipping, put it over.

We’re not here to sell you on a Mirage, just to make the point that car prices, both new and used, are simply out of control, like so many other things we need, especially now that more employers want to see their employees back in the office.

At just under $20,000 for this 3-cylander hatchback or sedan costs less than half of what the average new vehicle does.  Get this, the average price of a new car or SUV is now just north of $48,000.  That’s 25% more than before the pandemic struck three years ago.

A new Mirage costs about the same as a 4-year-old Mazda 3, and surprisingly, it comes with a five-year, 60,000 bumper-to-bumper warranty, and delivers 39 miles to the gallon.  But for $20,000, you should have more choices than this vehicle with a sluggish 76-hp engine that’s about to be discontinued anyway. Only 1,974 were sold in the second quarter of 2023, down 57% from a year ago.  Plus, it’s being reported that production is halting at the plant where the Mirage is manufactured in Thailand.

There are not too many Mitsubishi dealerships in Tampa Bay, but if you want a Mirage before they’re gone, when there will not be a single new car model under $20k, click here for a dealership near you.

If you’re willing to pay a bit more, there are a few choices under $25,000:

So, what are the most targeted vehicles for car theft in Florida? Well, there is one item on these cars that is being stolen and thieves want their hands on it. The catalytic converter is being targeted now more than ever. It contains precious metals and those metals are getting more expensive. The report come from CARFAX, who put together a list of the top vehicles for car theft in Florida.

So, what is a catalytic converter? CARFAX says, "Catalytic converters are a key component of a car’s emissions control system, reducing the amount of pollution coming out of the tailpipe. They transform hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides – the bad stuff – into oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide." Inside the catalytic converter there are precious metals like: palladium, rhodium, and platinum.

Catalytic converters have been on cars since 1975. Electric cars don't have them because they don't have an exhaust system. It also doesn't take long to remove it. A small saw can remove it in less than 60 seconds.

How to prevent thieves from stealing it? Experts say to buy a catalytic converter anti-theft device. It is a metal plate that shops can add on to your car. You can also get your VIN number engraved on the converter. That makes it much tougher for the thief to sell it.

Check out the top cars that are being stolen below.

[SOURCE: ABC Action News]

The F-150 is the most popular vehicle in history. It also comes in #1 on the list.

It is America's second most sold mid-size sedan in terms of popularity. It is only behind the Toyota Camry.

The Prius is a hybrid and thieves are targeting those vehicles more. They contain more of the precious metals.

The crossover has been produced by Honda since 1995.

The Explorer was introduced in 1991, but they can thank Jurassic Park for taking it to the next level. It was the vehicle featured on the tour they go on in the movie.

The Econoline is a full size fan that has been around for over 60 years.

Chevy announced an EV of the Equinox, but the gas powered version is on this list.

The signature truck for Chevy. Thieves like this truck also.

First released in 1995. It has been named <em>Motor Trend</em>'s Truck of the Year before.