Best Cars under $35,000

  1. Research Center
    2. /
  2. Car Buying Research Articles
    3. /
  3. Best Cars under 35K

Amazing Cars for Less! 

For 2024 there are some incredible deals on brand new vehicles for under $35,000. That's important since the average price paid for new cars in America is over $40,000. Here we have a collection of hot hatchbacks, cool crossovers, sleek family sedans, even a fuel-efficient hybrid, two sports cars, and a station wagon/SUV that all come in with a base model suggested retail price that won't break the bank. 

There are over 30 vehicles manufactured today that are under $35K, but these are our pick for the best for 2024. They are listed here from highest to lowest base MSRP. Some are even under $25K. 

You'll find all these and more at your local Lithia Auto dealer. Find the dealer closest to you here. 

2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI 

You'll find two versions of the ever-faithful Golf hot hatchback that come in close to the $35,000 mark. Both offer great driving characteristics, and top-quality interiors for the money. The base model Golf comes with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that produces 147-horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Keyless entry, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof as well as Wi-Fi and jazzy 16-inch alloy wheels all come as standard. You can also buy the more performance-oriented Golf GTI that pushes 241 horsepower for under $35K. 

Starting Base MSRP = $31,965. 


 

2024 Chevrolet Camaro 

Originally built in 1967 to be a Ford Mustang beater, the venerable Camaro edges out the 'Stang this year in our Best Cars list because this year marks the checked flag for this sports sedan. The Chevy starts at $30,900 in its 1LS base trim. This rear-wheel drive muscle car is the best deal going if you have a need for speed. You'll get a superb chassis married to a standard 335 horsepower V-6 mated to either a manual or automatic 6-speed transmission. Zero to 60 mph happens in just 5.3 seconds. You'll find nine trim levels, two of which are under our magic money amount of $35K. 

Base MSRP = $30,900. 


 

 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

The ND3 generation Miata Roadster is more comfortable and powerful than its predecessors, still capturing pure top down bliss and high revving exhilaration. Powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder motor, this nimble rear-wheel drive two-seater sports car offers 181-horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque as well as a 6-speed manual transmission. This little go-kart only weighs 2,400 pounds, is awesome in the corners and offers white-knuckle acceleration thrills on the straight-aways. 

Starting Base MSRP = $30,150. 


 

2024 Subaru Outback 

The awesome Outback has been with us for 30 years, evolving from an all-wheel drive station wagon, into a more robust crossover SUV. Subaru practically invented the rugged, off-road capable family wagon niche. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder motor produces 182-adventure-ready horses. A Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, the Outback includes Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist tech as standard. We think the Outback is a great buy offering a mix of functionality, cargo space, great traction in snow and ice, and comfort for you and yours. 

Starting Base MSRP = $28,895. 


 

2024 Honda Accord 

A great family sedan for the price, Honda's Accord is now in its eleventh generation. For 2024 this mid-size, four-door is great fun to drive with its 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. A 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 252 horses is also available, providing remarkable performance and spry handling. A great car for family road trips, the Accord has plenty of room for bags in the trunk and will get you there in comfort. The base LX trim as well as a Hybrid model and Sport model can all be had for under $35,000. 

Starting Base MSRP = $27,895. 


 

2024 Toyota Camry 

Known for its reliability and comfort, the Camry is America's best-selling mid-size sedan. You'll find enough space for the family in this four-door that offers two motors to choose from. There's a four-cylinder or an optional V6 with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive as an option. All Camrys come with Toyota's Entune 30 infotainment system offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Toyota's Safety Sense suite of driver assist features including automatic emergency braking and ten airbags. Eight of the nine trim levels are under $35K. 

Starting Base MSRP = $26,420. 


 

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross 

The Corolla Cross brings Toyota's strong suit of reliability and efficiency to a crossover that is smaller than the RAV4 but offers optional all-wheel drive. A 2-liter inline-four engine gets you 169-horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, and all three trim levels come in under $30,000. The Corolla Cross' dashboard is similar to its sedan or hatchback siblings with an 8-inch infotainment screen and Toyota Safety Sense suite of such safety tech as pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, road sign assist and more at a killer price. 

Base MSRP = $25,210. 


 

2024 Honda Civic Sedan 

An all-new Civic rolled into 2022 with an upscale look, refined cabin design and clever features. Of its various trim levels only the top-tier Sport Touring model is over 30K. Base models come with a 2-liter four-cylinder engine pushing 158-horses, EPA rated a combined 36 miles per gallon. An upgrade to the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder gives you 180-horsepower. The Civic includes a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen and such standard driver assist tech as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. It's a great car at a great price and comes as both a sedan and hatchback. 

Base MSRP = $23,950. 


Â