Drive Away for Under 30K: The Best, Most Affordable Cars on the Market

Good morning, friends.  Or, depending on when you read this (and as our favorite  character, Truman likes to say):  good, afternoon, good evening, and good night!

Welcome to the eTags blog, where we cover just about every topic imaginable with regards to all things automotive. The truth is, it makes no difference to us whether we’re reviewing rules and regulations, if we’re staying up to date with ever-changing traffic laws, if we’re exploring new avenues and discovering new trends, or whether we’re answering questions folks have about titles and tags, or about cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles.  If it involves anything remotely related to the automobile world, we dig it!

In light of all the hullabaloo surrounding the impending tariffs on vehicles being manufactured in Canada, Mexico, and Japan – and the projected increase in price that is possible as a result – we wanted to offer an alternative.  Not just a different way of thinking about the new taxes that could be levied and the following expense increase, but about just the opposite:

Today we want to talk about affordability.

Today, we are going to list some of the best and most popular cars available for purchase in the United States that are currently for sale at under $30,000.  Because no matter what taxes come and what taxes go, there are still some pretty nifty options on the market that could help ease the fright of the proposed tariff.  So, without further ado, here are the best rides with a sticker price that won’t break the bank.

Best Sedan or Compact Car

1. The Kia K4: $23,265 MSRP or $26,365, the EX model that comes with all the bells and whistles. This is 4-door, 5-seater sedan offers perks like:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Remote engine start
• Hands-free trunk, liftgate
• Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
• Lane Keep Assist
• Heated front seats
• Blind spot system
• Integrated turn signal mirrors

2. Chevrolet Malibu: $26,995 MSRP or $29, 295 with the bells and whistles. This family sedan comes with features such as:

• In-Car WiFi
• Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
• Remote Engine Start
• Rear parking sensors
• Forward collision warning
• Front heated seats
• Navigation
• Lane keep assist

3. Subaru Impreza: $24,780 MSRP or $29,670 with the extras.

This all-wheel drive hatchback brings top safety scores and:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Remote engine start
• Fog lamps
• Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
• Lane Keep Assist
• Heated front seats
• Blind spot system
• Integrated turn signal mirrors

Best Compact or Standard SUV

1. Nissan Kicks: $23,220 MSRP or $29, 070 with the frills. This all-wheel drive SUV offers:

• Pedestrian detection
• Around view camera
• Blind spot system
• Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning
• Lane Keep Assist
• Rear parking sensors

2. Chevrolet Equinox: $29,995 MSRP.

While this SUV comes in only just below the $30k price limit, if does offer the following perks:

• Pedestrian detection
• Start/Stop system
• Adaptive cruise control
• In-Car WiFi
• Forward collision warning
• Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
• Remote engine start
• Rear parking sensors

3. Hyundai Kona: $26,000 MSRP up to $29,550 with added goodies. This compact SUV comes with:

• Pedestrian detection
• Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
• Remote engine start
• Lane Keep Assist
• Heated front seats
• In-Car WiFi
• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning

Best Pickup Trucks

1. Ford Maverick: $28,590 MSRP. This fuel-efficient hybrid truck packs a punch with these standard perks:

• In-Car WiFi
• Pedestrian detection
• Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
• Forward collision warning
• Lane Keep Assist
• Alarm
• Brake assist

2. Hyundai Santa Cruz: $28,295 MSRP.

With a turbocharged engine, this comfy pickup offers:

• Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
• Lane Keep Assist
• Blind spot system
• Alarm
• Brake assist
• Bluetooth
• Remote keyless entry
• Backup camera

3. Toyota Tacoma. Okay, this one is juuuuust above the $30k limit, but it’s so close, we had to add it in. Folks have reported snagging this full-size pickup for as low as $32,011. And with that sticker price, you get:

• Pedestrian detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• In-Car WiFi
• Forward collision warning
• Remote engine start
• Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
• Lane Keep Assist
• Blind spot system

And there you have them, folks: the top three contenders for best car, truck, or SUV in their respective categories for under $30,000.  The thing is, we’d like to point out that unlike the olden days when you opted for a less expensive model, all of the above vehicles come standard with perks we never would have dreamed of back in the day.  Think about it: there was a time when going for the cheaper ride meant that you’d have to forgo air conditioning and get a full arm workout every time you needed to roll down the windows to get some airflow.  One upon a time, a vehicle that wouldn’t leave you bankrupt meant that you were choosing a manual gear shift or a car with no power steering.  Basically, for the equivalent of less than $30k back in the 80’s or 90’s (and maybe even in the early 2000’s) you were guaranteed an upper body workout!

All kidding aside (although who doesn’t remember rolling down windows and fighting with the steering wheel while parking?!), these are some pretty sweet deals for a sweet sticker price. Proving that we don’t have to sell our firstborns to get a decent car parked in our driveways.

And no matter what vehicle you end up choosing, you’ve landed in just the right spot for all your title and tag needs. Whether you are in the market for a title transfer, new registration, registration renewal, or just about anything in the world of automotive documentation, we’ve got you.  Head over to our handy site, choose your state from our drop-down menu, and select the service you need.  And if you happen to want a little extra guidance, reach out to us at any time. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!