If the first car for less than 10,000 euros was the Renault Dacia Logan in 2005, many manufacturers today offer this type of vehicle. But, be careful, low cost car does not necessarily mean cheap vehicle, and if they generally have less equipment and options, low cost cars remain safe and comfortable. So which car to buy at a low price and how to insure it well?
What is a low cost car?
As a general rule, so-called “low cost” cars cost 30% less than other cars in the same category. They are therefore offered for sale, new, around 10,000 euros . They thus make it possible to acquire a new vehicle at a lower cost , whether, for example, to have a second car, for a young driver, or quite simply for reasons of tight budget.
Cars that remain reliable
Like any vehicle homologated on the European market, a low-cost car must meet current safety standards and pass numerous checks. You will thus find on these models ABS braking and front and sometimes side airbags.
The difference between a classic car and a low cost car is therefore played out elsewhere. Or ? Essentially on its place of manufacture and its standard equipment.
Cheaper labor
The French car manufacturer Renault has the vehicles of its low-cost brand Dacia manufactured in its factories in Romania . For its part, the Volkswagen group bought the Czech manufacturer Skoda in 1991 . There are also models designed and/or manufactured in Asia , in countries where the cost of labor is significantly lower, and where the price of electronic components is also much lower.
Manufacturers are cutting back on options
When you buy a low cost car, you have to make some sacrifices. This is how on this type of vehicle:
- Mirrors can be manual and non-electric
- Air conditioning , when present, is single-zone
- The central locking of the doors is sometimes mechanical
- The car radio or the GPS are often optional , when they are offered
Most mechanical parts are also simplified to cost less and electronics are reduced to basic functions. Added to this is a quality of finish that is sometimes inferior to that of Western European productions.
What are the cheapest cars on the market?
A booming low-cost vehicle market
From their beginnings with the Renault Dacia Logan, so-called low-cost cars have won over a large number of motorists and been a real success. To face up to the competition, many manufacturers have followed in Renault’s footsteps by offering models whose equipment has been simplified in order to enter the low-cost car price segment.
Low cost cars: the best opportunities of the moment
If the price of some of these cars slightly exceeds the symbolic bar of 10,000 euros, they nevertheless remain classified in the category of low cost models:
- The historic Dacia Logan , from 7900 euros, remains the cheapest car on the market. Over time, the Logan has been modernized while entering into relative anonymity in the face of much more aggressive competition.
- Another Dacia but of a significantly larger size: the Dacia Sandero at a price of 7990 euros. A spacious, comfortable 5-door with a pleasant design.
- At 9500 euros, the Skoda Citygo is a three-door city car ideal for city driving. While its small size makes it easy to park, the Citygo offers a good level of comfort and safety. The future of this city car, however, seems to turn to a 100% electric version, and therefore to a much higher price.
- Still uncommon on the French market, the Suzuki Celerio is available from 9790 euros. This is a 5-door Japanese-designed but made in Thailand.
- Better known on the French market: the Fiat Panda marketed from 10,490 euros. The small city car obviously no longer has anything in common with the first model launched in 1980. Whether in terms of engine, exterior lines, comfort and safety, the Panda remains a safe bet in the world of low cost cars. Some standard equipment such as air conditioning and the “Start & Stop” start, however, make it barely cross the bar of 10,000 euros with a first model at 10,490 euros.
- Quite imposing in terms of size, the Mitsubishi Space Star is equipped as standard with a CD radio, exterior mirrors and electric windows. This Japanese 5-door is offered at a price of 10,490 euros.
- One of the rare French cars to be able to fit into the classification of low cost cars: the Citroën C1 . This small city car benefits from a refined aesthetic and a comfort that allows it to easily get out of built-up areas. The 3-door version is equipped with a 1.2 l engine with 72 horsepower.
- Omnipresent in this ranking with its range of low-cost Dacia cars, the Renault manufacturer is also represented by the essential Renault Twingo . At 11,400 euros, it is certainly more expensive than its competitors, but it offers an excellent level of finish with quality equipment and real driving comfort, particularly in town thanks to a turning circle significantly greater than the average of its competitors. .
- The Dacia Logan MSV has real qualities in terms of aesthetics and comfort. But to stay in a price range close to 10,000 euros, you will have to be satisfied with a 3-cylinder naturally aspirated engine which can be sluggish during long journeys.
- If the Ford KA+ finds itself at the end of this ranking, despite an attractive price of 10,450 euros, it is for the simple reason that this model will soon no longer be offered.
This classification is not exhaustive and other models such as the Seat Mii or the Toyota Aygo are also available, new, around 10,000 euros.
Top 10 low cost cars
| Model | Prix |
| Dacia Logan | 7900€ |
| Dacia Sandero | 7900€ |
| Dacia Logan MSV | 9150€ |
| Skoda Citygo | 9500€ |
| Suzuki Celerio | 9790€ |
| Ford KA+ | 10450€ |
| Fiat Panda | 10490€ |
| Mitsubishi Space Star | 10490€ |
| Citroën C1 | 11050€ |
| Renault Twingo | 11400€ |
How to properly insure a low cost car?
Another advantage of the low cost car, in addition to being marketed new at a low price, is that it is cheaper to insure . Since its initial value is lower, and its equipment less expensive, insurers often offer quite attractive rates to cover it.
But, as with any new car, all-risk insurance is strongly recommended , especially if you have taken out a car loan to finance it.
So how do you find comprehensive car insurance for your low cost car without breaking the bank? It’s simple, trust the ferrets .
