As a single guy, the car you drive is your first impression of ladies. Not just any car will impress your dream girl. However, you will be limited to fewer options if you cannot splurge on the more expensive options. Fortunately, some cheap cars for bachelors will still do the trick. Also, opting for a mid-size car accommodating a small family is vital for those looking to start a family soon. Most importantly, pick a car that can help you land a date—that’s how you get married.
The Best Cheap Cars For Bachelors
There are many factors to consider when choosing a car as a bachelor, especially when you are on a budget. We have highlighted ten fantastic yet affordable cars for bachelors. Let’s find your next car together.
1. Toyota GR86
The GR86 from Toyota’s Gazoo Racing cars is the way you make an impression as a single guy. It’s an affordable rear-wheel driver that shares lots of mechanical properties with the Subaru BRZ. Under the hood, you get a naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 228 horsepower. Power gets to the RWD system via a standard six-speed manual transmission. Moreover, you can opt for a six-speed automatic.
This setup accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds and roars to a top speed of 140 mph. According to the EPA, the automatic setup earns 21 MPG in the city and 31 on the highway. The manual transmission drops to 20 and 27 MPG, respectively. The car delivers an incredible driving experience with sports-tuned suspensions that also serve for daily driving. 18-inch wheels, Brembo brake calipers, and larger-diameter rotors are optional upgrades.
The latest GR86 offers adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking for the stick-shift models. You also get summer performance tires, adaptive LED headlights, and a better eight-speaker audio system in higher trims. An intuitive 8.0-inch infotainment and a 7.0-inch digital gauge display are available across all trims. Pricing ranges between $30,395 and $36,240 for a new 2024 Toyota GR86.
2. Nissan Altima
The Altima is perfect for bachelors looking to start a family in no time. It is reliable, comfortable, fuel efficient, and offers a smooth ride for day-to-day driving. The cabin is spacious, with comfortable seats, carbon fiber fittings, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, and tangible cargo space. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway or road trip.
The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. You can also opt for the more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which tops out at 248 horsepower. All Altima engines pair with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with optional paddle shifters. A front-wheel-based driveline is standard, but you can opt for an AWD for a more exciting ride.
The base Altima earns 27 MPG in the city and 39 on the highway, according to the EPA. It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, while the turbo engine does it in 5.9. Also, the EPA estimates that the turbo-four earns 26 and 36 MPG for city and highway driving, respectively. The 2024 Nissan Altima has a starting price of $27,510. For about $2,890 more, you can get the Premium package, which adds a sliding moonroof, heated leather seats, WiFi hotspot capability, and the giant 12.3-inch infotainment screen.
3. Hyundai Sonata
When looking for cheap cars for bachelors, the goal is to find options that offer great value for money. The Sonata is one of the best sedan cars under $35k. It is outstanding in the midsize sedan segment. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generates 192 horsepower as the base engine. Its turbocharged variant makes 290 horsepower and offers an optional AWD. All Sonatas rely on the same continuously variable automatic transmission with an FWD layout.
A hybrid powertrain is also available for those looking to save some bucks at the gas station. This trim features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a motor generator to make 192 horsepower. You may not enjoy how it transitions between gas and electric power, but 44 MPG in the city and 51 on the highway will take that off your mind. For the petrol engines, the base trim level earns 25 MPG in the city and 36 on the highway. Meanwhile, the turbo engine drops further to 23 MPG in the city and 32 on the highway.
The dashboard features a large module featuring two 12.3-inch displays (gauges and infotainment). Acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes 6.2 seconds for the base Sonata and 5.0 seconds for the turbocharged. Speed maxes at 145 mph, which is impressive considering its fuel economy. Depending on your preferred trim, you can get a new 2024 Hyundai Sonata for between $28,650 and $38,350.
4. Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevy is among the best cheap cars for Bachelors. If your priorities are looks and driving dynamics in a comfortable sedan, this is your stop. The top optional features you’d want to consider are 17-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote engine start, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert system. Moreover, the infotainment screen featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is standard.
A 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 160 horsepower and drives all Chevrolet Malibus. It relies on a CVT automatic to send power to the front-wheel drive system. Many car lovers consider this combo lethargic because it takes 7.8 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph. According to the EPA, this setup delivers a combined gas mileage of 30 MPG for highway and city scenarios.
The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu’s interior offers good leg and headroom for its five adult occupants with decent trunk space. The trunk has decent cargo space. The Malibu’s price ranges from $26,195 to $32,595, depending on the trim level and optional features.
5. Subaru BRZ
If Toyota impresses you with the GR86, then you’d love its mechanical twin. The BRZ is also one of the best cars for drifting, thanks to its rear-wheel configuration and modification availability. The little coupe boasts special sports-tuned suspensions across its trims. You can also add 18-inch aluminum wheels, summer tires, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic transmission for less than $2,000.
All BRZs share the same naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine that generates 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in GR86s. The standard six-speed manual transmission powers the RWD system to deliver an exciting drive. You also get upgraded brakes and precise steering to bolster the ride quality. Accelerating from zero to 60 mph in this car will take only 5.4 seconds; thereafter, you can smash a top speed of 140 mph.
You get 21 and 30 MPG with the automatic transmission regarding gas mileage. Meanwhile, the manual earns 20 and 27 MPG. These figures are for city and highway driving conditions. The interior is driver-centric with a 2 + 2 seating configuration. Drivers get vehicle info from a 7.0-inch digital display, while the 8.0-inch infotainment display may require the driver to take his eyes off the road. A new 2024 Subaru BRZ will set you back at least $31,315 and can go as high as $36,465, depending on your preferred trim.
6. Ford Maverick
You cannot talk about affordable cars for bachelors without mentioning the Maverick. It is an affordable compact pickup truck. All Mavericks are crew cabs with four full-size doors and a roomy back seat. The 8.0-inch infotainment screen is standard, while a 12-volt power outlet (with a 110-volt outlet) is optional.
Ford introduced two new powertrains for the 2024 Maverick. The base engine is a gas-only turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which generates 250 horsepower. It relies on an eight-speed automatic transmission to power the FWD system. Furthermore, an all-wheel drive is optional with this powertrain. Hybrid lovers can opt for the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which pairs with an electric motor for a combined 191 horsepower. This hybrid model can only feature a front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
While the base engine reaches 60 mph from zero in 5.9 seconds, the hybrid does it in 7.7. Similarly, the turbo-four can tow a maximum payload of 4,000 pounds while the hybrid maxes at 2,000. On the other hand, the EPA estimates an impressive fuel economy of up to 42 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway for the hybrid. The base turbo engine FWD earns 23 and 30 MPG in the city and on the highway, respectively. Meanwhile, the AWD drops 1 MPG across. The 2024 Ford Maverick ranges between $25,515 and $40,050, depending on your preferred trim and extra features.
7. Kia K5
Considering performance, looks, and reliability, Kia’s K5 deserves a spot among the top cheap cars for bachelors. Plus, if you’re willing to spend more on the higher-end trims, you get a sportier body kit, 18-inch wheels, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, adaptive cruise control, advanced forward-collision warning, and full LED headlights.
A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 180 horsepower power most K5s. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission with the option of an AWD or FWD. With this setup, you can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds. However, if you want more power and acceleration, how does 5.2 seconds sound? A turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is available to do just that. This one makes 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Its eight-speed automatic transmission comes with a wet dual-clutch.
Gas mileage in the city and on the highway (according to the EPA) are as follows: 27/25 and 37/33 MPG, respectively, for the base FWD/AWD. Lastly, the turbo engine earns 24 MPG in the city and 32 on the highway. This impressive combo of properties will cost you between $26,175 and $33,145. Additionally, for the GT-Line trim, all-weather traction control of all-wheel drive costs an extra $1600.
8. Acura Integra
The Integra is another impressive top choice among cheap cars for bachelor. The latest base model features the same turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces up to 200 horsepower in the Honda Civic Si. For the base model, drivers are stuck with the standard continuously variable automatic transmission. However, A-Spec models enjoy an optional six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the EPA estimates this car to deliver a gas mileage of 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. Meanwhile, A-Spec trims suck off 2 MPG each for the added sportiness. Inside the Integra, you get heated sport seats wrapped in faux-leather upholstery with eight-way power adjustments for the driver, dual-zone automatic climate control, faux-leather dash, and a 7.0-inch infotainment system offering Android Auto and Apple Car Play.
Furthermore, a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster is available. This car accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 135 mph. Its interior sports a remarkable rear seat and trunk space. The 2024 Acura Integra costs between $32,995 and $38,635 making it one of the top cheap cars for bachelors.
9. Audi A3
The most recent A3 offers decent space for a compact sedan. Also, its performance and driving dynamics are insane, especially with the available Quattro AWD, which costs only $2,000. Every A3 runs on the same hybrid powertrain. This comprises a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with a 48-volt hybrid system to deliver 201 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmits power to the standard FWD with exceptional fuel economy. If you want an AWD, you know the drill.
The A3’s maximum speed is 150 mph, while acceleration to 60 mph takes 7.0 seconds. It also has a responsive chassis and impressive driving dynamics. All 2024 A3s feature a giant 10.3-inch infotainment system with an optional 12.3-inch upgrade. Both systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the upgrade adds a Bang and Olufsen audio system and six months of Audi Connect Plus, 4G LTE wi-fi connectivity.
The EPA estimates that the gas mileage is 28 MPG in the city and 36 on the highway for the Quattro AWD-equipped options. Furthermore, the base FWD earns 29 and 38 MPG. The starting price for a new 2024 Audi A3 is $34,895, and it goes up to $40,495, depending on the trim and optional features you want.
10. BMW 2-Series
The 2-Series is BMW’s only lineup that drives on front wheels. Despite this, the coupe’s driving experience is upgraded with sleek handling, accurate steering, powerful brakes, and available RWD. It’s also one of the top cheap cars for bachelors. Many generations of the 2-series feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine produces up to 255 horsepower and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It accelerates to 60 mph in only 5.1 seconds, one of the best times on this list. Also, you can choose between AWD and RWD for the M240i trims.
The M Sport and Dynamic Handling packages include 19-inch wheels on performance tires, a sportier suspension, upgraded brakes, a variable-ratio steering system, and an electronically controlled rear differential. According to the EPA, the base trim earns 26 MPG in the city and 35 on the highway.
Inside the Bimmer, you get an available 12.3-inch digital display with an optional head-up display for critical driving informational purposes. You also get to choose between an 8.8-inch and a 10.3-inch display for your infotainment system. Standard features include a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and a 10-speaker stereo. The 2024 BMW 2-Series Non-M trims have a price range between $39,795 and $41,795.
Let’s Wrap It Up…
Cars are popular among single guys. Some even consider cars as their first companion, so it is crucial to pick a reliable/loyal one. If you’re looking to buy a new car and cannot afford to blow all your savings. Our list of cheap cars for bachelors offers everything from sporty rides to technology and luxury. So you can easily find an affordable car that matches your preferences and lifestyle.
