RIP tiny cars coz EVs & regs killing the affordable rides

[sing_with_me]

Anyone else bummed about the lack of cheap, gas-powered car options tthese days? Seems like the market (and maybe some regulations?) are pushing us towards fancy EVs and bigger rides. Don't get me wrong, EVs are cool, but a basic runabout for under $20k? Gone.
I see some folks blaming rebates and even government involvement, but is that the whole story? Maybe it's just what people want these days? Anyone out there still championing the little, affordable car?

 

[adriyann19]

There's a lot of focus on EVs as a solution to climate change, but I'm concerned that they may overshadow other major polluters. Do you believe there should be more effort to hold large industrial emitters accountable?

 

[Travel$quad88]

My friend can't believe they still sell the Mirage in Canada. Every review he read says it's a real lemon, even for the price. That tiny engine only has 78 horsepower? No wonder it feels sluggish. None of the other budget cars from other brands were that bad.

It seems like all the cheap cars these days are those "SUV" style things – like the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Venue, and Chevy Trax. You know, those raised-up hatchbacks. They're a bit more expensive than a Kia Rio, but he guesses they're still affordable.

 

[Scarnicer]

I think it's a few things. New rules are making cars more fuel-efficient and pushing EVs, and it costs a lot more to build cars now. Plus, everyone wants SUVs these days, and those are more expensive. Car companies want to make money, and small cars just don't make them as much as bigger ones.

Some companies still make affordable cars, but even those are getting more expensive.

A lot of people are just buying used cars now because they're cheaper than new ones.

 

[Evholic_43]

You are so freaking right, @Scarnicer! Imagine that, one year and a half ago, in 2023, nearly half of all vehicles sold in the U.S. were SUVs, and the average price for a new car hit around $47k (which was a big jump in price from a few years ago). At the same time, the cheapest new car options, like the Mitsubishi Mirage, are struggling to compete. So yeah, it is a mix of regulations and market demand, but ultimately, carmakers are following where the money is going. It has been like this since the beginning.

 

[Volvo Knight]

Anyone else bummed about the lack of cheap, gas-powered car options tthese days? Seems like the market (and maybe some regulations?) are pushing us towards fancy EVs and bigger rides. Don't get me wrong, EVs are cool, but a basic runabout for under $20k? Gone.
I see some folks blaming rebates and even government involvement, but is that the whole story? Maybe it's just what people want these days? Anyone out there still championing the little, affordable car?

I totally get where you’re coming from. When I was shopping around for something simple and affordable, it was tough to find a good gas-powered car for under $20K. The options are narrowing, especially as automakers pivot towards EVs and crossovers due to both consumer demand and stricter emissions standards.

I miss those compact, budget-friendly rides too, but I think it's a combination of market shifts and new regulations that are driving this change. Anyone else feeling the same pinch?