Best Cars Available For a Couple Hundred Dollars in 2023
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There are plenty of great cars on the market, but finding a good one for three figures isn’t always easy. Most cars selling for that price on Autotrader are either very old, have ridiculously high miles or come with mechanical issues. That’s why it’s worth checking out the best cars available for a couple hundred dollars, which this year include the Toyota Corolla Hybrid and the Subaru Impreza hatchback. Both scored well in road tests, earned top safety ratings and come with a hefty suite of standard features.
In 2023, these cars are the cream of the crop, and they prove you don’t have to spend a fortune to find the right car for you. The cars listed below were chosen by Consumer Reports based on road test results, reliability, owner satisfaction surveys and safety scores.
BMW topped the list for the first time, with the brand getting high marks across all categories. It narrowly edged out Subaru, which took the number two spot. The rest of the top five included Mini, Lexus and Honda. Land Rover came in last, but it’s important to note that this is the brand’s worst ranking ever. Consumer Reports says that their aging vehicles and poor quality control have resulted in a number of defects and costly repairs.
Consumer Reports ranked 32 vehicle brands based on their performance in road tests, safety and reliability evaluations and owners’ satisfaction surveys. They then assigned each brand a place on the list. The top five brands are BMW, Subaru, Mini, Lexus and Honda. Land Rover fell to the bottom, which isn’t too surprising given that brand’s recent troubles.
Subaru, meanwhile, is the clear winner in the compact SUV category. The Impreza won’t dominate motorsports like the Ferrari F8 Tributo, but it is a sensible commuter with roomy rear seats and loads of cargo space when you fold them down. It’s also affordable, fun to drive and reliable.
Mini is another stalwart in the small car segment. The JCW GP is the most thrilling model, but you can also opt for a more practical Mini Cooper Countryman or the swanky Countryman All4 with its Saab 900-ish proportions.
The BMW 7 Series is still a driver’s car, despite the fact that recent generations have traded some of its athleticism for extra comfort and luxury. The Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Volvo S90 are all solid alternatives, but the BMW’s skillful balance of power and handling has yet to be matched.
Hyundai occasionally tries something different, and the 2024 Veloster N is a hot hatch that deserves a lot of praise. It may not be as practical as the Honda Civic Type R, but it’s a lot less expensive and offers similar driving thrills for a lighter monthly payment.
EVs are on the rise, and the best of them offer strong performance for an affordable price. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has plenty of speed and range, while the Chevy Bolt EV is a true racecar that costs only about $30,000. The Honda Accord Energi and the Chevrolet Volt are also strong contenders in this category.