Living through two economic downturns, an unprecedented pandemic, the unreasonable surge in enthusiast car costs, and realizing that your currency has significantly devalued can be incredibly challenging. With the average price of a new vehicle at $49,507, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find affordable transportation without facing financial ruin. Unless, of course, you consider the 2024 Nissan Kicks, which starts at a modest $20,790 before additional charges.
While it may not be the most extravagant option, it presents a practical opportunity for a new vehicle purchase that will provide access to a compact SUV with a warranty. Capable of accommodating four individuals comfortably, achieving an EPA-estimated 36 mpg on the highway, featuring standard Apple CarPlay (a $4,000 alternative on a Ferrari Portofino), and equipped with an array of standard advanced driver assistance technologies like automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring (a $700 choice on a Porsche 911).
Even if you opt for additional features like adaptive cruise control (a $2,050 feature on a Porsche Taycan), a 360-degree parking camera (a $700 feature on a BMW 3 Series), remote start, an enhanced infotainment screen, and a Bose audio system (a $990 enhancement on a Porsche Cayman), the Kicks SR encompasses all these elements while capping at a mere $23,350. It may not offer the luxury or appeal of a pricier vehicle; it may not have the same allure; and the 122-horsepower 1.6-liter engine may not astonish you with its speed. Nevertheless, this is an affordable vehicle. Not all vehicles need to excel in every aspect.
There are even more budget-friendly options available, such as the Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio, and Nissan Versa. Currently, there are very few vehicles priced at $20,000 or less. Therefore, while the Kicks may lack glamour, appeal, or long-term desirability, it is affordable and serves its purpose as a mode of transportation. What more could one ask for?
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