When you decide to search for a new car the first important thing to appreciate is that general car prices have moved sharply upwards across the board. That means if you have up to a maximum of 25K to spend you are going to be looking at the higher spectrum of what could be called budget cars.

Having said that, the good news is that there are plenty of options that allow you to get a decent spec and good value for money. If you search for a Volkswagen dealer in Austin TX, for instance, you will quickly see that you can get something really nice, even when you are shopping for a budget car.

Let’s take a look at some of your most viable options for getting the best car possible for under 25K.

VW’s Jetta warrants serious consideration

You know that when you buy a car made by Volkswagen you are getting something that is well made, drives well, and boasts a good level of engineering excellence, even when you are looking at one of their base models.

The VW Jetta is available to buy at a base price under 25K. You get a 1.5 turbo engine that delivers excellent torque combined with impressive fuel economy numbers. The Jetta warrants serious consideration as you will be buying a solid and reliable car that looks and performs well.

Hyundai Elantra delivers excellent value

Another model for your shortlist would be the Hyundai Elantra. This brand enjoys a good reputation for delivering a high level of spec even with its base models. You will be getting a 2.0 liter sedan that looks more expensive than it is, with decent alloys and an excellent infotainment package to support that line of thinking.

Nissan Kicks gives you more bang for your buck

This Nissan model is the very definition of finding value within a tight budget range. You can actually move up to a spec level that almost gets you to a SV trim without breaking through the 25K barrier.

That means you can get AWD, a 2.0L engine, and enjoy “zero-gravity” seating for maximum comfort, all under the threshold.

Benefit from Kia’s aggressive pricing strategy

If you want a car that looks and feels like it costs way more than 25K take a look at Kia K4 LX. Although the K4 scores heavily when it comes to design features and stylish looks, it should be said that underneath the fancy persona, there’s some evidence of cost cutting.

In a nutshell, Kia has gone out of its way to undercut its rivals on price. The appeal of the K4 LX all depends on what you prioritize when shopping around.

Yes you can get a Buick in this price range

A badge usually signifies how much you paid and what level of luxury you expect. With that in mind, you’ll probably be surprised to learn that you can get a Buick Envista that comes in under 25K.

It is designed to mimic the sort of spec and performance you would get from a Chevy Trax. It has to be said that the 1.2L three-cylinder engine can be a bit underwhelming, especially at highway speeds, but you can’t be too disappointed when you consider what you are paying to have this badge on the grille.

If you want to get a nice ride without busting the bank, these models will help you achieve that aim, all under 25K.