Mitsubishi Mirage Bows Out With Shockingly Low Prices

Mitsubishi Mirage Is Leaving America With Dirt-Cheap Pricing

The Mitsubishi Mirage has held the title of America’s cheapest new car for years, but its reign is almost over. Mitsubishi confirmed last year that production of the Mirage, both the hatchback and the G4 sedan, would end by late 2024, with no 2025 model coming to US showrooms. That alone is a major shift for the budget car segment.

Dealers still sell the humble nameplate, with a base MSRP of $16,695 for the hatch and $17,795 for the sedan, undercutting everyone. But there’s a bigger twist: dealers are slashing prices even further. Right now, the cheapest new car in America is not just affordable – it’s shockingly cheap.

Dealers Are Letting the Mirage Go for Less Than Used Car Money

A quick scan through listings on Cars.com reveals just how steep the discounts have become. Some new Mirage hatchbacks are being listed for under $12,000 – brand-new, with full factory warranty and delivery mileage.

Even the Mirage G4 sedan, which traditionally had a slightly higher MSRP, is showing deep discounts across the board. Listings with $3,000 to $5,000 off MSRP are common, and some sedans are going for below $13,000, making them cheaper than many used Honda Civics or Toyota Corollas from five years ago.

While these fire-sale prices vary depending on location and dealer strategy, it’s clear that Mitsubishi’s final batches of Mirages are being moved quickly and aggressively. For someone looking for basic, reliable transportation on a tight budget, this is the best time to get one.

The End of Sub-$20K Cars Is Near

Once the Mirage disappears from showrooms, which is expected as soon as inventories dry up. There will be just one car left under the $20,000 mark: the Nissan Versa. But even that title is slipping.

Due to new US tariffs affecting vehicles built in Mexico (where the Versa is assembled), Nissan is ending the manual transmission version and raising base prices. Current 2025 models with CVT already flirt with the $20K line, and that’s before further pricing updates or inflation.

With the Mirage gone and the Versa climbing in price, the era of the sub-$20,000 new car in America is effectively ending. What replaces it are entry-level models in the low $20K range – better equipped, but notably more expensive. For the absolute lowest cost of entry into new car ownership, the Mirage’s final stretch may be your last real chance.