Shopping for new wheels on a modest budget? The good news is you can get quite a decent ride without breaking the bank – you just need to know which mid-range cars provide the best value for money.

Let’s take a look at some of the best budget cars to help you hit the road in style (and hopefully with some cash leftover in your pocket).

Category: Best Cheap Family Cars (Small)

Yes, it’s possible to spend less than $20,000 on a decent small car that’s suitable for couples and new parents. Shopping in this category, you’ll most likely land on a small hatchback such as:

• Suzuki Swift
• Mazda2
• Toyota Yaris.

Technological advancements have made cars like these safer and tech-savvier than they once were, so your driving experience won’t feel that cheap.

Category: Best Cheap Family Cars (Medium)

If you’ve got 2-3 kids to fit in the back, you’ll need a little more breathing room for family trips. These are some of the best cheap family cars that should be on your radar:

• Ford Mondeo
• Hyundai Sonata
• Toyota Camry.

There’s a significant price jump from small to medium cars, but you’ll still find plenty of options (such as those listed above) beneath the $60,000 line.

Category: Best Budget SUVs

Does your family play footy religiously or love regular camping trips? An SUV could be the ideal vehicle for you. And while this category greatly increases your storage space, there are still models available around the $25,000 mark. Some of the best budget SUVs include:

• Honda HR-V
• Mazda CX-3
• Suzuki Jimmy.

Category: Best Budget 4X4s

Got your sights set on some off-terrain travelling? The 4WD world can be an expensive one to dabble in – especially if you’re looking to buy a new vehicle. If you’re constrained by budget, you might be better off looking for a well-maintained used 4WD. Look for brands that have been tried and tested with positive recommendations from other 4X4 enthusiasts, such as:

• Land Rover
• Mitsubishi Pajero
• Nissan Patrol.

The best budget 4X4 is a pre-loved model with reasonably low mileage and still in good condition, so it may take some hunting to find one that suits both your budget and your needs.

Category: Best Entry-Level Convertibles

You’ll rarely hear “convertible” and “budget” in the same sentence. Unfortunately, very few convertibles could be considered cheap, and you wouldn’t expect to see them on a list of the best budget cars. But if you’ve got your heart set on having your hair blow in the wind while you cruise down the street, there are some entry-level convertibles that cost less than you might expect.

Some moderately priced convertibles include:

• Audi A3 Cabriolet
• Fiat 500c
• Mazda MX-5 Miata.

As this is a higher-priced car category, it’s worth considering how much you truly want a convertible – especially if your budget is a little restricted right now.

Is your preferred car just a little bit out of your financial reach? A small cash loan might help you cross the line and get onto the road. Apply today for a cash advance up to $1,000 and take one step closer to buying one of the best budget cars available.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that Cigno Loans’ articles do not replace advice from an accountant or financial advisor. All information provided is intended to be used as a guide only, as it does not take into account your personal financial situation or needs. If you require assistance, it is recommended that you consult a licensed financial or tax advisor.