As the Mitsubishi Mirage prepares to exit the American automotive market, it leaves behind an unprecedented opportunity for car buyers seeking exceptional value. For years, the Mirage has been the benchmark for affordability in the new car segment, a title it maintains even in its final moments. With production ceasing by late 2024 and no 2025 model in sight, dealerships are aggressively clearing remaining inventory, leading to some of the most substantial discounts ever seen on a new vehicle. This farewell sale transforms the Mirage into an almost irresistible proposition for budget-conscious consumers, pushing its price point well below its already competitive MSRP and into territory usually occupied by pre-owned vehicles. This remarkable scenario not only highlights the Mirage's enduring appeal as a practical and economical choice but also marks a pivotal moment for the broader automotive landscape, as the era of readily available new cars priced under $20,000 draws to a close.

This impending departure of the Mirage also signals a significant shift in the entry-level vehicle market. For those in search of new transportation at the lowest possible cost, this final window presents a unique chance to purchase a car that, despite its modest features, offers the undeniable advantage of being new, complete with a factory warranty. The substantial price cuts on both hatchback and sedan variants underscore a broader trend where the market for truly inexpensive new cars is shrinking. As other historically affordable models, like the Nissan Versa, face rising prices due to various economic and logistical factors, the Mirage's swan song effectively closes a chapter on a segment that has long served a vital need for accessible new vehicle ownership. Its exit forces a re-evaluation of what constitutes an 'affordable' new car, moving the baseline upwards and making the current Mirage discounts all the more noteworthy.

Unmatched Value: The Mirage's Final Price Drop

The Mitsubishi Mirage, long considered the most economical new car available in the United States, is about to make its final exit from the market. With Mitsubishi confirming the cessation of Mirage hatchback and G4 sedan production by late 2024, the absence of a 2025 model year signals a significant change in the affordable vehicle sector. While its initial manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $16,695 for the hatchback and $17,795 for the sedan already positioned it as a market leader in low-cost options, the current efforts by dealers to liquidate their remaining stock are driving prices even lower. This creates an extraordinary buying opportunity, transforming what was already an affordable car into an astonishingly cheap new vehicle option for consumers nationwide.

A thorough examination of current vehicle listings reveals substantial price reductions, with numerous new Mirage hatchbacks now being advertised for less than $12,000. These are factory-fresh vehicles, retaining their full manufacturer warranties and minimal delivery mileage. Similarly, the Mirage G4 sedan, which typically carried a slightly higher price tag, is now commonly found with discounts ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 off its MSRP, with some units falling below $13,000. These price points make new Mirages more affordable than many older, used models of popular compacts such as the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. While the extent of these discounts can vary by dealer and geographic location, it's evident that Mitsubishi is aggressively pushing its final inventory. This presents an unparalleled opportunity for individuals prioritizing basic, reliable transportation within an extremely limited budget, making now the optimal time to secure one of these departing models.

The Shifting Landscape of New Car Affordability

With the impending discontinuation of the Mitsubishi Mirage, the landscape of affordable new vehicles in the American market is undergoing a significant transformation. Once the current inventory of Mirages is depleted, which is expected to happen relatively quickly, the number of new cars available for under $20,000 will dwindle dramatically. The Nissan Versa is poised to be the sole remaining contender in this price bracket. However, even the Versa's position as an ultra-affordable option is becoming precarious due to evolving market dynamics and external pressures, indicating that the era of truly inexpensive new car ownership is drawing to a close in the United States.

The affordability of the Nissan Versa is already being challenged. New U.S. tariffs targeting vehicles manufactured in Mexico, where the Versa is assembled, are prompting Nissan to phase out its manual transmission variants and implement price increases across the board. Current 2025 Versa models equipped with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) are already priced close to the $20,000 threshold, and this figure is likely to rise further due to future pricing adjustments and inflationary pressures. Consequently, the disappearance of the Mirage and the escalating cost of the Versa collectively mark the effective end of the sub-$20,000 new car market in America. While new entry-level vehicles will still be available, they are increasingly positioned in the low $20,000 range, offering more features but at a higher cost. For those seeking the absolute lowest financial barrier to new car ownership, the final opportunity to acquire a deeply discounted Mitsubishi Mirage may indeed represent the last chance before the market fundamentally shifts to higher baseline prices for new vehicles.