"The auto industry has almost completely abandoned the idea of selling affordable cars in the U.S.
China is plainly planning to fill the gap, as Japan did some decades ago.
This will -- guaranteed -- lead to a furious response, but that won't include US carmakers actually competing. The response will be protectionism, because one thing history has shown us is that American companies facing foreign competition are terrified of actual competition."
Most cars are in the lower 20s now, but there are some pretty good options.
Buick envista, Chevy Trax, VW Taos, Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Soul, Honda HR-V.
I really think the buick envista is a stand out for an entry commuter car for the price.
The mazda cx-30 is in the 30's with turbo is going more fun to drive for the cost, but you can get one in the mid 20's with the base engine.
"Now" is the key word if you actually read the piece. By this time next year there won't be as the piece says. Also read what Dan Gillmor has to say here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39736429
Read the piece, and if you haven't noticed we have mass inflation on everything not just cars. My comment was on cars that I think are good value right now.
The fact is that China is going to fill that cheap car gap and is going to lead to a furious response, but that won't include US carmakers actually competing, as Dan Gillmor says: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39736429
"The auto industry has almost completely abandoned the idea of selling affordable cars in the U.S.
China is plainly planning to fill the gap, as Japan did some decades ago.
This will -- guaranteed -- lead to a furious response, but that won't include US carmakers actually competing. The response will be protectionism, because one thing history has shown us is that American companies facing foreign competition are terrified of actual competition."