Are you shopping for a new car? Hung up on which trim level to buy? Maybe you’re considering purchasing a base model. As it turns out, however, there’s really one reason you should ever consider buying a base model car. And that reason? It all comes down to whether or not you want a cheap new car with no frills to its name.

What is a base model car?

A base model car is a vehicle in its simplest form. It has the most basic features and doesn’t come outfitted with any premium amenities. As Autotrader explains it, think of a base model car the same way you think of a pizza. The most basic type of pizza is a cheese pizza. That’s because it has no toppings, right? Add a few toppings, and that pizza is no longer just a cheese pizza. Instead, it’s been upgraded. 

It’s the same with new cars. A base model vehicle is typically the cheapest, most basic trim level. The higher the trim level, the more features a vehicle is likely to have. Of course, opting for a higher trim level will have you spending more money. After all, adding heaps of features to a new car is going to drive up its price considerably.

The one reason you should buy a base model

There’s really only one reason ever to buy a base model car. And that reason? It comes down to price. If you’re shopping for a cheap new car and aren’t after one that’s stocked with amenities, then buying a base model isn’t such a bad idea. It will get you behind the wheel of a cheap new car, and your wallet won’t take a significant hit.

There are plenty of reasons not to buy a base model car, however. In fact, if you’re in the process of buying a new car and plan to sell it down the road, buying a base model could make for a very poor choice. That’s because base models don’t hold their value as well as higher trim levels, Autotrader reports.

Does anyone regret buying a base model?

If you’re shopping for a cheap new car and can do without the latest and greatest features, you probably won’t regret buying a base model vehicle. That being said, it is easy to regret buying one. After all, they don’t come very well-equipped. 

To avoid that sense of regret, Autolist recommends first determining how much you’re willing to spend on a new car, then writing a list of “must-have” items for your new vehicle. These must-haves could include features like Apple CarPlay, a sunroof, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and even air-conditioning. Then, make another column for features you’d like to see in your next car. Features like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, navigation – you get the idea.

Using that list, you can then determine whether or not buying a base model is the right choice for you. And if it isn’t? Having such a list on hand will help you narrow down your choices and choose the best new car for satisfying your daily driving needs.

Which base model car is best?

As for which base model car is best? If you’re shopping for a cheap new car and would prefer to stick with the base model, you can’t go wrong with the 2022 Toyota Corolla. This year’s model is one of the most affordable new cars and boasts a base price of $20,075. It also comes stocked with features, including several driver-assist systems, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.

And if the Toyota Corolla isn’t quite your style? The 2022 Hyundai Kona is a cheap new car that starts at $20,950. Its base trim level offers up plenty of features too. In fact, opting for the base model Hyundai Kona will have you enjoying standard features like an 8-inch color touchscreen display audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Is buying a base model car worth it?

If you’re shopping for a cheap new car and don’t mind a vehicle that has absolutely no frills to it, then buying a base model car may be worth it for you. But if you plan to sell your vehicle down the road or would prefer a new car that’s stocked with features? Then you might want to consider upgrading to a higher trim level.