It wasn’t that long ago that most mainstream auto manufacturers kept at least one model in their lineup for under $15,000. Back in 1991, we had the low-cost Hyundai Excel with a starting price of under $7,000. Even cars like the Toyota Tercel and Honda Civic hatchback only cost around $7,000 back in the day. Then, inflation happened and car prices rose. While there are number of great used cars under 10,000, It’s now been several years since we’ve seen new cars under 15,000.