In some ways, buying a car is easier than ever. You can search car dealers' prices online, sift through various models, compare features and read customer reviews. But in other ways, buying a vehicle today can be more complex — and expensive.
"There are different types of transmissions, engines and accessories to consider as well as how much these features cost," said Chris Kochis of the Ardmore Nissan car dealership in Pennsylvania.
To help you save money, time and effort, GOBankingRates compiled a list of the best vehicles you can own for $300 a month or less. Keep in mind, however, that your credit score will often impact the interest rate on your car loan and your monthly car payment. In general, the higher your credit score, the less you'll have to pay each month.
So if you want to find a good deal on a car, click through to see some of the best vehicles you can own for less than $300 a month.
52. 2016 Chevrolet Trax
Starting MSRP: $20,300
Down Payment: $4,060
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $292
The 2016 Chevy Trax gets an estimated 34 mpg, and Kelley Blue Book named it as one of the most fuel-efficient crossovers of 2016. However, you'll need excellent credit if you want to drive this car for under $300.
51. 2016 Honda CR-Z
Starting MSRP: $20,295
Down Payment: $4,059
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $292
With its sporty design, the 2016 Honda CR-Z is a stylish hybrid. If you buy the 2016 Honda CR-Z with continuously variable transmission, you can get 39 mpg on the highway, slightly more than with the manual transmission.
50. 2016 Nissan Juke
Starting MSRP: $20,250
Down Payment: $4,050
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $291
The 2016 Nissan Juke also made KBB's 2016 list of the most fuel-efficient crossovers, getting 32 mpg on the highway.
49. 2016 Volkswagen Golf
Starting MSRP: $20,175
Down Payment: $4,035
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $290
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf gets a solid 37 mpg on the highway. Plus, the Golf 4-Door 1.8T S comes with a rear-view camera and 6.5-inch touchscreen display.
Related: Volkswagen Sign Then Drive Lease Deal: Is It Worth It?
48. 2015 Nissan Rogue Select
Starting MSRP: $20,150
Down Payment: $4,030
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $290
Getting 28 mpg on the highway, this car provides a smooth drive and generally beats most competitors with its price tag, according to Edmunds.
47. 2016 Fiat 500X
Starting MSRP: $20,000
Down Payment: $4,000
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $287
The 2016 Fiat 500X POP FWD has a highway mpg of 34. And, some of its available features include full-color touchscreens, voice command, GPS navigation and more.
46. 2016 Scion iM
Starting MSRP: $19,995
Down payment: $3,999
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $287
Just because Toyota discontinued the Scion brand, that doesn't mean they're bad cars. For example, the 2016 Scion iM is a hatchback that gets 37 mpg on the highway — and it's affordable.
45. 2016 Mazda CX-3
Starting MSRP: $19,960
Down payment: $3,992
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $287
With an impressive 35 highway mpg, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 ranked in the top five of KBB's most fuel-efficient crossovers of 2016.
44. 2016 Kia Forte Koup
Starting MSRP: $19,890
Down payment: $3,978
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $286
The 2016 KIA Forte Koup offers a solid 34 mpg on the highway, and has Bluetooth and USB technology.
43. 2016 Volkswagen Beetle
Starting MSRP: $19,795
Down payment: $3,959
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $285
With a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, you'll get 34 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city. Some of its high-tech features include the VW Car-Net App-Connect for your smartphone and a blind spot monitor.
42. 2016 Jeep Compass
Starting MSRP: $19,695
Down payment: $3,939
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $283
It's not often you can get 30 mpg on the highway driving an SUV, but the 2016 Jeep Compass makes it happen. The sport model's standard features include SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with a one-year subscription and Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth.
41. 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Starting MSRP: $19,595
Down payment: $3,919
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $282
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport gets 31 highway mpg and boasts the FUSE hands-free link system with Bluetooth 2.0 technology as well as heated leather seating surfaces.
40. 2016 Toyota Prius c
Starting MSRP: $19,560
Down payment: $3,912
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $281
Besides having a monthly car payment below $300, the fuel-efficient 2016 Toyota Prius c will really help you save money on gas. The Prius c gets an estimated 46 highway mpg and an incredible 53 mpg in the city.
39. 2016 Fiat 500L Pop
Starting MSRP: $19,495
Down payment: $3,899
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $280
The 2016 FIAT 500L Pop gets 33 mpg on the highway. Plus, it has "tilt, tumble and slide" rear seats as well as plenty of legroom and headroom.
38. 2016 Honda Civic Coupe
Starting MSRP: $19,050
Down payment: $3,810
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $274
The 2016 Honda Civic Coupe offers money-saving gas mileage, getting 31 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. Plus, it has a sporty look and boasts cutting-edge technology.
37. 2015 Jeep Compass
Starting MSRP: $18,995
Down payment: $3,799
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $273
With a respectable mpg of 23 in the city and 30 on the highway, the 2015 Compass is great if you want an affordable entry into the Jeep family, according to KBB.
36. 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT
Starting MSRP: $18,800
Down payment: $3,760
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $270
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT gets 33 mpg on the highway and has 173 horsepower as well as heated front seats.
35. 2014 Honda Insight
Starting MSRP: $18,725
Down payment: $3,745
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $269
Few automobiles boast a low monthly car payment and excellent gas mileage, but the 2014 Honda Insight offers both: It gets 41 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway, and it costs less than $270 a month.
34. 2016 Honda Civic Sedan
Starting MSRP: $18,640
Down payment: $3,728
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $268
Even if you opt for the cheaper Honda Civic Sedan instead of the Honda Civic Hybrid, you still can save money on gas. The 2016 Honda Civic Sedan posts 31 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.
33. 2016 Mazda3 5-Door
Starting MSRP: $18,545
Down payment: $3,709
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $267
The 2016 Mazda3 5-Door is an affordable car with a nice highway gas mileage — 40 mpg — that makes it built for the open road. And, the iSport model has daytime running lights, a push-button start and a rearview camera.
32. 2016 Nissan Frontier
Starting MSRP: $18,290
Down payment: $3,658
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $263
The 2016 Nissan Frontier gets an estimated 23 highway mpg. And, the Frontier S has a rear privacy glass and forward-facing rear flip-up seats.
31. 2016 Kia Forte5
Starting MSRP: $18,090
Down payment: $3,618
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $260
Boasting a 28 combined mpg, the 2016 Kia Forte5 is versatile. With the LX, standard features include 16-inch steel wheels with full covers, dual heated power mirrors and more.
30. 2016 Hyundai Veloster
Starting MSRP: $18,000
Down payment: $3,600
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $259
You can expect an estimated 35 mpg on the highway when you drive the 2016 Hyundai Veloster, which has a driver's blind spot mirror, 17-inch alloy wheels and daytime running lights.
29. 2016 Jeep Renegade
Starting MSRP: $17,995
Down payment: $3,599
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $259
Jeep continues to impress with its SUVs that also have great gas mileage. The 2016 Jeep Renegade offers 31 mpg on the highway.
28. 2016 Mazda3 4-Door
Starting MSRP: $17,845
Down payment: $3,569
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $257
Here's another Mazda model that will help you save on your monthly car payment and on gas. The 2016 Mazda3 4-Door iSport boasts an excellent 41 highway mpg and costs less than $260 a month to own.
27. 2016 Jeep Patriot
Starting MSRP: $17,695
Down payment: $3,539
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $254
The 2016 Jeep Patriot Sport's key features include SiriusXM Satellite Radio, 60/40 folding seats and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Electronic Roll Mitigation and Hill Start Assist. Plus, it offers up to 30 highway mpg.
26. 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
Starting MSRP: $17,680
Down payment: $3,536
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $254
An oldie but goodie, the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta doesn't disappoint, offering an affordable monthly payment for excellent credit and 40 mpg on the highway.
25. 2016 Scion iA
Starting MSRP: $17,595
Down payment: $3,519
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $253
You can still own a 2016 Scion iA for under $300 a month. Take advantage of this car's 42 highway mpg and low-speed pre-collision system, which can help you avoid a costly car crash.
24. 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
Starting MSRP: $17,595
Down payment: $3,519
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $253
The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer gets 35 mpg on the highway and offers touchscreen navigation, FUSE hands-free link system with Bluetooth 2.0 technology and more.
23. 2016 Chevrolet Cruze
Starting MSRP (including freight charge): $17,495
Down payment: $3,499
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $251
Sporting an excellent 42 mpg on the highway, gas mileage is just one benefit the 2016 Chevy Cruze offers. Some of its standard features include a rear-vision camera, a tire pressure monitor and more.
22. 2016 Toyota Corolla
Starting MSRP: $17,300
Down payment: $3,460
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $249
In addition to a monthly payment that's less than $250, the 2016 Toyota Corolla packs a 37 highway mpg. This car also has Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port and power windows, among other features.
21. 2016 Ford Focus
Starting MSRP: $17,225
Down payment: $3,445
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $248
The 2016 Ford Focus gets 36 mpg on the highway and has a maximum seating capacity of five people.
20. 2017 Hyundai Elantra
Starting MSRP: $17,150
Down payment: $3,430
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $247
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra will get you an estimated 38 mpg on the highway. And, the Elantra SE boasts a driver's blind spot mirror, blind spot detection and other safety features.
19. 2016 Fiat 500
Starting MSRP: $16,995
Down payment: $3,399
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $244
The 2016 Fiat 500 makes parking a little easier thanks to its size, and its 40 highway mpg will be a boon to your wallet.
18. 2016 Dodge Dart
Starting MSRP: $16,995
Down payment: $3,399
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $244
Prepare for state-of-the-art technology and great gas mileage — approximately 41 highway mpg — when you drive the 2016 Dodge Dart.
17. 2015 Jeep Patriot
Starting MSRP: $16,895
Down payment: $3,379
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $243
This SUV has a consumer rating of 8.1 out of 10 on KBB.com. Similar to the 2015 Jeep Compass, KBB recommends this car if you have a tight budget but still want to be a Jeep owner.
16. 2016 Nissan Sentra
Starting MSRP: $16,780
Down payment: $3,356
Monthly car payment for good credit: $299
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $241
This is the first car on this list that you can drive for less than $300 if you have good credit. Whether driving in the city or on the open road, the 2016 Nissan Sentra puts up strong gas mileage numbers: 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
15. 2016 Kia Forte
Starting MSRP: $15,990
Down payment: $3,198
Monthly car payment for good credit: $285
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $230
Although its gas mileage in the city isn't as high as other cars on this list, the 2016 Kia Forte gets an impressive 39 mpg on the highway. Plus, heated leather seats are available.
14. 2016 Kia Soul
Starting MSRP: $15,900
Down payment: $3,180
Monthly car payment for good credit: $283
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $229
The 2016 KIA Soul gets 31 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city, and the base model offers SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth technology and more.
13. 2016 Honda Fit
Starting MSRP: $15,890
Down payment: $3,178
Monthly car payment for good credit: $283
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $228
The 2016 Honda Fit gets 37 mpg on the highway, and it can help you save the environment with its Eco Assist feature that allows you to gauge how efficient you're driving.
12. 2016 Kia Rio 5-Door
Starting MSRP: $15,495
Down payment: $3,099
Monthly car payment for good credit: $276
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $223
The 2016 KIA Rio 5-Door provides 37 mpg on the highway. According to Car and Driver, this car is "perky, well-equipped and fuel-efficient."
11. 2016 Toyota Yaris
Starting MSRP: $14,895
Down payment: $2,979
Monthly car payment for fair credit: $296
Monthly car payment for good credit: $265
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $214
Believe it or not, you can drive the 2016 Toyota Yaris for under $300 if you have fair credit. Plus, it offers 37 mpg on the highway.
10. 2016 Hyundai Accent
Starting MSRP: $14,745
Down payment: $2,949
Monthly car payment for fair credit: $293
Monthly car payment for good credit: $262
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $212
Getting 38 highway mpg, the 2016 Hyundai Accent can be valuable for your wallet. For tech-savvy drivers, this car boasts a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, controls on the steering wheel and more.
9. 2016 Smart Fortwo Pure Coupe
Starting MSRP: $14,650
Down payment: $2,930
Monthly car payment for fair credit: $291
Monthly car payment for good credit: $261
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $211
Whether you go with a manual or twinamic transmission, you'll still get 39 mpg on the highway with the 2016 Smart Fortwo Pure Coupe.
8. 2016 Chevrolet Sonic
Starting MSRP: $14,345
Down payment: $2,869
Monthly car payment for fair credit: $285
Monthly car payment for good credit: $255
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $206
The safe 2016 Chevy Sonic gets 40 mpg on the highway and has 10 standard airbags.
7. 2016 Nissan Versa Note
Starting MSRP: $14,230
Down payment: $2,846
Monthly car payment for fair credit: $283
Monthly car payment for good credit: $253
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $205
Boasting 36 mpg on the highway, the 2016 Nissan Versa Note also has a Bluetooth hands-free phone system and 60/40-split fold-down rear seats.
6. 2016 Kia Rio
Starting MSRP: $14,165
Down payment: $2,833
Monthly car payment for fair credit: $282
Monthly car payment for good credit: $252
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $204
The 2016 Kia Rio is a subcompact car that gets 37 highway mpg and has hill start assist control, rear child-safety door locks and other features.
5. 2016 Ford Fiesta
Starting MSRP: $14,090
Down payment: $2,818
Monthly car payment for fair credit: $280
Monthly car payment for good credit: $251
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $203
The 2016 Ford Fiesta gets 36 miles to the gallon on the highway. And according to KBB, this car is efficient, tech-savvy — and it looks good.
4. 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
Starting MSRP: $13,995
Down payment: $2,799
Monthly car payment for fair credit: $278
Monthly car payment for good credit: $249
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $201
The 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 cracks the top five vehicles to own for under $300 a month thanks to its availability for various credit types. Plus, it offers an impressive 42 mpg on the highway.
3. 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage
Starting MSRP: $12,995
Down payment: $2,599
Monthly car payment for fair credit: $258
Monthly car payment for good credit: $231
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $187
The 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage can definitely help your wallet — it's the first car in this ranking that you can own for less than $200. And with 37 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway, the Mirage can help you save money on gas, too.
2. 2016 Chevrolet Spark
Starting MSRP: $12,660
Down payment: $2,532
Monthly car payment for fair credit: $252
Monthly car payment for good credit: $225
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $182
The 2016 Chevy Spark is another fuel-efficient car. It gets you an estimated 41 mpg on the highway, and it's also considered a good car for navigating narrow streets and fitting in tight parking spots.
1. 2016 Nissan Versa Sedan
Starting MSRP: $11,990
Down payment: $2,398
Monthly car payment for fair credit: $238
Monthly car payment for good credit: $213
Monthly car payment for excellent credit: $172
The 2016 Nissan Versa Sedan tops the list of the best vehicles to own for under $300 a month. Featuring relatively cheap monthly car payments, an affordable MSRP and 40 highway mpg, the 2016 Nissan Versa is ideal for people who are fuel-efficient-minded and want a very dependable car at a low price.
Keep Reading: 20 Cheapskate Secrets to Buying a New Car
Methodology: GOBankingRates surveyed the MSRP from popular car manufacturer’s websites for brands popular with American drivers and identified car makes and models that can be financed for $300 or less per month. Payments were determined taking the MSRP of vehicles and applying the following assumptions: (1) 5-year auto loan term; (2) 20 percent down payment; (3) monthly payments based on a 3.00% APR for excellent credit, 12.00% APR for good credit and 17.00% APR for fair credit, based on a calculator from CarMax (sourced June 15, 2016).
MSRP amounts were sourced on June 15, 2016. Vehicles missing prices for fair credit or good credit are those that cost more than $300 per month to maintain.
Details, accessories and other features about each car mentioned in the article might only be available for specific models. All mpg figures are estimates according to the manufacturers' websites.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 52 Cars You Can Own for Under $300 a Month