While cars equipped with manual transmissions are generally less expensive than those with automatics, they are also less efficient. Buyers will have to weigh spending more up front for the automatic against saving money on fuel in the long run. The Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback equipped with the continuously variable automatic transmission is one of the least expensive cars on the market at $17,650, and it earns a rating of 39 mpg in the combined cycle. The Kia Rio is slightly more expensive at $17,875, achieving 36 mpg combined. The CVT automatic-equipped Mirage G4 sedan is next, with a list price of $18,500 and 37 mpg combined. Finally, there’s the CVT automatic-equipped Nissan Versa, achieving 35 mpg combined at a starting price of $18,745. Learn more