Buyers searching for a new car at the affordable end of the price spectrum may find it challenging to find the vehicle they're looking for. According to the latest data from Cox Automotive, overall supply levels in the industry declined to their lowest levels since spring 2025 last month, and vehicles priced at $30,000 or less posted supply levels well below the average, too. Toyota and Honda, brands which sell a significant number of vehicles below $30,000, have some of the lowest inventory levels in the industry right now.Inventory Remains Tight In Budget Segment2026 Toyota Corolla HatchbackToyotaAcross all brands, new-vehicle days' supply slipped to 73 days in August, the lowest level since April 2025. But vehicles priced at $30,000 or below carried just 54 days of supply, far below the average and much lower than vehicles priced above $60,000 (over 90 days of supply). The sub-$30,000 category includes high-demand vehicles like the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda Civic, Subaru Crosstrek, and Nissan Sentra.August 2026 inventory by brandCox AutomotiveBy brand, Toyota is in the most uncomfortable position, with 33 days of supply in August, the lowest in the industry. It was followed by Lexus (36 days), Honda (41 days), Subaru (58 days), and Nissan (67 days). Stellantis brands Ram and Dodge have the highest inventory levels in the industry, at 127 and 133 days' supply, respectively.Toyota has been struggling with supply issues for the RAV4 crossover since the vehicle entered a new generation late last year, so it's also facing inventory challenges above the $30K mark (the 2026 RAV4 starts at $31,900). The automaker previously said that RAV4 shortages will cost it almost 55,000 sales, and the situation has allowed the Honda CR-V to take over as the best-selling SUV in America this year.New Vehicle Demand Is Healthy2026 Honda CivicKristen BrownWhile new-vehicle affordability is a challenge for many households, with buyers often resorting to longer loan terms, demand for new cars is strong at this stage of the year. Cox Automotive forecasts that September sales will increase by 6.5% year-over-year. Projected sales by segment put compact and midsize crossovers/SUVs on an equal footing, at 230,000 units each. Subcompact crossovers are expected to reach 128,000 units, with most of these models starting at under $30,000.The growth of Asian brands continues to be one of the main developments in 2026, with Hyundai Motor Group expected to outsell Ford Motor Company this quarter. The Detroit 3 are expected to see their combined market share dip to just over 36%, a record low.What It MeansObi/UnsplashThe increasing scarcity of vehicles priced at under $30,000 will hit lower-income households hardest. The result is that many Americans will be priced out of the new-car market or forced to buy used cars, which also drives up used vehicle prices. Due to high demand and tight supplies, buyers may often find themselves in a poor position to negotiate when buying a new budget car like a Corolla or Civic. Another outcome could see consumers overextend themselves to buy a new car; we've already seen record default rates in 2026.Related: Missed Car Payments Are Turning Into A $1.7 Trillion Warning Sign