When it comes to the best cars for college students, A student’s life may undergo a kind of adjustment after enrolling in college. To attend the institutions, many students have to move to new locations. Most of the time, Student halls of residence are usually far away from the university. As a result, getting around becomes the most important thing for students to take care of before classes start.
You might be unsure about how to approach this situation. Using public transportation might not be a good idea. It’s challenging to take a group of peers somewhere unfamiliar. Getting your vehicle is a solution to this issue. The most efficient form of transportation is the vehicle.
This vehicle makes and models are among the most cost-effective and dependable options for college students. Only several of the items on the list are new; yet, they have retained their value well. Depending on your budget and preferences, more options are available, both new and secondhand. All data pertains to the 2019 or 2020 model years unless otherwise stated.
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Look At The Top 7 Good And Affordable Price Luxury Cars For College Students
Inexpensive cars are always a good option for students. These makes and models of vehicles are among the most affordable and reliable options for students. Here are the modern best cars for college students.
- Jeep’s Wrangler
- Mazda3
- Toyota Yaris
- Toyota Prius
- Toyota CR-V
- Ford Eco Sport
- Chevrolet Sonic
1. Jeep Wrangler: (Best SUVs For College Students)
The Jeep Wranglers are the best cars for college students., according to Money Crashers, not just because it is enjoyable to drive but also because it is ideal for commuting around campus. By selecting a Jeep, you can take it to the beach, go off-roading with friends, or go on weekend or spring break excursions.
Wherever you want to travel, a Wrangler will get you there in style. Consider purchasing an older, used Wrangler if the vehicle’s hefty MSRP turns you off. With small sedans of a similar age, back-year models are competitive.
- MSRP: Starting at $31,815
- Price Range: $2,000 (Fair Condition, Older Model Year) to $35,000(Newer model year and excellent condition)
- Avg. Mileage (EPA):22/29 MPG
- Crash Safety: Poor (side) to Good (front); exact grades depend on trim according to IIHS
2. Mazda3: (Best Cars For College Students Drive)
The Mazda3 is an extra sensible best car for college students, claims Degree Central. It is reliable and fuel-efficient in addition to being small enough to fit in confined parking spaces on a congested campus. Up to five passengers can fit comfortably inside, and there are many technological and practical features available, such as the Mazda Connect infotainment system. Those who want to learn how to operate a stick shift can also choose the manual transmission version of this Mazda.
- MSRP: Starting at $20,500 (base trim with no options, per Mazda)
- Price Range: $2,000 (good condition, earlier model year) to $20,000 (Excellent condition and newer model year, top trim with all available options)
- Avg. Mileage (EPA): 28/36 MPG
- Crash Safety: Good according to IIHS
3. Toyota Yaris: (Cheap Cars For College Students)
Depending on your taste and the model level you choose, the Toyota Yaris is a subcompact car that is available in hatchback and sedan forms with either a manual six-speed transmission or an automatic transmission. It features a surprisingly comprehensive safety package that comes standard on every new Yaris and includes lane departure alerts, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision deterrent system in addition to steering wheel entertainment controls and a hands-free Bluetooth calling system.
Despite having five distinct trims, all of them are reasonably priced, making even high-end models accessible to students on a tight budget. So this is also top in the list of best cars for college students.
- MSRP: Starting at $15,560
- Price Range: $2,000 (Fair Condition, Older Model Year) to $12,000 (Newer model year and excellent condition)
- Avg. Mileage (EPA): 32/40 MPG
- Crash Safety: Marginal to Good according to IIHS
4. Toyota Prius: (Best Cars For Teens And College Students)
The Toyota Prius is the ideal choice if you want to achieve some of the finest gas mileage possible and drive an environmentally friendly vehicle. College students can save money at the pump with the Prius because they frequently don’t have large budgets. Furthermore, this Toyota is dependable, comfy to ride in, and has excellent handling. The Prius also boasts a large cargo room in addition to these characteristics. When it’s time to commute to school or if you want to round up some pals and go on an off-campus weekend getaway, this makes packing up simple.
- MSRP: Starting at $24,535 (base trim with no options, per Toyota)
- Price Range: $4,000 (good condition, earlier model year) to $26,000 (Excellent condition and newer model year, higher-end trim with available options)
- Avg. Mileage (EPA): 54/50 MPG
- Crash Safety: Average to good according to IIHS
5. Toyota CR-V: (Perfect Automotive Options For College Students)
A small SUV like the CR-V is the best choice cars for a college students to drive. It includes room inside for you and four companions as well as space in the back for the supplies you need to get to and from school. If you need to travel on snowy or slick roads, it also provides the option of all-wheel drive. A long list of safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights, are available on the CR-V.
If you are unable to afford a new CR-V, the model’s 25-year history should give you some comfort. Numerous reliable CR-Vs from the late 1990s and early 2000s are still on the road today and number in the thousands. These cars are excellent for budget-conscious students with above-average carrying demands and can be purchased for a relative pittance, even though they are not nearly as roomy in the back.
- MSRP: Starting at $25,350 (base trim with no options, per Honda)
- Price Range: $2,000 (Fair Condition, Older Model Year) to $26,000 (Excellent condition and newer model year)
- Avg. Mileage (EPA): 28/34 MPG
- Crash Safety: Average to Good according to IIHS
6. Ford Eco-Sport: (Modern & Stylish Best Cars For College Students)
It is believed that the Eco-sport will succeed the now-discontinued Fiesta subcompact. Competitive pricing of slightly under $20,000 is offered for the base model. Ford Drives offers special savings to college students and recent grads who meet certain criteria.
For an entry-level SUV, the Eco-sport offers a remarkable number of choices, such as four-wheel drive, a more potent engine, aluminum wheels, and high-performance tires and brakes, all of which are optional. Both a potent entertainment system and relaxing ambient lighting are available inside.
- MSRP: Starting at $19,995
- Price Range: Due to a lack of recent sales, the used price range is unavailable. Fair condition, older model year, dealer selling prices for used Ford Fiesta subcompact cars range from $1,500 to $11,000. (Excellent condition and newer model year).
- Avg. Mileage (EPA): 27/29 MPG
- Crash Safety: Marginal to good according to IIHS
7. Chevrolet Sonic: (Best Cars For College-Age Drivers)
The Chevrolet Sonic is a compact automobile with basic manual or automatic transmissions that comes in hatchback and four-door sedan body styles. Unlike many compact cars, it is stuffed with optional and standard amenities like the Driver Confidence Package, 10 airbags, and a rearview camera. Veterans of the military, first responders, and others are all eligible for discounts from Chevy. As per features, Chevrolet Sonic is the perfect choice in a checklist of the best cars for college students.
- MSRP: Starting at $16,720 (per Chevy)
- Price Range: $3,000 (good condition, earlier model year) to $13,000 (Excellent condition, newer model year)
- Avg. Mileage (EPA): 26/34 MPG
- Crash Safety: Excellent according to IIHS
Here I’ll Show You Some Tips To Think About When Buying The Best Cars For College Students
1. Creating A Responsible Budget
Many students have a tight budget. A large portion of a student’s budget is consumed by tuition, fees, and other academic and extracurricular costs. Understandably, you might want to buy a car for the least amount of money feasible given that many people struggle to make ends meet.
You should still assess your financial situation. Going all-in won’t help you, regardless of how much you must spend on a car. Before starting your search, bear in mind that you will also need to pay for parking, insurance, and, most importantly, fuel for your automobile. You may estimate a rough budget by adding them up. An affordable budget gives some relief when buying the best cars for college students.
2. Purchase A Used Car
The possibility of purchasing a brand-new car right out of the showroom is appealing. However, as great as this may appear, buying it is expensive. Purchasing a brand-new car will put a strain on your student budget. By purchasing a used car, you can avoid taking a significant financial hit. Try to find a vehicle that is at least three or four years old. A car loses value beyond this time frame, and you may then purchase it for less. Additionally, a used car has less expensive insurance, which lowers the cost of ownership.
3. Checking The Mileage
The number of miles driven is frequently a deciding factor in a car’s technical condition. A secondhand car that has been driven a lot (more than 100,000 miles) is likely to have worn-out parts. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should pass on the car right away because it has no value. Make sure the mileage is as minimal as feasible. It will enable you to get a vibrant vehicle that will provide you with years of great service.
4. Finding A Trustworthy Engine
The need for fast autos and rapid starts at stoplights is common among students. Certainly, I can see why. Most of the time, difficult engines in such fast cars necessitate expensive, ongoing maintenance in addition to frequent component shortages. We advise you to purchase a vehicle with an established and reliable engine. It’s always better to invest a little money in a slow, unbreakable car than to frequently crank the engine and afterward push the boat out by repairing numerous parts.
5. Purchase An Eco-Friendly Car
What kind of car should I get? I wonder about a lot of students. So, you should opt for a fuel-efficient model when shopping for an automobile. Fuel costs frequently rise and fall with the price of oil in contemporary civilization. Your budget might be impacted by this. Therefore, you should avoid driving an automobile that burns gas like water. Buying an eco-friendly car is another important consideration when buying the best cars for college students.
6. Safety
One of the most crucial considerations is always safety. Be careful you look at the list of safety features and the safety ratings for the car’s make, model, and year. Does it contain any driver-assist safety features that can help keep you secure while driving? Many late-model used automobiles will have features like automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. When looking for a car, these kinds of attributes should all be considered.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the seven best cars for college students that are accessible to present and future college students. You can think about other choices accessible, trustworthy, and somewhat secure solutions. Your decision will ultimately depend on your individual needs, interests, and personality.
FAQ Regarding Best Cars For College Students
Q. 1) Is a Honda Civic perfect for college students?
The Honda Fit and Honda Civic top the list as they are compact, fuel-efficient, and packed with the safety feature your students need, including the Honda Sensing safety suite with a Collision Mitigation Braking System.
Q. 2) Why are electric vehicles great for students?
Without a tailpipe, pure electric cars do not produce carbon dioxide emissions when driving. It significantly reduces air pollution. EVs will make our streets cleaner and push our cities to better places to walk and cycle.
Q. 3) Which vehicle is best for college graduate students?
Here are some popular best cars for college students.
2021 Toyota Corolla
2021 Hyundai Elantra
2021 Honda Civic
2021 Mazda3
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
2021 Kia Seltos
2021 Hyundai Kona
2021 Honda HR-V
Q. 4) How do I purchase a car if I’m a student?
If you’re a student but have a part-time job or just finished school and now have a full-time job, you can submit your pay slip as proof of regular income to get a bank-approved car loan.
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