What are some affordable cars perfect for a college student?

Question

I've saved up quite a bit of money and I'm ready to put a down payment on my first vehicle.

I'm interested in a new car that has a good price, but isn't cheap! Under 13k is ideal, but I can do up to 15k.

Thanks in advance for any ideas you can provide! ;)

Answer 1

There are a few cars within that price range that could do well for you. There are cars like the Hyundai Elantra, and the Toyota Corolla. It really depends on what fits you best. Being a college student myself, I'm sure you're looking for gas economy, but something that isn't a Yugo.

Go to Autotropolis.com and use their Vehicle Selector Aid. That will help you make a list of cars dependent on your lifestyle (most likely College Driver) and then you can choose what features are important to you (safety, style, ownership cost, etc).

Once you have your car picked out, get your TIP price, which will give you a ceiling price for the car. Basically you can walk into a dealership and say "I'm not paying more than X amount for this car."

When getting your car, there are also a few tips you should follow. Make sure to negotiate the final price of the car, not payments. As a college student you might be inclined to say "yea, I can afford $100 a month" but don't fall into that. Negotiate on the final price, and your payments will reflect it.

And make sure to test drive the cars you're considering. You might hate the way a car handles so much that you wouldnt even consider talking about it.

-MunkiPhD
Autotropolis.com

Answer 2

Agree with Mopar's advice. College is expensive enough as it is, try to spend as little money as possible on a car as you can. Once you graduate and enter the professional world you'll most likely want to upgrade your car anyway, so buying new now will just mean you take that much bigger a hit due to depreciation.

I would recommended something a few years old that you can get for less than $10k. You can get a very well equipped 2-3 year old Ford Focus hatchback or wagon in that price range -- perfect car for a college student.

Answer 3

If you could afford it, a Honda Civic would be my first pick. After that, you should really look at Toyota Corolla. Both of these cars are excellent and will go forever as long as you have the scheduled maintenances done on them. Always do that and keep the oil changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Good luck!!

Answer 4

Hyundai, believe it or not. The new Hyundais reflect the need by the company to overcome its initial poor quality reputation. The cars are not perfect, but the value is far better than the competition. And, it has a ten-year warranty.

Answer 5

college student shouldn't have payments or expensive Full coverage insurance
buy a older car than you can pay cash for, use PLPD insurance coverage
AFTER graduation and getting the job you are acquiring the degree for .. then put yourself into more debt and get a new car

Answer 6

properly i stay contained in the united kingdom and characteristic owned a handbook 3 door hatchback fiesta a million.6 diesel econetic for a pair of month now. i in my view like it. The working costs are quite low (extra powerful mpg than a prius), its solid tocontinual and this is better than super sufficient in case you in ordinary terms use the decrease back seats for adults occasionaly (infants could be advantageous), the decrease back seats fold forward so theres a superb style of area for stuff in case you desire it. and that i think of it seems somewhat solid, 3 door hatchbacks look slightly extra sporty and much less mumsy than 5 door ones in my view, yet once you elect for to extra healthy 4 adults in then i could get the 5 door, in case you elect for to extra healthy 5 human beings in very truthfully then i could get something larger.

Answer 7

Im assuming you want a low priced, reliable car.
Hyundai accents are good. My dad had one for work (he travelled alot) and he says they are good on gas, pretty reliable, etc. The only problem is that parts can be a bit pricey. I really liked his, its was really cute and roomy.

Answer 8

I'd go with a Hybrid like Prius. You'll save so much money on gas!

Answer 9

Toyota Yaris w/ optional side airbags.