Going to college is an intricate mixture of freedom, learning, and character development. For many students owning a vehicle is a must be it for commuting to campus, driving to a part-time job, or making weekend trips home. But with tuition, books, and living expenses already a burden few students can afford a brand-new vehicle or a high-end ride. Luckily, many affordable dependable, and efficient cars are just right for budget college students.
Here’s a list of some of the best budget cars that offer a sweet spot for affordability fuel economy safety and reliability.
Cars for College Students on a Budget
- Honda Civic 2012-2015
- Price Range: $6,000–$10,000
Why It’s Great:
Honda Civic is an old standby for budget-minded drivers. Known for its outstanding reliability and fuel economy up to 40 mpg on the highway the Civic is ideal for students who need a dependable car with low maintenance costs. It also holds its resale value well and offers a comfortable, smooth driving experience.
- Toyota Corolla 2012–2016
- Price Range: $7,000–$11,000
Why It’s Great:
Another go-to reliable favorite the Toyota Corolla is often dubbed the bulletproof compact car. It has a long life, good fuel economy (up to 38 mpg), and an affordable but nice interior. For student drivers strong safety ratings are also a plus for these year Corollas.
- Mazda3 2012–2016
- Price Range: $6,500–$10,500
Why It’s Great:
Mazda3 offers a sporty design with engaging driving dynamics. It has a stylish interior and great handling despite its low price tag. It’s also fuel efficient getting up to 40 mpg on the highway. For students seeking a touch more character from their ride without breaking the bank, the Mazda3 is a worthy contender.
- Hyundai Elantra 2013–2017
- Price Range: $6,000–$9,000
Why It’s Great:
The Elantra is another strong value offering a modern design high fuel economy and tech-friendly features such as Bluetooth and touchscreen infotainment in higher trims. They also come with a good warranty and parts are inexpensive.
- Ford Focus 2012–2016
- Price Range: $5,000–$8,000
Why It’s Great:
Ford Focus: Another low cost highly available compact car in the used car space. It offers decent fuel economy and a comfortable ride. Although it’s had a few transmission problems in some of the older models more modern ones that are well-maintained can be an excellent budget option for students.
- Kia Soul 2012–2016
- Price Range: $5,500–$9,000
Why It’s Great:
With bold looks and an airy cabin, the Kia Soul turns heads among compact cars. It’s practical safe and surprisingly spacious ideal for ferrying dorm essentials or carpooling. It gets good gas mileage too and has features that appeal to young drivers.
- Toyota Yaris 2012–2016
- Price Range: $5,000–$8,000
Why It’s Great:
The Yaris is also one of the best values in terms of price and gas mileage. It’s not sexy but it’s compact easy to park and extremely reliable. For students who need an uncomplicated no-frills car that provides the basics, the Yaris is a practical pick.
- Toyota Yaris 2012–2016
- Price Range: $5,000–$8,000
Why It’s Great:
The Yaris is one of the most affordable and fuel-efficient cars in its class. It’s not flashy, but it’s small easy to park, and highly reliable. For students who need a simple no-nonsense car that gets the job done, the Yaris is a smart choice.
Important Tips Before Making the Purchase
Before signing the dotted line on any used car, college students should:
- Vehicle History Report: Avoid cars with hidden problems using services such as Carfax or AutoCheck. Get the Car Checked Out: Have a mechanic you trust examine the vehicle before purchase.
- Check the Cost of the Insurance: Some models are less expensive to insure than others an important consideration for students on a budget.
- Consider Gas Mileage: The better the gas mileage, the more money you will save in the long run.
- Safety Features: It also must have ABS, airbags, and electronic stability control.
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Final Thoughts
The key to getting a car while on a student budget is to find one that is affordable, reliable, and cost-effective to own. All of the above models receive high marks in terms of reliability and price, making them great options for college students.