Looking for a little help going to school? This article will provide In-depth reviews of the best cars for college students, buying, financing and insurance tips to save you money! Whether you’re a student heading off to college or just seeing the world with friends from college, your car should have flexible seating, space, and on-the-go reliability.
In the United States, most students will have a car at some point during their college career. These are the most common cars students drive, both leased and owned.
Finding a vehicle that is inexpensive, dependable, safe, and efficient is crucial if you are a young adult about to start college or a parent trying to buy a vehicle for a college student.
The addition of an automobile to the mix can raise the already high expense of higher education, worsening student debt. Nonetheless, many students choose to have their own car. It is often required in various circumstances.
Some folks simply desire the independence that comes with having access to a personal, private vehicle on demand.
These are not in any particular order, just what Black Book statistics show as the percentage of each car type for leased and owned. If you want to see which car does best if you’re buying used or new, go to discovercars.com to get the best lease deals on the best cars throughout your years as an undergrad.
How To Find A Student-Friendly Car
If you are a student, you will probably want to buy a car. Buying a car is not as easy as it sounds because there are many other things that you need to consider before purchasing one. It is important to look at all of the features available in different models and decide which one would fit your needs best.
If you want to buy a student car, you should consider some factors listed below:
- Cost of the Car
The cost of the car is probably the most important factor that you need to consider when buying any automobile. This factor is so important because it directly impacts your budget and how much money you have left over for other expenses or debts.
If you go for something that’s too expensive, chances are high that you won’t be able to afford anything else soon.
You need to determine how much you can afford to spend on a new or used vehicle. If you have student loans, it’s best to keep your monthly payment under $300 per month.
The price range for cars varies depending on the vehicle’s size, model, condition and make. A good rule of thumb is to budget at least $10,000 for your first car purchase. But don’t forget about gas and insurance costs!
If you opt for a lease or rental services, you should check out best discovercars.com.
Renting a vehicle can cost anywhere from $20 per day to more than $100 per day, depending on the type of car you want and where you rent it from. If you’re planning on renting for more than two weeks, ask if they offer weekly or monthly rates. You’ll save money in the long run if they do offer these options.
- Safety
The most important factor when buying a student car is safety. You need to ensure that the car has good safety features to protect everyone inside in case of an accident. It should also have airbags and seat belts for everyone inside the vehicle.
- Buy Used
You should also consider buying a used car if it has low mileage and no accidents reported on its history report. It would be better if there were records of regular maintenance done at the dealership or by independent mechanics who specialize in repairing cars like yours.
Buy used! New cars depreciate fast enough without even driving them off the lot! The first thing to consider is whether you want to buy new or second-hand.
If you’re on a budget, buying second-hand will be cheaper and may give you more choice. A used car is usually more reliable than a new one, so it’s worth shopping around for one that has been well looked after.
- Technical Parts
Another important thing that you need to consider when buying a student car is the type of engine available for it. You should opt for an engine that produces fewer emissions because this will help reduce pollution in our environment as well as improve air quality around us.”
A good air conditioner will provide comfort in any weather conditions, especially during summer. The stereo system is also another important feature that must be checked when buying a new car.
If you want to listen to music while driving your new car, then make sure that its stereo system has good quality speakers and loudness controls so that it can play even when driving at high speeds.
- Cost of Operation
Look at the cost of gas. Gas prices have been steadily increasing over time, so it’s important that you take this into consideration when purchasing your first car. If you buy a car that requires premium gas, you will be paying more than what you would pay for regular gas. This could add up quickly and leave you broke!
- Insurance
Make sure that the insurance policy is affordable as well! You don’t want to get stuck with an exorbitant insurance bill every month just because of one accident or fender bender! Make sure your insurance agent gives you several quotes before signing on with any company because plenty out there offers great rates at affordable prices!
- Efficiency Ratings
The EPA rates cars based on their fuel economy, which is measured in miles per gallon (mpg). The higher the number, the more efficient the vehicle is likely to be. For example, if you drive 10,500 miles per year at an average speed of 45 mph in a car with an efficiency rating of 27 mpg, your annual fuel cost will be $1,967. However, if you drive the same distance in a car with an efficiency rating of 40 mpg, your annual fuel cost would be $1,826. That’s nearly $150 less per year — money that could go toward other necessities or savings for when you need it most later in life.
- Size and Manoeuvrability
The size of the car will determine how easily you can manoeuvre it around. If you have a small car, you will likely have trouble negotiating corners or avoiding other cars on the road. A larger car will be easier to handle in most situations.
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Best Cars For College Students In 2022/2023
2022 Hyundai Tucson
$21,050 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
The Hyundai Tucson is a great option for students. It’s affordable, fuel-efficient and has plenty of space for all their stuff.
Tucson is Hyundai’s entry into the growing subcompact SUV market. This segment has been growing rapidly in recent years due to its combination of practicality and affordability. Tucson competes against other popular models such as the Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda CX-3.
Tucson offers a lot of value for the price. It comes with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, giving you the option to choose whichever suits your needs best. The entry-level model starts at $21,395 but can be upgraded with features like leather seats and automatic climate control if desired.
You’ll also find features like blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility on higher trim levels.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson is a midsize SUV that offers seating for five and a choice of two powertrains. The base model comes with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower. A turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine is also available, which generates 194 horsepower.
Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive standard, but all-wheel drive is optional on both models.
The Tucson has standard safety features such as lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and forward collision warning. Active safety features include adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist with lane departure warning. All Tucsons have antilock disc brakes on all wheels, electronic stability control, and six airbags standards.
Hyundai Tucson Lease Options
How much does it cost to lease a Hyundai Tucson in 2022? The average lease for the 2022 Hyundai Tucson is $380 per month for a 36-month term, 12,000 miles per year, and a $2,000 down payment. If you opt for a lease or rental services, you should check out best discovercars.com.
2021 Mazda3
$20,500 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
The new 2021 Mazda3 is a great car for students. It’s got a spacious and comfortable interior, great fuel efficiency, and features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car also comes with plenty of safety features that will keep you safe on the road.
The new 2020 Mazda3 is one of the best cars for students because it offers all of the above, but it’s also affordable. It starts at $20,500 and can be upgraded to include all-wheel drive and other options that can push it up to $22,000. That’s a lot less than many other cars in its class.
The 2021 Mazda3 is one of the best cars for students. It’s an affordable car that’s also fun to drive, making it a great choice for someone who wants to get around and make trips out of town.
The Mazda3 has a lot to offer, including:
- It has a great starting price of $20,499 for the base model with manual transmission and about $22,000 for the Touring trim with automatic transmission.
- It has a high-quality interior that doesn’t feel cheap at all.
- It has great safety features like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert.
- It gets up to 40 mpg on the highway with an automatic transmission (32 mpg with manual transmission), so it’s also good on gas mileage.
Mazda3 Lease Options
If you opt for a lease or rental services, you should check out best discovercars.com.
2021 Honda CR-V
$25,350 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.8/10
The Honda CR-V is the best car for students because it has incredible fuel economy, it’s comfortable, and it has a lot of space. The CR-V is also packed with great features that make it fun to drive.
The 2021 Honda CR-V has a turbocharged engine and AWD (all-wheel drive). This means you can take on any weather conditions and get wherever you need to go in your vehicle.
The CR-V also has two rows of seating and enough room for five passengers comfortably. This makes it ideal for students who need to transport friends around campus or go on road trips with classmates.
The CR-V comes with many safety features that help protect you on the road, including anti-lock brakes (ABS) and stability control systems. These features help keep your car under control when driving in bad weather conditions or if there’s a crash ahead of you.
When it comes to a car, students need something that is safe, reliable and affordable. The 2021 Honda CR-V is the perfect option because it has all of these things and more!
Here are 5 reasons why the 2021 Honda CR-V is best for students:
- Safety
The most important thing about any vehicle is safety. Your child will be driving around campus, so you want them to be as safe as possible. The 2021 Honda CR-V offers great safety features such as LaneWatch™ (the camera system), which shows you what’s behind your car when you change lanes. If you want even more security, there are plenty of options for extra features like blind spot monitoring systems and rear parking sensors available for purchase.
- Reliability
With all of the time spent in class and studying, you don’t want to worry about breaking down on campus. That’s why we recommend buying a reliable car like the 2021 Honda CR-V! It comes with a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, so if anything goes wrong with your engine or transmission within those 7 years/100k miles, they’ll fix it free of charge! You won’t have to worry about what could go wrong with this.
- The CR-V has a spacious interior.
This makes it ideal for carrying all your gear when moving in or out of campus housing. You can also use it to carry groceries home from the store or take friends out to dinner and movies. Its 710 litres of cargo space make it one of the most practical vehicles on the market today.
- It has an excellent fuel economy rating.
One of the main reasons many people choose a small SUV over other types of vehicles is that they want something that gets good gas mileage without sacrificing power or performance. The CR-V delivers on both fronts: It gets up to 30 mpg highway and 24 mpg city, making it easy on your wallet while still being fun to drive at low speeds or while driving long distances.
Honda CR-V Lease Options
If you opt for a lease or rental services, you should check out best discovercars.com.
2021 Toyota Corolla
$19,825 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
The 2021 Toyota Corolla is the best car for students because it is affordable, reliable, and gets great gas mileage. The Corolla is a great choice if you are a student who drives a lot and needs to save money.
The Corolla has been around for decades, but in recent years it has been redesigned to be more appealing to younger generations. The new version is not only stylish but also has lots of cool features.
The Corolla has been one of the best-selling cars in America for decades, and it’s easy to see why. The Corolla comes in a wide range of models with different features, including a hybrid version that gets up to 50 mpg on the highway.
The base model starts at $19,990 (not including options), but plenty of features are available for those who want more comfort or style, such as heated seats and a navigation system.
The Corolla is a great choice for students because it’s inexpensive and reliable — two things you don’t want to worry about when you’re trying to get through college without debt!
One of the most important things about buying a car for students is that it must be reliable and cost-effective. The 2021 Toyota Corolla has both qualities down pat. The base model comes with an automatic transmission and gets up to 34 mpg city/38 mpg highway, which means less money spent on gas!
The 2021 Toyota Corolla is a great option for students. The car is affordable, reliable and fun to drive. If you’re looking to buy a new car, the 2021 Toyota Corolla should be on your list of cars to test drive.
- Affordable
The 2021 Toyota Corolla starts at $19,950 and comes in several trim levels: SE, SE CVT and LE Eco. Each model has its own unique features, but all models come equipped with power locks, windows and mirrors; Bluetooth connectivity; USB ports; a backup camera; cruise control; an aux cord input; steering wheel audio controls and more.
- Reliable
Toyota has consistently ranked highly in reliability surveys over the past several years because of its commitment to quality manufacturing processes and parts sourcing. For example, the 2021 Toyota Corolla uses six different steel grades in its body construction — more than any other automaker uses in their vehicles. The 2020 Corolla has earned a reputation as one of the most dependable cars on the road today.
- Fun To Drive
If you’re looking for an affordable commuter car that’s also fun to drive, then the 2021 Toyota Corolla is worth considering. Drivers can choose between two engines: a 1.8-litre four-cycle.
Toyota Corolla Lease Options
If you opt for a lease or rental services, you should check out best discovercars.com.
2021 Hyundai Kona
$20,400 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
The 2021 Hyundai Kona is a small crossover SUV that’s best for students because it has plenty of space, is fuel efficient and costs less money than other vehicles. Students can choose from three trims, including SE, SEL and SE Sport, all with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine.
The base SE trim costs $20,500 and comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and fog lights, automatic climate control and SiriusXM Radio. The top-of-the-line SE Sport trim starts at $23,500 and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Kona is also available as a Hybrid model that includes an electric motor to increase fuel efficiency. The Hybrid model starts at $22,000 with a six-speed automatic transmission or $25,000 with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Hyundai Kona is a great car for students. It’s affordable, has good fuel economy and has plenty of space for all your stuff.
Here are some reasons why:
- Affordable
The Kona starts from $19,990, which is extremely affordable. It’s even cheaper than the Mazda CX-3 and Toyota C-HR, which are also popular among students. It also comes with a five-year warranty and roadside assistance for five years. The warranty covers all components except wear items like brake pads and tyres.
- Roomy interior
The Kona has plenty of room inside, even in its smallest model — the SE grade — which has two seats up front and just enough space in the back to fit two passengers comfortably. There’s also enough room in the boot — or cargo area — that can hold up to 580 litres of luggage when you fold down the rear seats completely (which isn’t hard at all). This is more than most rivals offer; only the Subaru XV offers more space with 602 litres of capacity when you fold down both sets of seats!
- Good fuel economy
The Kona gets 4 stars for safety from ANCAP — which means it’s one of the safest cars on sale today — and it gets decent fuel economy. The Kona has an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 31 mpg combined (29 city/36 highway) with its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. That means you won’t have to spend too much time filling.
Hyundai Kona Lease Options
If you opt for a lease or rental services, you should check out best discovercars.com.
Conclusion
The best cars for college students depend on a range of factors, from your budget and needs to your driving preferences and habits. For certain student types (commuters, long-distance drivers), some cars are more appropriate than others.
Different models offer distinct advantages and disadvantages even within the same demographic group. And as always, safety should be your first priority when choosing a vehicle. By following the advice in this buyers’ guide, you’ll be well on your way to selecting the best car for your college career.
