{"id":504,"date":"2023-01-18T08:53:23","date_gmt":"2023-01-18T07:53:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.academicrelated.com\/?p=504"},"modified":"2024-01-12T09:21:59","modified_gmt":"2024-01-12T08:21:59","slug":"best-cars-for-college-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.academicrelated.com\/best-cars-for-college-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Cars for College Students in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Owning one of the best cars for college students feels more exciting than you may have imagined. A car can be a lifesaver for many reasons for a university student. So you’ll need to make the best choice when going for one.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The prestige, the ease with which you can move around, the places you can dash off to without bothering so much on the logistics, and lots more!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even more than that, you want a car that portrays the best appearance for you and your new wheels.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you also want the most student-friendly price possible while still being one of the best cars for any college student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stick with us, and we’ll deliver some of our finest choices with this mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s dive right in and talk about different models, brands, styles, comfort, safety, and what’s the best fit for your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Can a College Student Buy a Car?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Of course! Remember, whatever has a price can be bought. Even a college student like yourself needs know-how.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The many ways this can be done are having your parents cover the costs and buying it off your credit card. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or they are taking advantage of automakers’ and dealers’ offers on certified pre-owned automobiles<\/strong><\/a> (CPOs). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having a cosigner with better credit increases your chances of securing a loan for your new car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, CPOs often come in cheaper on the monthly payments, and you can be sure to get a good deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Best Film Schools In Texas | All You Need to Know<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do You Need a Car in College?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Evaluating whether you need a car or want one is always vital. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doing this can save you from a whole lot of unwanted debts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cars are required to take you from place to place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So if your college life is confined mainly within the campus, say you live too far to drive off for breaks or an off-campus residence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Owning a car may not be ideal if you don’t have any business moving in and out of campus regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider holding off on getting a car for a few more years and saving on gasoline and possibly parking tickets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to consider when buying a car for college students <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When buying a car for college students, the cost and your budget top the list of the many things to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like everyone else, we all want the best cars to buy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’ll help you narrow down things you’ll consider when buying a car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, we’ve listed some of these concerns you can use as a checklist to decide the best fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Planning around a set limit makes it even easier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place considerations on how much you can afford at the time, how much you earn, and how much you are willing to spare each month on payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By doing this, the range of available cars becomes narrowed and easier to pick from. Just make sure to stick with your budget and don’t increase unnecessarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your taste and style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Of course, you don’t want a car because it moves around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting an automobile that cruises you in style and fashion is undoubtedly worth every penny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So pay attention to the car brand, comfort levels, fuel economy, and durability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you may want a new car or a used one comes up also. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Car’s resale value and maintenance cost<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fixing a car on a regular can get as frustrating as you might imagine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hence, taking the time to research cars that attract fewer maintenance costs is a must-do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Owning a reliable and easy-to-maintain car as a college student isn’t just all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The resale value of your car is also representative of its value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good resale value is an indicator of whether you intend to lease the car or use it yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also Read: How to Get Peacock Student Discount<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take test drives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sitting behind the wheels gives you the most information on any car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reading through reviews and seeing vivid photographs can often leave you undecided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But taking that car for a spin or two assures you if it appeals to your person, else spins another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insurance costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Doing a little digging on the best insurance offers available gives you the advantage.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will surely save you from being tricked into a deal you’d never prefer while purchasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a quick scan of the many available insurance offers and choose one in line with your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Negotiation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Car dealerships can be witty; best be on guard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the sticker price gives an average valuation for the car, you can still place your bargain and argue for yourself a good deal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike most other things, the price of used cars is not fixed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They aren’t tied to the manufacturing expenses of the producer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to that, there’s room for bargaining and price adjustment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other essential factors to buying a car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you need a small, fuel-efficient car to drive around or extra space?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These factors satisfy your needs or requirements for buying one of the best cars for college students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While a four-door spacious car may be a must-have for many, you may want something more straightforward and compact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other convenience features such as hands-free controls, voice recognition to modify settings, and to change the music or temperature are excellent considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A car’s mileage tells you how long and far it has been on the road; more say how long it’s been used.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, preferences fall for younger ones than older ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much will car insurance cost a college student?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Insurance costs can become unbearable if you make the wrong choices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, for drivers below 25, it’s advisable to get your insurance agent involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Automobile insurance is a competitive space; looking around will save you a few bucks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cost of insurance varies widely among providers and different packages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, some vehicles just cost more than others to insure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So your vehicle’s make and model also have a role here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Best Affiliate Networks that Pays High <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Car Safety <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Safety is always a prime concern; being on the road is a little more than just cruising a nice set of wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always check the safety ratings for the car you intend to buy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the safety features for that make, model, and year?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent models have automatic braking, forward collision warning, and monitors for blind spots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out crash test results on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety<\/strong> (IIHS)<\/a>, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)<\/strong><\/a> will help you find more desirable models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best cars for college students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Finally, here’s our list of the best cars for college students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1. 2021 Toyota Camry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Price: $20,780<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating: 4.5<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Description:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Starting up top, the 2021 Toyota Camry, winner of the best midsize car for the Money award for 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are consistently ranked as one of the best-selling cars in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earing the top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2021 Toyota Camry has a low cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This car indeed comes up top as the best car for college students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside it, the Camry has spacious seating for up to five passengers in a well-styled cabin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This sedan has a trunk with up to 15.1 cubic feet of space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The 2021 Toyota Camry has a powerful optional V6 engine. It also packs the latest safety features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It flaunts a 3.5-litre V6 engine that makes 301 horsepower. And all-wheel drive is also available. However, it only comes in the standard four-cylinder engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other features include automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, and a centre armrest in the back seat.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

#2. 2021 Mazda CX-30<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Starting Price: $21,900<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating: 4.3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Description:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is a subcompact SUV with one of the class’s most upscale cabins and designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This SUV meets your taste just as you like it if you have an eye for class, beauty, design, and luxury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has earned the top safety pick from IIHS and an overall five-star rating in safety from NHTSA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The CX-30 packs an 8.8-inch infotainment display, Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay<\/strong><\/a>, and Android Auto<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also has excellent handling on the road and obtained a reliability score of 82 out of 100 from J.D. Power. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3. 2021 Hyundai Elantra<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Starting Price: $20,645 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating: 4.8<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Description:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The 2021 Elantra, although a small sedan, has a four-engine option and four wheels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most Elantras will come packed with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am pulling up 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This beauty is connected to a continuously variable transmission or CVT automatic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Body-color door handles and dual fold-away power body-colour side mirrors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) and Hyundai SmartSense safety features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4. 2021 Honda Civic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Starting Price: $22,005 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating: 4.7<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Description: <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The 2021 Civic Sedan packs a lot of power for a small car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s built with a 158-horsepower 2.0-litre engine, and it’s nothing short of joy behind the wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A USB port and Bluetooth connectivity form the major connecting technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, Going with the Sport over the base LX version, you’d have access to more features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inclusive of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, an eight-speaker stereo system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A leather-wrapped steering wheel and a push-button start, amongst others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#5. 2021 Mazda3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Starting Price: $21,445 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating: 4.0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Description:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As with many other Mazdas known for their high-end design, the 2021 Mazda 3 also boasts athletic handling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Mazda introduced two new engines for the compact model. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has a new base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine backed by a new turbocharged 2.5-litre engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This Mazda packs with itself, as expected, a whole lot of cool features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It comes standard with forward-collision warning, emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention alert, and high-beam assist on the base model. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bluetooth connectivity with speech recognition is standard, as is an 8.8-inch touchscreen and two USB ports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0How to Get Paramount Plus Student Discount<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

#6. 2021 Subaru Crosstrek<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Starting Price: $23,295 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating: 4.3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is a standard all-wheel-drive with up to 20% more available horsepower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It packs a 2.5 litre, 182 hp BOXER engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Crosstrek comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you can upgrade this to the continuously variable transmission (CVT) for only $1,350.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This upgrade unlocks more safety features and allows you to select between fuel economy and power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the CVT, the Subaru Crostrek comes with the Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A safety tech that ranks as an IIHS Top Safety Pick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, one USB port, and an a6.5 inch touch screen are exemplary of the main features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#7. 2021 Kia Seltos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Starting Price: $23,110 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating: 4.8<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Kia Seltos is an entirely new subcompact SUV from Kia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every version of the Seltos save the LX comes with a comprehensive suite of safety systems, including forward-collision and emergency braking, driver attention and lane-departure warnings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not leaving out lane-keeping assist, lane centring, and high-beam assist, according to the IIHS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get blind-spot monitoring, you’ll need to upgrade to the EX grade, which will cost $3,400 more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The connectivity options include Bluetooth with speech recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and one USB port. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These Seltos offer a class-leading cargo space and a sizeable second-row seat to accommodate adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#8. 2021 Hyundai Kona<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Starting Price: $21,540 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating: 4.2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Hyundai Kona has a 147-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a sporty design backed by its athletic handling and beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also available is a 175-horsepower turbocharged engine, all for your pick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the base engine, the requirements for daily use are easily satisfied with plenty of power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, it’s a small-size subcompact SUV worth every dime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

An electric vehicle model is available for this Hyundai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like most other Hyundai models, this comes with<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the gas engine, you can get up to 33 mpg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#9. 2021 Honda HR-V<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Starting Price: $22,140 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating: 4.5<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Description <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Honda HR-V boasts a spacious interior and runs a decent 30miles per gallon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Honda achieved top marks in crash tests from the government and IISH tests.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Honda HR-V EX trim includes a comprehensive set of driving aid features, unlike is limited to the base LX trim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such features are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n