It's not just your grocery runs and visits to the coffee shop. The car also is a central aspect of college life - this is especially true at high school, where you might spend as much time in a car as you do in a classroom. For many newly independent young adults, owning and operating their own vehicle can be profoundly liberating yet daunting. Unfortunately, it can be challenging for many students to know what models will be best for their unique needs, and there’s also the question of which model is the cheapest car for students? In response to these struggles, GoodCar has narrowed your search with our advice on the best car for college students.
Do You Need a Car in College?
As a college student, you have a lot of things to juggle – academics, social life, extracurricular activities, and more. With so much on your plate, it can be tempting to forgo owning a car and rely on public transportation or ride-sharing services. But there are certain situations where having your own set of wheels is the best option. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not you need a car in college. If you find that a car would be good for you, we have a list of the best cars for students.
- Your daily commute: If you live close to campus or have a short daily commute, you may be able to get by without a car. However, if your commute is long or involves taking public transportation, having a car can make your life much easier.
- Your class schedule: If your classes are spread across campus or you have late nights at the library, having a car will give you the freedom to come and go as you please.
- Your extracurricular activities: If you're involved in sports or other activities requiring traveling off-campus, owning a car will make your life much easier.
- Your budget: When considering whether or not to get a car in college, it's essential to factor in the costs of ownership – insurance, gas, regualar maintenance, etc. If you can't afford the additional expense of owning a car, it might be best to stick with public transportation or ride-sharing services.
Do Your Homework
College students are going to have a lot of things on their plates. They're handling classes, homework, and a part-time job. So, when it comes time to buy a car, the process can seem daunting. But don't worry! We're here to help you pick out the best student car.
Before you start shopping for your new ride, there are a few things you need to do first. First, you need to determine the budget you have for a car. This means taking a close look at your budget and factoring in things like fuel costs, insurance, and maintenance.
Once you've done that, you need to decide whether you want to buy a used car or a new one. Both choices have pros and cons, so it's crucial to weigh your options carefully.
Finally, you need to narrow down your vehicle choice. What kind of car do you want? A sedan? An SUV? A convertible? Once you've decided on the type of vehicle you want, you can start shopping for the best deal.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is incredibly popular because of its efficiency, affordable, and reliability. That makes it an excellent choice for college students. With a spacious interior and plenty of trunk space, the Corolla is perfect for hauling textbooks and other school supplies. And with a wide variety of aftermarket parts available, you can customize your Corolla to suit your unique style. Whether you're looking for a basic transportation option or a fully loaded car with all the bells and whistles, the Toyota Corolla is sure to fit the bill.
Hyundai Elantra
If you're looking for a fuel-efficient and affordable car for college, the Hyundai Elantra is a great option. With a starting price of just over $20,000, the Elantra gets an estimated 38 MPG on the highway and comes with Bluetooth and a rearview camera. Plus, it has a spacious interior that's perfect for hauling around textbooks and dorm room furniture.
Honda Civic
There are many things to consider when choosing a car for a college student. You need to think about your budget, your needs, and what you want in a car. The Honda Civic is a great option for college students: it's affordable, reliable, and has many features that make it a great choice for anyone attending college.
The Honda Civic is one of the most popular cars on the market. It's affordable, efficient, and has many features that make it a great choice for anyone. The Civic is perfect for college students looking for an affordable and reliable car. It gets great gas mileage, so you won't have to worry about spending too much on gas. The Civic also has safety features, so you can feel safe while driving.
If you're looking for an affordable and reliable car as a college student, the Honda Civic is the perfect choice for you.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is an excellent car for college students. It's affordable, reliable, and has many features that make it perfect for road trips and outdoor activities. The Crosstrek also has excellent fuel economy, making it a great choice for long drives or quick jaunts around campus.
Kia Seltos
Assuming you are looking for a new car for college students, the Kia Seltos would be a great option! The Kia Seltos comes packed with features that make it perfect for young adults. For example, the Kia Seltos has a touch-screen display that is easy to use and control. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, making it easy to connect your smartphone to the car. In addition, the Kia Seltos has plenty of cargo space, making it perfect for lugging textbooks and other supplies. Finally, the Kia Seltos is affordable, making it a fantastic option for college students on a budget.
Hyundai Kona
If you're looking for a budget-friendly car that's still stylish and fun to drive, the Hyundai Kona is a great option. With its affordable price tag and long list of standard features, the Kona is perfect for college students who need a reliable vehicle to get them around campus or to and from classes. The Kona's spacious interior and comfortable seats make it a great car for road trips or long commutes, and the vehicle's impressive fuel economy means you'll save money on gas. Whether you're looking for a daily driver or a weekend warrior, the Hyundai Kona has everything you need in a small package.
Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is a wonderful car for college students. It's affordable, stylish, and packed with features perfect for young adults. For example, the Kia Soul has a built-in navigation system, making it easy to get around campus or find your way to the local coffee shop. The car also has Bluetooth connectivity, so you can easily stream music or make hands-free phone calls. And if you're looking for extra excitement, the Kia Soul comes with a turbocharged engine option that will make your commute much more fun.
While the cars above are GoodCar's recommendations, keep in mind that they are just that, recommendations. The best car for any college student will be one that they feel safe and comfortable driving, is reliable, and does not put them under financial strain.
