Not every college student needs a car. However, buying a new or used car is very expensive for a student. A simple search online gives you thousands of options for the best car for students.
Here is a list of the seven most affordable and reliable vehicles to assist college students in navigating through their college years.
Toyota Corolla 2022
The new Toyota Corolla is the first vehicle to offer petrol and hybrid drivetrain systems. However, it is one of the costliest. If you cannot afford a brand-new Corolla, consider car leasing.
Leasing a car is helpful in managing a student budget since the monthly payments are often lower than those associated with financing a vehicle. Moreover, set monthly payments simplify budgeting since you know exactly how much deducts each month.
Additionally, the Corolla handles well and has the most advanced active safety systems. Standard features include protection for pedestrians and cyclists, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, recognition of traffic signs, and reverse cameras.
The Corolla is a good deal, fun to drive, easy on the wallet, and looks great. Toyotas are renowned for their dependability, so purchasing a pre-owned Corolla might be a wise financial decision.
The Suzuki Swift is sometimes neglected in favor of more contemporary competitors, but it is one of the best cars for students. Still, it is a fun-to-drive, well-equipped vehicle with a five-star ANCAP rating, and a 1.4-litre engine that provides good performance and fuel efficiency.
Despite being one of the smallest vehicles available, the inside of the Suzuki is surprisingly large.
Unfortunately, the inside begins to exhibit signs of ageing. The plastics are of poor quality, and basic comforts like a centre armrest are absent.
In addition, the infotainment system is a generation behind the times. However, the agile handling and fast engine compensate for any disadvantages.
The Mazda 3 is the more sensible option for college students. It is compact enough to park in tight spaces on a packed campus, yet it is fuel-efficient and dependable.
There is space for up to five people inside, and there are several tech and convenience features, such as the Mazda Connect infotainment system.
This Mazda is also available with a manual gearbox for individuals interested in learning how to operate a stick shift.
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV, making it one of the best cars for students. It includes plenty of room in the cabin for you and four pals. Additionally, it has space in the rear for the school supplies you need to transport.
All-wheel drive is also available if you must travel on snowy or icy roads. The CR-V comes equipped with an outstanding array of safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.
To remain competitive with new Kia and Toyota models, the Hyundai i30 underwent a makeover in 2022. The change is modest, but this was necessary. The Hyundai i30 is one of the most comprehensive vehicles now.
The cabin is well-appointed, it is a smooth ride, and the 2.0-litre engine is quite economical. The car boasts a roomy cabin and an impressive entertainment system.
In terms of affordability, the Hyundai i30 exceeds the competition, making it one of the best cars for students. This is fantastic news for students seeking a fuel-efficient and economical vehicle to bring them to and from their destinations.
The Toyota Prius is ideal if you want some of the greatest possible gas economy and an environmentally friendly car. College students save money at the gas pump with the Prius since they often do not have vast resources and need to have a budget.
In addition to its comfort, and excellent handling, this Toyota is also dependable. The Prius has a cargo area that is much bigger than you expect. This makes it simple to pack for school trips or a weekend away from campus with pals.
The Jeep Wrangler is an excellent option for college students, not just because it is enjoyable to drive but also because it is ideal for navigating campus.
A Jeep offers the ability to the beach or off-road with pals on the weekends or during spring break. A Jeep Wrangler gets you to your destination in style.
The Bottom Line
Due to a lack of funds, many students intuitively choose inexpensive used cars. However, this is often to their disadvantage. A costly repair bill is the last thing you want. In this situation, leasing a car may be the best solution, saving you money.