Best Student Cars

The Best Cars for Students: What's Important

There are countless different reviews that attempt to choose the best cars for college students without factoring in one key element: the fact that each student can be truly unique, and easily categorized.

Some students will place an emphasis on low initial cost, while others might be more interesting in the total cost of ownership over a set period of time. Other students will not be worried about cost quite as much as they worry about style or specific amenities. These factors all play a major role in determining which car or cars might be best suited to each particular college student.

Cheap Cars for Students

College students who are strapped for cash and need reliable transportation at a very low price should probably look into either the Hyundai Accent Blue edition or the Nissan Versa 1.6. Both of these cars retail for under $11,000 and lack air conditioning, which may or may not be a factor depending on where one lives. Air conditioning will bring both vehicles up to around the $12,000 price point, which actually allows the Kia Rio and Chevrolet Aveo to compete for a few hundred dollars more. The Mitsubishi Lancer also compete in the sub-$13,000 territory but receives decidedly negative reviews compared to the Accent, Aveo, Rio, and Versa.

Student Car Choices with Low Cost of Ownership

Those interested in vehicles that are affordable initially as well as over a period of 5 or so years should look into the Nissan Sentra or Kia Spectra. The Spectra will cost an estimated $28,300 to own for 5 years, while the Sentra is only a little more expensive at $28,698. These figures include fuel, repairs, insurance, and other factors that are abstracted to take into account a wide variety of consumers. Unfortunately, college students may pay a little more than the aforementioned figures due to their statistically higher insurance premiums.

Stylish Vehicles for College Students

When it comes to choosing inexpensive vehicles based on style, there are plenty of options. Those who like the rough and ready image will find that Jeep Compass and Patriot have attractive options in the mid to high teens range, while the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube offer beyond-Scion xB boxy-cool looks at bargain prices. The Soul starts at just under $14,000 and the Nissan Cube 1.8 is just a little over $14,700. All prices are before delivery and taxes.

One vehicle that combines a reasonable initial investment with great looks and low cost of ownership is the Honda Fit. If a college student was looking for a car that could meet or exceed most of their needs, the Fit might be a serious contender.