Going off to college means you’ll get a chance to experience all kinds of exciting things — like buying your first car. Of course, not everyone needs a car while away at school, but if you plan on working or catching a Fighting Hawks game over at the University of North Dakota, you’ll want a good set of wheels. Making sure you pick the right car for your needs can be a bit of a challenge. Choosing the best car for a teenager vs buying a car for a college student can differ. That’s why we at Rydell Outlet Center created this comprehensive list of great cars for college-aged buyers that will help you find your perfect set of wheels.
Acura TSX
If you want to get all the perks like heated leather seats, touch-screen controls, and Bluetooth, you probably have your eye on luxury cars. Unfortunately, those types of vehicles tend to cost more to run, which can put an unwanted dent in your wallet. The Acura TSX, however, defies these conventions.
The TSX is a gorgeous luxury sedan that comes complete with not only the aforementioned features but also a boatload of extra perks. A used Acura TSX can easily beat out its competition, as it is the perfect luxury sedan for a college student on a budget. Depending on the condition of the particular car you’re interested in, a used Acura TSX can sell for anywhere from $6,500 to $15,500. In addition to its stellar reputation for reliability, it is fuel-efficient and has plenty of room for you to stash your gear when you need to pack up at the end of the semester.
Mazda3
If you’re looking for a sharply styled and top-rated compact car for your first vehicle, you’ll want to check out the Mazda3. Cost-effective and reliable, a used Mazda3 can also help keep your insurance costs down. Used vehicles tend to incur lower monthly premiums from insurance companies, but you’ll still want to maintain a good driving record to ensure even more savings.
A used Mazda3 can range in price from $4,000 to $15,000. Its excellent pricing isn’t the only thing the Mazda3 has going for it. The excellent quality of the cabin and other features like xenon headlights really make this car stand out from the pack. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world when you slide into the Mazda3’s heated seats, too.
Toyota Prius
You won’t have to feel guilty when you take some time off from studying and go visit friends over at the University of Mary, especially when you’re driving a Toyota Prius. This vehicle is not only eco-friendly but also budget-friendly, since it provides excellent gas mileage. Depending on the generation of Toyota Prius you’re interested in buying, you could score an EPA-estimated 46 miles per gallon combined.
The Prius is also known for its smooth ride and reliability. While it is a compact car, you won’t have to worry about storage when you travel home for the holidays. The cargo area is large enough for you to fit your suitcases with ease before heading out on the road. While there is very little to tarnish the Prius’ excellent reputation, you will need to bear in mind that someday its battery pack will need to be replaced.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is not only fun to drive, it’s also a great choice if you need to get away into nature to escape from studying or for going off to see the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. In addition to looking good on the road, the Wrangler has plenty of storage space for you to pack up all your clothes and gear at the end of the semester. You can score an older Jeep Wrangler that’s in decent condition for about $2,000, or you can splurge for a newer model at about $35,000 with all the top trims available.
Honda CR-V
If you want a compact SUV that can provide you not only ample storage space but also all-wheel drive for bad weather conditions, the Honda CR-V may be the vehicle for you. You’ll feel secure no matter the weather because the CR-V has quite an impressive array of safety features, like automatic high-beam headlights and adaptive cruise control. It even comes with lane-departure warning.
Fans of the outdoors will love the CR-V, as it comes with a built-in picnic table in the cargo floor area. Even better, the area below the combo floor and table can double as a cooler since it can be drained and is watertight. The Honda CR-V is also a great car if you are looking for a long-term investment, as these vehicles tend to retain their value. It’s not shocking to see a well-maintained CR-V go on the market with an asking price of $10,000 or more.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is another excellent choice for students on a budget who want a reliable used vehicle. Not only do these sedans come with a great warranty, but they also have quite a reasonable price tag for the overall high quality. Power and strength surge through the Elantra’s engine, making it a fun car to drive, and it also has an impressive gas mileage. Additionally, newer models of the Hyundai Elantra come loaded with tech like remote keyless entry and LCD monitors. The elegant Hyundai Elantra also boasts great safety features, like lane keeping assist, a blind spot sensor, and even a back-up camera.
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All in all, you will want to consider your needs and find a car that best meets them. Of course, no matter what its primary function is going to be, you’ll need to make sure that your chosen car and the insurance for it will fit within your budget, and that the car will last as long as you need. We at Rydell Outlet Center hope this list has helped narrow down exactly what type of vehicle is the best fit for you. If you still have questions, drop us a line, call us, or stop by and see us. We look forward to helping you.
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