What are the best cars for college students?
These cars in recent model years may make some of the safest used cars for college students: the Acura Integra, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Toyota Camry and Corolla, and Subaru Outback. These models have consistently made IIHS-HLDI's Top Safety Picks for small and midsize cars in the past few years. Whether you're commuting or living on campus, consider your current and future transportation needs. Before you buy, find out if your school has any policies against student cars.
What are the characteristics of great cars for college students?
The best cars for college students combine affordability, reliability, and safety. Consider these factors when choosing the right option for your college driving needs.
Finding the most affordable and safest cars for college students
Affordability
You can typically knock a few thousand dollars off your car price if you buy a used car in good condition instead of buying a new car. Consider if you'll be getting any financial help when making your purchase, and if you can get any student discounts.
Fuel economy
Gas costs can vary significantly over time, depending on oil prices and other economic factors. Selecting a car with good fuel efficiency and good gas mileage can help you keep the overall cost of owning a vehicle down.
Safety
Selecting a vehicle with safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, stability control, and a backup camera can help keep you safe on the road. Younger drivers are more likely than experienced drivers to be involved in an accident (that's why car insurance rates tend to go down as young drivers age). So car safety ratings are crucial when considering the best cars for college students. Check out crash test ratings and vehicle safety records from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
College student commuting and parking
Parking at colleges can vary from ample on-campus options for all students to limited or no parking. Beyond figuring out where to park, think about if you need a car to get to and from an off-campus residence or a car that's good for road trips back home.
Parking
Will you be parking your car in a lot or garage, or on the street? If you go to school in an urban area where street parking is your only alternative, buying a truck or SUV may not be your best bet. You might consider buying a small SUV or sedan. Remember to find out how the permit process works at your college or university. Without one, you might not be able to park your car on campus.
Cargo space
If you live on campus, you need enough space to take your belongings back and forth between your home and dorm room or apartment a few times a year.
Insurance considerations
Your car might be the most valuable thing you own, or near the top of the list. When buying a car as a college student, remember that car insurance can protect you from financial risk. Plus, car insurance is required in nearly every state.
One of the factors car insurance companies use to determine your car insurance rate is the make and model of the vehicle you drive. Some cars cost more to insure than others based on their repair costs and other factors, especially if you carry comprehensive auto coverage and collision auto coverage. Since insurance can be a significant expense when buying a car, consider the cheapest cars to insure, and learn more about car insurance for college students.
Pro tip:
Make sure your insurer knowns you're headed to college. As a college student, you may qualify for student car insurance discounts, like a good student discount or distant student discount.
Car considerations for post-college plans
If you don't want the added expense of buying another car when you graduate, it's worth thinking beyond college. When considering good cars for college students, think about the type of vehicle you might need once you leave campus permanently, and choose one that not only meets your needs now but will continue to meet them in the future.
Do college students get discounts on cars?
Yes, college students can get discounts on cars, depending on the car brand and dealer. Ask around while you're shopping for a car to find out what discounts might be available specifically for college students.
Your biggest car price factors will likely be the specific make and model you go with, and whether you buy a used vs. a new car. Make sure any discounts you're counting on will apply to the car you want, and check out our online car shopping services to compare prices from certified dealers.
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