Best Vehicle Options for College Students

It is no secret that college is expensive. Housing, textbooks, a computer, furnishings, food, tuition and travel expenses typically add up to at least $10,000 or more each year.

While many college students borrow funds by taking out student loans, the cost of daily life can be overwhelming.

One worry that is easy to avoid in college is the right car.

For many Universities, it is not even recommended that students have a car on campus. Parking expenses and the distance between the parking lot and the dorm are reasons enough to leave the car at home or sell it and use it as tuition money.

One recommendation that will certainly help students pay for textbooks to sell their high school vehicle and take the bus or other forms of public transportation. The disadvantages of this method is that parents will most likely not get to see their children as often, and they will be making trips on the holidays to pick their children up at school.

Also, students typically move off campus after the first two years, which consequently requires a vehicle.

So, what are the best vehicles for college students to invest in?

First, it is important to find something with great gas mileage. If the student does not know how to drive a clutch, they simply need to learn. It is a valuable skill that will likely come in handy, and it also means better gas mileage for a vehicle.

Next, it is important to look for a compact car. Something that will be able to haul a few totes worth of books and clothing, but not so large that they won't be able to park it in the parking lots is the type of car students and parents should be looking for.

Also, college students should not be afraid to buy a car with high mileage. The maintenance they will need is typically minimal, and realistically, they will probably only be driving the car for about four years.

If nothing else, the high mileage will spur the students on to strive for academic greatness and get a good job after graduation.

One recommendation for the perfect college car includes the Scion tC. This is a sporty coupe looks like a sports car, however it has roomy interior and starts at $16,720. Used Scions will obviously be a cheaper and more economical option.

Another high ranking car for a college student is the Hyundai Elantra. This economical and high fuel efficiency car is a great college car for many reasons. It is reliable, a lower price than many other cars, and is a high quality car for students.

According to Forbes.com, a 2008 survey took several factors into consideration, including crash-test, fuel-economy, safety and reliability and features. The Toyota Corolla and the Jeep Compass were also high on the list of best vehicles for college students.

The Toyota Corolla has exceptionally economic gas mileage which is great for college students who drive long distances home for the holidays. The corolla starts at $16,820 and gets 26-35 mpg. The corolla is one of the best, most trouble-free cars available.

The Jeep Compass is also a great option for students. Starting at $17,035 the Compass has excellent electronic stability control and a great sound system.

Another option for college students is the Kia Spectra. The spectra is a sedan that still looks sporty and rides comfortably. It is about $17,000 new.

The Honda Civic is another good option for students. It also has excellent fuel economy and is a reliable and sporty looking Sedan.

Each of these cars is in the $16-18,000 range. Most students do not have this kind of money, nor do their parents. This is why it is important to apply for all the scholarships you can, plan ahead, and realize that a used vehicle in college is not a bad idea.

Also, going with a less expensive used vehicle means less heartache if anything happens to the car while in school. The combined cost of insurance and car payments put more pressure on students than is really worth it.

Driving a less expensive vehicle will teach students to work towards something, and that having an expensive vehicle is not a necessity.