Consumer Road Test: The Ten Best New (and Used) Cars for College Students

It's always scary when your child finally grows up and actually takes the giant leap from living at home to living far away only to turn into a "know it all" college freshman. While those of us who have attended college know there is still a whole lot life teaches us in the always turbulent years of 18-29, young people rarely know the difference between a car that they "want" and one that they should buy. This is why giving college kids credit cards is always about as smart as loaning Lindsay Lohan cheap jewelry. It never ends well.

So while your little baby may have grown up to want a 2011 Subaru WRX STi, tell him or her that this is a car whose car insurance rates would bankrupt the family and that they can buy one for themselves after they turn 25. (Note: Auto insurance rates plummet once anyone turns 25.) But you don't want to damage your kid's fragile self-esteem by forcing them to drive Aunt Bertha's 2002 Ford Taurus off to college now do you? Pretty much any car with a front bench seat holds no appeal for young drivers.

So here is a list of ten of the best new cars for young people and why they are such wise buys. If the car is on this list it means that the current generation version and even the last generation model were both standouts so no matter what your budget there should be something here you can afford.

Some of these vehicles, however, have only been on sale for a couple of years so used prices might not yet be at their optimal level of depreciation. But none of the following models truly break the bank cost-wise when new as they have great residual value levels, rank high in safety tests and are at least relatively easy on gas.

All of these models have been personally road tested by the me so I not only base my recommendation on reputation but also on personal experience. And if your kid doesn't like anything on this list then maybe it's time to tackle "practicality training" with a semester abroad at your local Burger King drive thru window. Working fast food is a sure fire way to turn you college age driver grateful and eager to learn anything as long as it is far, far away from an industrial sized frying machine.

Honda Civic

This is the standard "first car" for millions of young Americans and deservedly so. The 2012 Honda Civic is very efficient, quick enough to keep a teenage boy engaged but not in danger and also has a terrific in car electronics control system called i-Mid that you kid will just love. Most 2012 Civic models also come with Bluetooth and USB/iPod integration as standard and realize those two features are nearly as important as a steering wheel to young drivers.

Subaru Legacy

So your kid wants a Subaru? Well, why not start him off with a nice all-wheel drive Legacy that offers very forgiving handling characteristics which even the most careless and irresponsible driver can't countermand. Yes, even in the rather powerful 6-cylinder and turbocharged variants. A Subaru Legacy is also a great choice for kids going to a Rocky Mountain state school or anywhere in the Snow Belt. 2011 Subaru Legacy sedans with the 2.5 liter flat four cylinder and CVT automatic also boast 31 mile per gallon highway averages which is impressive for a vehicle with four driven wheels.

VW Golf TDI

An average of 41 miles per gallon during a week of road-testing and one of the most sweetly satisfying 6-speed manual transmissions ensure a 2011 VW Golf TDI will keep your kid entertained all the while remaining tried and true frugal. The Golf is recommended over the 2011 Jetta as the quality of fit and finish in the new Jetta's interior was abysmal.

Mazda2

It may be only a year old but just try to buy a 2011 Mazda2 for more than $16,000. This 32 mile per gallon subcompact was a joy to drive with the standard five speed manual and even though it is by no means fast it is always fun. It may be smaller inside than a fit but four young adults will be fine.

Hyundai Elantra

Admittedly, the pre-2011 Hyundai Elantra was rough around the edges but it makes for an excellent second hand choice thanks to excellent reliability and savage depreciation. The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is a whole other beast entirely as it boasts a powerful and smooth new powertrain, loads of interior space, unique style and more available features than any other rival all the while sticking to a maximum of around $22,000. Downsides? During a week with me a 2011 Elantra only averaged a little over 20 miles per gallon.

Chevy Cruze

Currently the Cruze is enjoying a reign as the hottest selling car in the United States and deservedly so. 10 airbags are standard and the interior is so divine that you will have to check the logo to make sure you got in a Chevy. Order the optional leather seats, they are best in class. The tiny 1.4 liter liter supercharged motor may not sound impressive but it gives the Cruze plenty of power and a fuel economy average of over 30 miles per gallon in my less than delicate hands.

Mitsubishi Lancer GTS

Yes, it is an off-beat choice and you can buy one as either a traditional four door sedan or the wackily pumpkin-like five door hatch Sportback. But you can get this very entertaining "son of EVO" for a bargain price with a killer warranty all the while rocking the spoilers and ground effects found on its 300 horsepower plus big brother. The Lancer GTS makes do with 160 horsepower from a spunky MIVEC 4-cylinder that is a delight when mated to Mitsubishi's engaging manual transmission.

Acura TSX

Yes, this is for the more well to do parents of the world who want to buy their child something classy and luxurious without the social stigma of your average 3-series or Mercedes C-Class. Even a 2011 TSX is priced under $30,000 to start and all used model years have excellent reliability and safety records. It's also spunky and fun to drive even with the 4-cylinder engine. And cheaper to maintain and purchase than any 3-series new or used.

Toyota Tacoma

Is your kid dying for a truck? Then buy him a "real truck" that bounces and bucks and offers no in-dash navigation or plugs for you iPod. Trucks should only be bought by those who need and use them. And if your kid really needs a truck, the Tacoma makes an excellent affordable choice. The inventory of used models is also huge.

Honda Accord

Sure, your kid may think it is as exciting as the family minivan but there is an inherent joy to driving any Accord model over the years that keeps buyers coming back again and again. If your child is the responsible designated driver most weekends he or she may appreciate the practical virtues of Accord, of course. But no family sedan handles, steers and rides with the fluency and control of an Accord.

Sources:

Honda.com

Toyota.com

Acura.com

Chevy.com

Hyundaiusa.com

Vw.com

Mazdausa.com