Seven Best Used Cars for College Students

Having a vehicle in college certainly isn’t necessary. Most campuses are small enough to walk or bike, and many larger colleges offer some sort of transportation from the dorms to the classrooms.

Of course, not every campus is laid out this way, and there may be some colleges that practically require their students to own a vehicle. In this case, you’re going to be targeting several attributes in a used car: affordability, safety, reliability, and features. Luckily, thanks to James Riswick of Edmunds.com, we have a whole list of vehicles for you to choose from!

Before you head out to look for used cars at King’s Automall, see which vehicles you should actually be targeting…

2004-2009 Mazda 3

To find the best deal on this compact car, you’re going to want to go back to the Mazda 3’s first generation. Regarded as one of the best vehicles in the class, the 2004 through 2009 models offered what Riswick described as “sharp styling, sharper driving dynamics, [and] above-average cabin quality.” Take into account that a customer could easily acquire several luxury features in their used Mazda, and you’re eyeing a powerful vehicle (with an accompanying 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine) that appeals to the college crowd.

The vehicle generally sells for about $10,000, and expect a better deal for an older model. While the Mazda 3’s 24 miles per gallon fuel efficiency (via the automatic transmission) isn’t as impressive as other compact cars, the other amenities make this nameplate a used vehicle to pursue.

2002-2006 Honda CR-V

We know that college kids like to party, and there’s no better opportunity to celebrate than at a tailgate. Students will hang out in their stadium’s parking lot all afternoon, so they’ll want the ultimate vehicle to accompany them on their journey.

That makes the 2002 through 2006 Honda CR-V an excellent choice. The vehicle isn’t only a good investment (Riswick notes that 10-year-old models can still sell for more than $10,000), but it offers everything a college student could possibly want. That includes a cargo floor that can transform into a picnic table, giving you a perfect place to keep your food and drinks. Plus, the accompanying built-in bin is watertight and drainable, so you can use that compartment as an area to store your food.

Negatives? There aren’t many. As we mentioned, it may cost a bit more money to secure a used CR-V, as the compact SUVs retain their vehicle (this can be a positive if you’re looking to eventually resell that vehicle). Furthermore, the vehicle doesn’t offer any MP3 connectivity, so you’ll have to bring along external speakers for that tailgate.

2005-2010 Scion tC

A coupe may not necessarily come to mind when you’re shopping for a used car for a college student. However, the Scion tC offers everything you could possibly want. There’s a surprising amount of cargo room, and the interior provides the driver and passenger will a solid amount of legroom.

As the writer notes, there were really only two factory options for the tC during these respective years, the transmission and color choice, meaning the majority of these first generation Scion’s will be mostly identical. The vehicle typically runs for $10,000 on the used market. Riswick notes that you could alternatively pursue the second generation tC, which offers a lot more in regards to amenities. Still, considering the affordable price of the first-generation Scion, it’s clear that that’s the right route.

2004-2008 Acura TSX

College kids often want the best of everything, and it’s difficult for them to settle for anything less. Unfortunately, their limited budget often determines what kind of vehicle they can ultimately pursue. On the flip side, the Acura TSX offers all of those desired amenities without the ridiculous price tag.

The Acura TSX offered a number of luxury features, like heated leather seats, a navigation system, and touchscreen controls. With the vehicle coming in at $11,000, you’ll be paying significantly less than you would have for a similarly-equipped luxury vehicle. Furthermore, you may be able to secure some of these features for no extra charges.

Of course, it’s not all about these add-ons. The vehicle delivers excellent fuel economy specs, meaning that college driver won’t be eyeing an extraordinary cost of ownership. The four-cylinder engine offers solid power specs, the vehicle received excellent safety scores, and the reputation has consistently been commended. There’s really no better choice available.

2005-2009 Ford Mustang

Riswick is pretty clear about his stance on the Ford Mustang. It may not necessarily be the best option for a college driver, but considering all the vehicle has to offer (and the affordable price range), it still makes a lot of sense to pursue the car.

The writer suggests targeting the 2005 through 2009 model years of the sports car, vehicles that were typically known for their interior design and solid V6 engine. The vehicle also offers solid drivability, a roomy interior, and excellent reliability. Plus, you’ll be driving in one of the most iconic vehicles on the road, assuring that you’ll be turning heads all over campus.

Each Mustang is exclusively equipped with its own features and capabilities, meaning the price of the sports car is generally inconsistent. You may see a 2005-2009 model selling anywhere from $7,000 to $30,000. If you’re going to pursue any particular features, Riswick points to the side airbags (available since 2008) and an auxiliary jack (optional since 2007).

2006-2009 Toyota Prius

The Prius could also make you the talk of the campus, as the green car will certainly appeal to the “eco-minded members of the student body,” as Riswick so eloquently pointed out.

Besides the notability of the vehicle, there are several other reasons why the Prius is an excellent choice for a college driver. The vehicle delivers a 46 mile per gallon combined fuel efficiency, making it an affordable vehicle to maintain. Furthermore, the vehicle has proven to be reliable, and there’s a good chance that the previous owner took advantage of Toyota’s eighty-year/100,000-mile warranty, so you shouldn’t find too many faulty parts.

For around $12,000, the 2006-2009 Toyota Prius is a more financially feasible option than the next generation, which offered improved economy and more amenities.

2010-2013 Kia Soul

The Soul certainly isn’t for everybody, but the subcompact car includes everything a college driver could possibly want. The vehicle includes a number of technological features, like satellite radio and an auxiliary audio input. The vehicle is also expected to last for some time, as the Soul’s known for its reliability, especially the powertrain.

Fuel economy is just okay, but you’ll be able to tolerate that spec considering the estimated $13,000 used price tag. If you’re going to dish out a bit of extra cash for the Soul, Riswick suggests adding four-wheel disc brakes, keyless entry capabilities, or alloy wheels.

As you’ve read, there are several logical options for a college driver. All of the previously mentioned vehicles are affordable, offer a relatively low cost of ownership, and include all of the amenities and features a college student could possibly want. If your child has been complaining about the commute to college, it may be in your best interest to check out any of these vehicles.