Having a car in college is extremely convenient. It is all about the freedom and flexibility that come with a personal vehicle. If you want to find the best car on a budget, this guide is exactly what you need.

Research is King

Researching various options and deals is the key to saving money on a car. So the first step is to accept that it might take some time to learn what exactly you need to look for. It is the same as choosing a trusted paper writing services – you want to get the best. In such a situation, you can always count on Paperwriter to save the day. Also, it is a great learning opportunity as you get to collaborate with experts. Researching all available options is the best way to make sure you invest your money in the right place.

Evaluate the Budget

The next step is to set the budget for the car. Everyone has different financial opportunities. But even if you are on a very strict budget, it is possible to find a good offer. Besides the car itself, students need to evaluate how much it will cost them in maintenance, including:

• Fuel;
• Registration;
• Insurance;
• Parking;
• Potential repairs;
• Washing;
• Changing tires, etc.

The model you’ll choose impacts those factors directly. For example, one model might be a bit more expensive to buy, but it will use significantly less fuel. So it is more budget-friendly in the long run.

Write a Checklist

There are crucial features a student car should have. And there are optional ones you might want based on your interests and finances.

The crucial ones are:

• Fuel usage and economy;
• Safety measures;
• Accident history (for used vehicles);
• Size and maneuverability.

As most college campuses are located in urban areas, compact vehicles are better. They are easier to park and fit even on narrow streets. However, if you plan on driving across the country, it might make sense to buy a bulkier but more durable model.

In terms of optional features, students might look into hands-free controls, parking aid, computer system, heated seat, etc.

When deciding on a vehicle, consider your lifestyle and the things you’ll use it for. Maybe you’ll need more trunk space. Or maybe you want to fit all your college friends in to go on a summer break.

New or Used

A lot of times, students buy used cars because they are much more affordable. And there is nothing wrong with that. There are plenty of wonderful options and safe vehicles to choose from. Whether to buy a new one or a used one is a personal decision.

New ones do not have an accident history. They also comply with all the latest safety regulations. They tend to require less maintenance. And city cars and mini models are quite efficient when it comes to fuel.

Used vehicles are cheaper to buy, even if they are only a couple of years old. However, you’ll need to be cautious about possible accident history and the actual state of the car. If it is in poor shape, you risk spending all the saved money on maintenance and repairs. Pay attention to mileage and safety features.

Top Cars for Students

Here are some of the optimal vehicles to consider when shopping for a car in college.

Volkswagen Polo

It is reliable, comfortable, and has a decent amount of space. It is compact and durable, which makes it perfect for city landscapes.

Ford Fiesta

This is one of the best superminis out there. So if you have a chance to buy it, consider that it is economical in fuel usage while offering great performance. It comes with an infotainment system and fits in big and small cities.

Toyota Aygo Hatchback

It is a great car with a stylish design. It is compact, ergonomic, and comfortable to drive. But it doesn’t have too much trunk space.

Renault Clio

It is quite spacious for a rather small car. It comes with nice interior finishes. The infotainment system is pretty neat as well. It also has 5 starts from Euro NCAP for safety.

Skoda Fabia

It is a rather new model, which means the newest safety tools and measures. Also, it is very comfortable and has a decent trunk space.

Tips on Buying a Car on a Budget

After you’ve settled on your shortlist of the best potential vehicles, it is useful to try several measures to reduce expenses. The opportunities may vary based on the specific place and model you are aiming for. But it is good to keep in mind the best dissertation writing services with affordable deals at the same time.

To save money, students can:

• Improve their credit score first to get lower interest rates and monthly fees;
• Consider getting a cosigner for a loan as it opens more options and lower interest rates;
• Buy it in winter – usually, the major sales happen during spring and summer. This means that sellers are more likely to give you are deal in winter when the demand is lower;
• Go for basic features when buying a new car and skip on luxury additions;
• Look for discounts and deals for students specifically;
• Always compare prices in several dealerships and marketplaces to find the best.

But when saving money, remember not to cut costs on the safety and security of the vehicle.

In Summary

There are plenty of excellent student-friendly cars to choose from. However, the model and type of vehicle depend on your budget and interests. Take your time researching, write a list of crucial features, consider the budget, and shop around.