Affordable and Reliable: 9 Best Cars for College Students

In this article, we’ll explore essential factors in choosing the right car for college students and then offer a detailed list of the best-used cars for college students. Let’s dive in and discover these most affordable and reliable used cars. 

How to Afford a Car as a College Student?

Affording a car as a college student might feel challenging, but with a bit of planning, it’s definitely within reach. Buying a reliable and affordable used car can make a big difference in keeping costs manageable, and looking into student-friendly loans or local credit unions can open up affordable financing options. Let’s discuss essential factors in choosing the right car for college students below.

What are the Essential Factors in Choosing the Right Car for College Students?

For college students​, choosing the right car comes with its own challenges, from affordability and reliability to practicality and safety. With limited budgets and specific needs, college students must consider some important factors. Here are essential factors to consider before buying a car as a college student:

• Affordability: Most college students have tight budgets, so the first step is to set a realistic price range. Many dealerships offer a wide range of used cars under $20,000, with some even priced below $10,000. However, reliability is the second most important factor.
• Reliability: A reliable used car means fewer costly repairs, which is critical for college students with limited funds. Avoiding used car models with known issues or high-cost parts is important.
• Compact and Practical Size: Smaller vehicles like sedans, hatchbacks, and subcompact SUVs are often ideal for college students. They are easier to park, more fuel-efficient, and provide sufficient cargo space for day-to-day use, even if college students move around frequently. For those who need a bit more room, a crossover can offer versatility without the bulk of a full-size SUV.
• Fuel Efficiency: College students often have limited transportation budgets, so a used car that can get at least an average of 30 MPG can save significantly on fuel costs. This is especially useful if a college student plans to drive home frequently or travel around campus.
• Low Insurance Costs: Insurance premiums can be a large expense for college students. Typically, used cars like sedans and smaller hatchbacks cost less than new larger SUVs.
• Low Maintenance and Repair Costs: For a college student with a limited budget, it is crucial to avoid used cars with known expensive maintenance and spare parts.
• Modern Tech Features for Connectivity: Most college students want easy access to their favorite music, navigation, and hands-free calling. Bluetooth connectivity, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reduces the need to touch a phone while driving, keeping the driver focused on the road.
• Resale Value: Even if you are a college student, you need to consider reliable used cars that hold their value well. This can make it easier to trade or sell the vehicle when it’s time for an upgrade, putting more money back into your pocket. 

What is a Good Car for a College Student?

When considering the above-mentioned factors, a good car for a college student is a used car. Here are some of the best-used cars under $15,000 for college students:

2015 Ford Focus

• Body style: Compact sedan
• Engine specs: 2.0L I4 engine delivering 160 horsepower and 146 Ib-ft of torque
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
• Fuel efficiency: 26 MPG city / 36 MPG highway
• Interior design: Spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five, available SYNC infotainment with Bluetooth connectivity
• Exterior design: Sleek, aerodynamic profile with a distinctive front grille, available in various vibrant colors reflecting its sporty look
• Price: Approximately $10,000-$13,000, depending on mileage and condition

2016  Mazda CX-3

• Body style: Subcompact crossover SUV
• Engine specs: 2.0L I4 engine with 146 horsepower and 146 Ib-ft of torque
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (AWD optional)
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission
• Fuel efficiency: 29 MPG city / 34 MPG highway
• Interior design: High-quality materials with a minimalist design aesthetic, standard 7-inch touchscreen with Mazda Connect infotainment, and cargo space of 12.4 cubic feet, expandable with rear seats down 
• Exterior design: Stylish and aggressive front fascia with LED headlights, sporty and compact profile, easy to maneuver in urban environments
• Price: Approximately $12,000-$14,000, depending on mileage and condition

2015 Volkswagen Golf

• Body style: Compact hatchback
• Engine specs: 1.8L turbocharged I4 engine with 170 horsepower and 199 Ib-ft of torque 
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission
• Fuel efficiency: 25 MPG city / 36 MPG highway
• Interior design: A 6.5-inch touchscreen information system with available navigation and ample cargo space of 22.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats
• Exterior design: Classic hatchback silhouette with refined lines and available in various colors with optional sporty features
• Price: Approximately $12,000-$14,500, depending on mileage and condition

2015 Honda Fit

• Body style: Subcompact hatchback 
• Engine specs: 1.5L I4 engine with 130 horsepower and 114 Ib-ft of torque
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or optional 6-speed manual
• Fuel efficiency: 29 MPG city / 37 MPG highway
• Interior design: 7-inch touchscreen information system available and ample rear-seat legroom, making it comfortable for taller passengers
• Exterior design: Compact dimensions with a sporty stance and bold front end and aerodynamic design for improved fuel economy
• Price: Approximately $12,000-$14,000, depending on mileage and condition

2017 Kia Soul

• Body style: Compact hatchback 
• Engine specs: 2.0L I4 engine with 147 horsepower and 132 Ib-ft of torque
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed transmission
• Fuel efficiency: 24 MPG city / 30 MPG highway
• Interior design: Available 8-inch touchscreen with UVO infotainment system and up to 61.3 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded
• Exterior design: Iconic boxy design with a distinctive personality and available in eye-catching colors and two-tone options
• Price: Approximately $13,000-$15,000, depending on mileage and condition

2016 Subaru Crosstrek

• Body style: Subcompact SUV 
• Engine specs: 2.0L I4 engine with 148 horsepower and 145 Ib-ft of torque
• Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
• Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission or CVT
• Fuel efficiency: 26 MPG city / 33 MPG highway
• Interior design: Standard touchscreen display with Starlink infotainment system and 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable with rear seats folded
• Exterior design: Rugged design with higher ground clearance and bold wheel arches and available in various colors, including distinctive hues for an adventurous look
• Price: Approximately $14,000-$15,000, depending on mileage and condition

2016 Kia Forte

• Body style: Compact sedan
• Engine specs: 2.0L I4 engine with 145 horsepower and 130 Ib-ft of torque
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission
• Fuel efficiency: 26 MPG city / 39 MPG highway
• Interior design: Available 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Exterior design: Modern styling with a bold front grille and streamlined body and sporty appearance with available features like alloy wheels
• Price: Approximately $12,000-$14,000, depending on mileage and condition

2015 Chevrolet Trax

• Body style: Subcompact SUV
• Engine specs: 1.4L turbocharged I4 engine with 138 horsepower and 148 Ib-ft of torque
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (AWD optional)
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission
• Fuel efficiency: 26 MPG city / 34 MPG highway
• Interior design: Available 7-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet MyLink infotainment and cargo space of 18.7 cubic feet, expendable with rear seats folded
• Exterior design: Compact and practical with a stylish front fascia and sharp lines and available in a range of colors with options for roof rails
• Price: Approximately $12,000-$14,000, depending on mileage and condition

2015 Jeep Compass

• Body style: Compact SUV
• Engine specs: 2.0L I4 engine with 158 horsepower and 141 Ib-ft of torque and (optional) 2.4L I4 with 172 horsepower
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (AWD optional)
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission
• Fuel efficiency: 21 MPG city / 27 MPG highway
• Interior design: 6.5-inch touchscreen with the available navigation system and cargo space of 22.7 cubic feet, expendable for larger items
• Exterior design: Classic Jeep design with rugged styling and iconic grille, and available in various trims with off-road capabilities
• Price: Approximately $12,000-$14,000, depending on mileage and condition

As you can see, these best used cars combine reliability, functionality, and affordability, which make them ideal choices for college students looking for dependable cars. No matter which used car you decide to purchase, remember it’s essential to have it thoroughly inspected and maintained so that you can use it for many years without facing any serious problems.

However, if you want to take your used car to the next level, you can upgrade it with some effective aftermarket parts. One of the most practical and reliable aftermarket parts is the throttle response controller. Just keep reading to learn the best throttle response controller on the market!

How to Unlock the Full Potential of Used Cars with Pedal Commander?

When you buy a used car, it comes with a history, character, and often a few quirks. But no matter how well your used car is aged or how many miles it’s covered, you might feel it’s missing that punch in acceleration or smooth response it once had when it first left the dealer lot.  That’s where Pedal Commander steps in, transforming your used car’s driving dynamics in ways that can make it feel like an entirely new ride.

As the most versatile and practical throttle response controller, Pedal Commander is designed to eliminate the throttle lag from your accelerator pedal, offering a more responsive and comfortable ride. Here is how you can unlock your used car’s full potential with Pedal Commander:

• Instant Throttle Response: Pedal Commander makes your used car feel fresher and more responsive by eliminating throttle lag from your accelerator pedal.
• Practical Installation: Pedal Commander boasts an effortless plug-and-play setup in minutes without needing technical expertise or specialized tools.
• Customizable Driving Settings: Pedal Commander allows you to fine-tune your vehicle's response to match your preferred driving style with its four fully customizable modes: ECO, CITY, SPORT, and SPORT+.
• User-Friendly Interface: The Pedal Commander App with advanced Bluetooth connectivity enables you to quickly switch between the driving modes from your smartphone. 
• Fuel Efficiency: Pedal Commander Eco mode reduces throttle sensitivity for better fuel economy during long road trips or stop-and-go traffic, perfect for daily road use.
• Versatile Compatibility: Pedal Commander is designed to seamlessly integrate with a wide array of vehicles, providing an exceptional driving upgrade.
• Reliable Performance Upgrade: Pedal Commander comes with a two-year product warranty if you can provide a copy of your receipt and purchase it through an authorized seller.

So, if you want to take your vehicle to the next level, click here to order yours now!

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