Best College Cars for 2024

College life is full of excitement and adventure, but it can also be stressful and challenging. One of the biggest challenges for college students is transportation. Getting around campus and the surrounding area can be difficult, especially if you don’t have a car. Fortunately, there are many great cars on the market that are perfect for college students.

When it comes to choosing the best college car, there are several important factors to consider. First and foremost, the car should be affordable. College students are often on a tight budget, so it’s important to find a car that won’t break the bank. In addition, the car should be reliable and fuel-efficient. You don’t want to be stuck with a car that is constantly breaking down or guzzling gas.

Another important factor to consider is the size of the car. You want a car that is small enough to navigate tight campus parking lots and city streets, but big enough to fit all of your belongings when it’s time to move in and out of your dorm room. Finally, the car should be stylish and fun to drive. After all, college is a time for exploration and adventure, and your car should reflect that.

We spent hours researching and testing the best college cars on the market to help you find the perfect vehicle for your needs. Our top picks are affordable, reliable, and stylish, making them the perfect choice for any college student.

Best Cars for College Students

As college students, having a reliable and affordable car is essential for getting to class, work, and other activities. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best cars for college students. Our team has done extensive research and testing to bring you the top picks based on factors such as affordability, fuel efficiency, safety, and overall value. Whether you’re a commuter or just need a reliable ride to get around town, our list has got you covered.

Automotive Engines: Diagnosis, Repair, and Rebuilding

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to automotive engines, the Automotive Engines: Diagnosis, Repair, and Rebuilding book is a great option.

Pros

• The book contains 672 pages of detailed information on engine diagnosis, repair, and rebuilding.
• The eighth edition was published in January 2018, making it an up-to-date resource.
• The book is written in easy-to-understand language, making it accessible to college students with varying levels of automotive knowledge.

Cons

• At 3.6 pounds, the book is quite heavy, making it less portable than other college textbooks.
• Some readers may find the book to be too technical or detailed for their needs.
• The paperback format may not hold up as well as a hardcover book over time.

We found the Automotive Engines: Diagnosis, Repair, and Rebuilding book to be an invaluable resource for anyone studying automotive technology. The book covers a wide range of topics, from engine diagnosis to rebuilding, and is written in a way that is easy to understand.

One of the best things about this book is that it is up-to-date, with the eighth edition having been published in 2018. This means that the information contained in the book is relevant and accurate.

However, the book is quite heavy, making it less portable than other college textbooks. Additionally, some readers may find the level of detail to be overwhelming, while others may find it to be too technical for their needs. Overall, we believe that the Automotive Engines: Diagnosis, Repair, and Rebuilding book is a great resource for anyone studying automotive technology.

Ohio State University Buckeyes “Chrome Plated Premium Metal Emblem” NCAA College Car Truck Motorcycle Logo

If you’re a fan of the Ohio State University Buckeyes, this chrome-plated metal emblem is a great way to show your support. It’s easy to attach and remove, and it’s made to last through extreme weather and car washes. Overall, we recommend this emblem for any Buckeyes fan looking to add some team spirit to their vehicle.

Pros

• The emblem is made of solid metal and is chrome plated, giving it a high-quality look and feel.
• It’s paint-safe and won’t damage your car’s surface when removed.
• The emblem is UV protected and can withstand extreme weather and car washes.

Cons

• The emblem is relatively large (3.25″ x 2.75″ x .125″), so it may not be suitable for all vehicles.
• Some customers have reported that the chrome finish has worn away over time.
• The emblem is specific to Ohio State University, so it may not be suitable for fans of other college teams.

We were impressed with the quality of this emblem. It’s made of solid metal and has a chrome finish that looks great on any vehicle. The emblem is easy to attach and remove, and it won’t damage your car’s surface. We also appreciate that it’s UV protected and can withstand extreme weather and car washes.

However, the emblem is relatively large, so it may not be suitable for all vehicles. Some customers have also reported that the chrome finish has worn away over time, although this doesn’t seem to be a common issue. Additionally, the emblem is specific to Ohio State University, so it may not be suitable for fans of other college teams.

Overall, we think this emblem is a great choice for any Ohio State University Buckeyes fan looking to show their team spirit on the road. It’s high-quality, easy to use, and built to last.

Desert Cactus Providence College Friars Name Logo Vinyl Decal Laptop Water Bottle Car Scrapbook (15 Inch Sticker)

If you’re looking to show off your Providence College Friars pride, this vinyl decal is a great way to do it. It’s made in the USA with high-quality outdoor-grade vinyl and features vibrant colors that won’t fade. It’s also easy to apply and can be used on a variety of surfaces.

Pros

• The decal is made with high-quality outdoor-grade vinyl, ensuring that the colors won’t fade over time.
• It’s easy to apply and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including laptops, water bottles, and cars.
• The decal is an officially licensed product, so you can be sure that the design has been approved by the college.

Cons

• The decal is single-use, so if you want to remove it, you’ll need to purchase a new one.
• The decal is only available in one size (15 inches), so it may not be suitable for all applications.
• Some customers have reported that the decal can peel off easily, especially if it’s exposed to the elements.

We recently purchased this decal for our car and were impressed with the quality of the vinyl. The colors were vibrant and didn’t fade, even after being exposed to sunlight and rain. We also appreciated how easy it was to apply the decal – we simply cleaned the surface, applied the decal, and smoothed out any air bubbles. It adhered well and hasn’t peeled off yet.

However, we did notice that the decal can be a bit finicky to apply – if you don’t get it positioned just right, it can be difficult to adjust. We also found that the decal can be prone to peeling off, especially if it’s exposed to the elements (like rain or snow). Overall, though, we think this is a great way to show off your Providence College Friars pride and would recommend it to others.

Rico Industries NCAA Unisex-Adult Die Cut Team Magnet Set Sheet Boston College Eagles 8.5 x 11-” Team Color

If you’re a Boston College Eagles fan, then the Rico Industries NCAA Unisex-Adult Die Cut Team Magnet Set Sheet is a must-have. It’s a great way to showcase your team allegiance and is made from magnetic material that can be used on most metal surfaces.

Pros

• The set includes 3 die-cut magnets, so you can display your team pride in multiple locations.
• The magnets are decorated with bold team graphics that are sure to catch the eye of passersby.
• The magnetic material used is perfect for molding to car shapes, while maintaining their bright, colorful colors.

Cons

• The magnets can be difficult to remove from their die-cut, so be careful when peeling them out.
• They rip easily when you take them out, so you’ll want to handle them with care.
• The magnets are simple quality and not the most durable.

We recently got our hands on this magnet set, and we’re impressed with the quality of the graphics. The team logos and wordmarks are bold and vibrant, making them stand out on any metal surface. We love that the set includes three magnets, so you can display your team pride on multiple surfaces.

While the magnets are easy to move from one place to another, we did find them a bit difficult to remove from their die-cut. It’s almost like the die cut doesn’t cut all the way through, causing them to tear. However, once you get them out, they stick well to any metal surface.

Overall, we think the Rico Industries NCAA Unisex-Adult Die Cut Team Magnet Set Sheet is a great way to show your support for the Boston College Eagles. It’s officially licensed, made in the USA, and a fantastic gift for any Eagles fan.

BMW 3-Series (06-14) Haynes Repair Manual (USA) (Paperback)

If you own a BMW 3-Series and are looking for a repair manual, this Haynes Repair Manual is a great investment.

Pros

• Easy to read and understand
• Detailed diagrams to make repairs easier
• Covers a range of models from 2006 to 2014

Cons

• Some details may be slightly inaccurate
• Only basic information, may need additional resources for more complex repairs
• Photos only show earlier models, not 2014 models

We found this repair manual to be a helpful resource for basic repairs on our BMW 3-Series. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the diagrams make it easier to understand the repairs.

One of the best things about this manual is that it covers a range of models from 2006 to 2014, so it’s a great investment if you plan on keeping your BMW for a while.

However, we did notice that some of the details were slightly inaccurate, so it’s important to double-check everything before making any repairs. Additionally, this manual only provides basic information, so you may need additional resources for more complex repairs.

Overall, we think this Haynes Repair Manual is a great investment for anyone who owns a BMW 3-Series and wants to do some basic repairs themselves.

It’s Not Common Cent$: A 30-Day Personal Finance Crash Course for College Students and Young Adults

If you are a college student or young adult looking to manage your finances better, then It’s Not Common Cent$ is a great book to read. It provides a comprehensive 30-day action plan that guides readers through general information on money management and the various approaches to it.

Pros

• Provides a 30-day action plan to manage finances better.
• Written in an engaging and humorous way to keep readers interested.
• Offers a lot of resources both from the author and outside sources.

Cons

• The advice is basic and may not be helpful for those who already know the basics of money management.
• Some of the advice may be specific to the UK or USA.
• The book is only available in paperback.

The book is written in an engaging and humorous way, making it easy to read and understand. It covers a lot of topics that are important for college students and young adults, such as budgeting, credit cards, and debt management. The 30-day action plan is a great feature that provides readers with a step-by-step guide to managing their finances better.

One of the downsides of the book is that some of the advice may be basic and not helpful for those who already know the basics of money management. Additionally, some of the advice may be specific to the UK or USA, which may not be applicable to readers from other countries. Finally, the book is only available in paperback, which may not be convenient for some readers.

Overall, It’s Not Common Cent$ is a great book for college students and young adults who are looking to manage their finances better. It provides a lot of useful information and resources in an engaging and humorous way.

College of Charleston Cougars Logo Automotive Car Window Locker Circle Bumper Sticker

If you’re a die-hard fan of the College of Charleston Cougars, then this automotive sticker is a must-have. It’s easy to apply, durable, and perfect for showing off your team spirit on your car, boat, laptop, or tablet.

Pros

• Easy to apply
• Durable vinyl material
• Suitable for smooth surfaces

Cons

• Single-use sticker
• Only one size available
• Limited to College of Charleston fans

The College of Charleston Cougars Logo Automotive Car Window Locker Circle Bumper Sticker is made from premium quality bubble-free application vinyl coated with glossy laminate film. This ensures that the sticker is long-lasting and resistant to UV rays and water, preventing any fading indoors or out.

The sticker is an officially licensed product, printed in the USA, and features the College of Charleston Cougars logo. It’s a great party favor, goodie bag filler, or teacher reward for kids and adults alike.

Overall, if you’re a fan of the College of Charleston Cougars and want to show off your team spirit, this sticker is a great choice. It’s easy to apply, durable, and perfect for smooth surfaces. However, keep in mind that it’s a single-use sticker and only available in one size.

Be Smart Get Prepared 110 pc First Aid Kit

If you’re looking for a comprehensive first aid kit that meets the United States FDA Regulatory Standards, the Be Smart Get Prepared 110 pc First Aid Kit is a great option for you.

Pros

• The kit includes 100 pieces of comprehensive first aid treatment products, making it ideal for most businesses and perfect for family use at home or travel.
• The fully organized interior compartments provide quick access to the items you need, and the rugged, sturdy, high-density plastic case is impact-resistant.
• The compact size case measures 7.5in x 2.5in x 6.8in, is portable, and can easily fit anywhere.

Cons

• Some customers felt that they needed to buy more supplies to add to the kit.
• The kit is not a professional trauma kit and is only suitable for minor cuts and scrapes.
• The adhesive bandages may not stick as well as other brands.

We recently purchased the Be Smart Get Prepared 110 pc First Aid Kit for our family’s camping trip, and it proved to be a valuable addition to our gear. The kit includes everything you need to clean, treat, and protect minor cuts and scrapes. We appreciated the fully organized interior compartments, which made it easy to find what we needed quickly. The compact size case was also a plus, as it didn’t take up much space in our gear bag.

One thing to note is that some customers felt that they needed to buy more supplies to add to the kit. While we didn’t experience this issue, it’s something to keep in mind if you have specific items you want to include. Additionally, the kit is not a professional trauma kit and is only suitable for minor cuts and scrapes. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive kit, you may want to consider other options.

Overall, we think the Be Smart Get Prepared 110 pc First Aid Kit is an excellent choice for families, travelers, and businesses. It’s comprehensive, well-organized, and compact, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a car for college, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best value for your money. Here are some factors to keep in mind before making a purchase:

Budget

Before you start looking for a car, it’s important to determine your budget. Consider not just the cost of the car, but also ongoing expenses such as insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Make sure you can comfortably afford all the costs associated with owning a car before making a purchase.

Size and Space

Consider the size and space of the car you want to buy. Do you need a car that can accommodate multiple passengers or just yourself? Do you need a car with ample trunk space for hauling items? Make sure the car you choose fits your needs.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider when buying a car for college. A car that gets good gas mileage will save you money in the long run. Look for cars with high MPG ratings and consider hybrid or electric options if you want to save even more on fuel costs.

Safety Features

Safety should be a top priority when choosing a car for college. Look for cars with advanced safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. Consider cars with high safety ratings from organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Technology

Consider the technology features of the car you want to buy. Do you need Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music streaming? Are you interested in a backup camera or parking sensors? Look for cars with the technology features you need to make your driving experience more convenient and enjoyable.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best car for your college needs. Remember to stay within your budget and prioritize safety and fuel efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top affordable cars for college students?

As college students, we understand the importance of finding a reliable and affordable car. Some of the top affordable cars for college students include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, and Hyundai Elantra. These cars have a good reputation for being reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable.

What are the best used cars for a college student’s budget?

Buying a used car can be a great option for college students on a budget. Some of the best used cars for a college student’s budget include the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Ford Focus, and Kia Soul. These cars are known for their affordability, reliability, and fuel efficiency.

What makes a car safe and suitable for college students?

Safety is a top priority when it comes to choosing a car for college students. A safe car for college students should have a good crash test rating, advanced safety features, and good visibility. Additionally, a suitable car for college students should be fuel-efficient, affordable, and reliable.

What are the most reliable first cars for students?

Reliability is key when it comes to choosing a first car for college students. Some of the most reliable first cars for students include the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda3, and Hyundai Elantra. These cars have a good reputation for being reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable.

How can a college student find a dependable car under $5,000?

Finding a dependable car under $5,000 can be a challenge, but it is possible. Some tips for finding a dependable car include researching the car’s history, having a mechanic inspect the car, and looking for cars with low mileage. Additionally, considering buying from a private seller can often lead to finding a better deal.

Are there specific car programs or discounts available for college students?

Yes, there are specific car programs and discounts available for college students. Some car manufacturers offer discounts for college students, recent graduates, and members of the military. Additionally, some banks and credit unions offer special financing options for college students. It is important to research these options and compare them to find the best deal.