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Balancing the demands of school, work and a social life is hard enough without worrying about transportation.
Engine size and fuel mileage are not all that important.
You are likely living in anapartment, dorm or frat house.
So keeping your car shiny and clean is not easy, and for who?
Others are there to learn, not check out the sweet rides in the parking lot.
The models below are proven to have the reliability and affordability thatcollege students need while not breaking their budget.
Many older Civics can easily surpass 200,000 miles with proper care.
This makes them anexcellent long-term investmentfor students.
When it comes to used cars for college students, reliability and affordability are vital, Pyle said.
These vehicles are known for their longevity, low maintenance costs and fuel efficiency.
Another advantage of the Honda Civic is its simplicity.
This car is easy to drive, park and maintain.
The interior is surprisingly spacious for a compact car.
This gives students room for backpacks, groceries and the occasional furniture haul.
Students can usually find a well-maintained Civic within their budget.
However, popular demand can sometimes drive up prices for certain model years.
Toyota Corolla
Toyotas reputation for building long-lasting vehicles holds true with the Corolla.
This compact car is a staple in the used car market.
Its prized for its reliability and low operating costs.
Many Corollas can easily reach 300,000 miles or more with regular maintenance.
One downside some students might notice is the Corollas somewhat bland styling.
Its not themost exciting carto look at or drive.
But for those prioritizing practicality over flashiness, the Corolla delivers.
Mazda3
The Mazda3 is often praised for its fun and engaging driving experience.
This can make it an appealing choice for students who enjoy driving but still need practicality.
Reliability is a strong point for the Mazda3.
While not quite reaching Toyota or Honda levels, it still ranks above average in dependability ratings.
Many can easily surpass 200,000 miles with proper care.
This makes them agood long-term investmentfor students.
Fuel efficiency in the Mazda3 is competitive.
It wont break any records.
But it still offers good mileage that can help students save at the pump.
The interior of the Mazda3 often feels more upscale than its price point suggests.
This can give budget-conscious students a touch of luxury without the high cost.
One potential drawbackis that older Mazda3 models may be more prone to rust in areas with harsh winters.
Students in these regions should pay extra attention to the cars undercarriage during prepurchase inspections.
Additionally, some drivers find the rear seats inolder Mazda3 hatchbacksto be a bit cramped.
This could be an issue for taller passengers on longer trips.
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is the only SUV option on this list.
You are likely going to be moving some small furniture back and forth from home to school.
The Escape can provide years of solid service with proper maintenance.
This is particularly important if youre driving long distances or frequently on the highway.
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