The College Students’ Guide to Car Buying

By Hollis Mclain III

From the day students step on campus, they are forced to make tough decisions while barely being an adult. Specifically, they have to choose what to do for the rest of their lives. That’s a lot to put on the shoulders of a teenager. Luckily, not all college decisions affect you that long, for example, purchasing a car. Although it may not be the toughest decision students have to make, buying a car is close to the top. There are so many things to think about when making a purchase such as an automobile. The goal is to have a machine that will not only perform well, but last for a very long time. I want to make this choice easier by highlighting the most pertinent parts of car buying, so you can make an informed decision.

1. Figure out your price range

First off, let’s talk price. You all saw that coming I’m sure. I just have a general note to say about price however. Find a vehicle that’s cheap, but not too cheap as to sacrifice other important aspects of the car. Most college students need a car that will get them to school, and to work, if applicable. The occasional student will need a car that can travel back “home”. Other than that, college students don’t go a bunch of places.

2. Narrow down the type of vehicle

Second, do you want a car, truck, or SUV? Cars are the ultimate combination of low price and gas mileage. Trucks are useful when it comes to the outdoors, but are tricky if you’re in the city. Obviously, an SUV combines room with utility, and are great starter cars because of their girth.

3. Get knowledgeable on safety features

Next on my list is safety. If in a crash, will your automobile respond appropriately and keep you safe? A simple Google will tell you if the safety requirements meet your standards. You should check the airbags too, just in case. You never know. One thing all college students like to do; take road trips. So, naturally, my next criterion is how many people can ride comfortably and legally in the potential car. I would suggest looking at cars with at least four seats, because anything less would be pointless, in my opinion.

4. Get a handle on repair costs

If there is one thing I want you to remember from this article, it’s what’s in the next sentence. Some make/models are harder to find parts for, and some have more expensive parts than others. Find a car that has cheap replacement parts, as well as parts that can easily be found, and most manufacturers make. If you follow these criteria, you shouldn’t have trouble finding the right car for you. In summary, no college student needs an expensive car, but rather a cheap, reliable, and safe one. Like with most things, balancing price, value, and utility will lead to the right choice. Make sure to steer clear of dealerships or individual sellers that are trying to divert the truth away from you. Always test drive the car thoroughly, and don’t let the seller claim a repair is simple or easy to fix. When it comes to cars, nothing is easy, and if it’s not easy, then most likely it will put a dent in the ol’ bank account. As a college student, the last thing you need is money hemorrhaging from your savings.

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