Looking for a used car for your college student? Edmunds has some suggestions
It won’t be long before incoming freshmen head off to college. That means it’s prime time for students — and parents — to find suitable, affordable cars for the road ahead. Edmunds has compiled a list of used hybrid, compact and crossover SUV vehicles that best lend themselves to varied demands of college life.
We chose vehicles for their strong value, utility, fuel efficiency, performance and the availability of advanced safety features. We also offer some other alternatives in our picks’ respective classes. The prices shown are the average prices paid for the cars at a franchised car dealership, compiled by Edmunds.
2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
Average used transaction price: $16,430
Estimated fuel economy: 47 mpg combined (49 city/45 highway)
Though Honda only sold the second-generation Accord Hybrid for the 2014 and 2015 model years, it holds up well, even when compared to new hybrid sedans. Its spacious cabin easily seats four adults. On the safety front, all models come with a rearview camera and an additional camera that displays what’s in the driver’s right-side blind spot. EX-L and Touring models further add lane departure and forward collision warning systems.
2013 Volkswagen GTI
Average used transaction price: $13,826 Estimated fuel economy (automatic): 27 mpg combined (24 city/33 highway)
Hybrids are great for saving on gas, but collegebound shoppers who want excitement will want to look elsewhere. Luckily, there are a handful of cars that are both fun and sensible. The standout in this group is the sixth-generation Volkswagen GTI, produced from 2010 to 2014. A sport-tuned suspension and turbocharged engine provide the thrills, while highquality interior materials and eye-catching upholstery make the GTI feel more refined than its primary rivals.
2014 Mazda 3
Average used transaction price: $12,770 Estimated fuel economy (automatic-equipped hatchback with 2.0L engine): 33 mpg combined (29 city/39 highway)
For those who like the GTI’S utility but need something more affordable, a standard compact car might be the best choice. The Mazda 3 is a good representative. The s interior is one of the nicest in the segment, with plenty of soft-touch plastics. It’s a tech-rich car as well: There’s a dash-mounted screen with high-quality graphics, an available headup display and safety options such as blind-spot monitoring, a rearview camera and forward collision warning. It’s also one of the most fun-to-drive compact cars on the road.
2016 Toyota RAV4
Average used transaction price: $21,235 Estimated fuel economy (LE and XLE): 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway)
Though small cars and hybrids are useful and fuelefficient, they can’t carry much. For students who are moving cross-country or who frequently transport large items, a crossover is the way to go. The Toyota RAV4 is a solid pick due to its comfortable ride, generous amount of interior space, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability.