High school grads need a car that won’t break the bank on purchase price or fuel. So, what are the best cars for high school grads and college students? We’ll explore top-tier, budget-friendly vehicles that deliver on all fronts. This guide will help you prioritize cars that offer the best value. Let’s look at some of the best choices available for a student on a budget.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is best for reliability and affordability. For decades, it has been the best choice for anyone needing a low-maintenance car. For a college student, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make. Why? It just works.
The Toyota has a simple promise: it will get you where you need to go with minimal fuss. Models from the last 5-7 years are an excellent sweet spot. For example, a 2018 Corolla includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and automatic high beams.
Plus, the fuel efficiency is a major win for any student on a budget. A 2019 Corolla, for instance, offers up to 30 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway. That translates to significant savings over a semester. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, its comfortable ride and low ownership costs make it a top contender. Here’s a complete guide to understanding how long a Toyota extended warranty lasts.
Honda Civic
The Civic has long been a favorite among younger drivers for its sporty handling, stylish looks, and incredible fuel economy. Recent generations of the Honda Civic (2016 and newer) represent a huge leap forward in design and technology.
These models’ upscale cabin feels better than you’d expect from a budget-friendly car. Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on these cars. The Civic also earns top-tier safety ratings, with many models featuring the Honda Sensing suite of safety tech. If you’re buying a pre-owned vehicle, choosing a car extended warranty is a great way to protect your investment and avoid surprise maintenance bills.
What about practicality? The Civic is available as a sedan or a hatchback. The sedan offers a surprisingly large trunk, but the hatchback version is the real winner for a college student, providing cavernous cargo room that rivals some small SUVs. A 2017 Honda Civic hatchback, for example, offers over 25 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up. Fold them down, and you have enough room for a cross-country move-in day. IF you want to save on repairs, consider the Civic extended warranty.
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai has undergone a massive transformation, and the Hyundai Elantra is a prime example of its success. It offers everything that you can look for: bold styling, best features, excellent extended warranty coverage, and best resale value.
Even on base models from the last few years, you’ll find modern features like a touchscreen display and a rearview camera. Higher trims offer luxuries like heated seats and advanced driver-assistance systems.
The fuel economy is another strong point, with many Elantra models easily achieving over 35 MPG on the highway. Its comfortable ride and quiet cabin make it a great vehicle for long drives back home for the holidays. Many dealerships now make it simple to add an extended car warranty, giving you coverage beyond the standard factory plan.
Honda Accord
It’s a midsize sedan that provides ample room for passengers and cargo without sacrificing fuel efficiency or reliability. For a student who might have a long commute or frequently drives with friends, the extra space can be a game-changer.
A used Honda Accord from a few years back is one of the best automotive values on the market. These vehicles are known for their refined driving dynamics, comfortable ride, and high-quality interiors. The back seat is genuinely spacious, and the trunk offers plenty of cargo space for luggage and gear.
Honda CR-V
What if a sedan or hatchback just doesn’t offer enough utility? For the student who needs to navigate snowy climates or has hobbies that require extra gear, a small SUV like the Honda CR-V is an excellent choice. The CR-V is one of the best-selling small SUVs for a reason: it’s practical, reliable, and efficient.
The key benefits of a Honda CR-V include:
- All-Wheel Drive Availability: For students attending college in regions with harsh winters, available AWD provides a significant safety and confidence boost.
- Massive Cargo Space: The CR-V is a champion of utility. With the rear seats folded down, it offers a huge cargo area, perfect for hauling sports equipment, instruments, or the entire contents of a dorm room. A 2016 model, for example, has over 70 cubic feet of cargo room.
- Commanding View: The higher seating position of an SUV can help new drivers feel more confident on the road, offering better visibility of their surroundings.
While an SUV will typically be more expensive to buy and fuel than a compact car, a used CR-V from a few years ago offers a great compromise. Its fuel efficiency is impressive for its class, and its compact size makes it easy to park and maneuver in crowded campus parking lots. Buy a Honda CR-V extended warranty for repair coverage.
Final Thoughts on the Best Choices
For a high school grad or college student, the best vehicles are those that provide safety, reliability, and low running costs. By focusing on these top-tier models and prioritizing safety and reliability, you can find an affordable car that will serve a new driver well through their college years and beyond.
A smart purchase today sets the stage for a life of responsible and happy car ownership. Getting an extended auto warranty can also help cover unexpected repair costs and give new drivers extra peace of mind during their college years.
Drive Smart, Stay Protected with Nova Warranty
Buying your first car as a high school grad or college student is exciting, but one wrong move can cost thousands in repairs and headaches. That’s why Nova Warranty is here to help you keep your car (and your wallet) protected.
We offer excellent coverage for Buick, Fiat, Mercedes Benz, Mazda, Mini, and McLaren. So, whatever car you own, we’ve got you covered. With Nova Warranty’s Extended Coverage Plans, you can drive confidently knowing that surprise repair bills are covered.
Get a free quote today and make your first car ownership experience worry-free from day one. Contact us now!
