Starting college is such an exciting time, full of new experiences. One of the big decisions you’ll face is choosing the best car for college students—a ride that’s reliable, fuel-efficient, and easy on the wallet.
Whether you’re a student looking for the perfect campus car or a parent wanting to invest in a dependable vehicle for your child, finding the right balance of affordability and practicality is key. A good car makes juggling classes, social events, and part-time jobs easier.
This guide will let you know everything from owning vs leasing to new vs used cars. To facilitate you we have a list of top picks for student-friendly vehicles. Let’s find the perfect car to kick off your college journey in style!
Selecting the best car for college students doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can either opt for a new or used car or consider leasing vs. owning. Prioritize fuel economy, safety, and affordability.
Several options are available in the market, such as the Toyota Corolla and Mazda CX-5, which help you drive through campus in style without breaking the bank.
Need help getting your car to college? Check out Sherpa Auto Transport’s college car shipping services for a smooth experience.
Key Takeaways
- Affordability, fuel efficiency, reliability, safety, and practicality are key factors to determine the best car for college students.
- Sherpa’s Top Picks for College Students: Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, and Mazda 3
- Weigh the benefits of owning vs leasing and new vs used cars based on your budget.
- The best car for students at college provides freedom, convenience, and ease of managing off-campus activities.
- Sherpa Auto Transport offers reliable vehicle transport services, making it easy to safely transport your car to your college destination.
- Car insurance for college students can vary, so explore student discounts.
Car Shopping in Today’s Market
Shopping for a car in 2025 comes with its challenges and opportunities. Car prices are rising, and new vehicle trends are flooding the market. Researching and seeing if a new or used car is right for you is essential.
New Cars
New cars come with the latest tech, reliable warranties, and features like dynamic range and autofocus tracking for driver safety. However, they cost more upfront because of the advanced features and latest technology.
Used Cars
A well-maintained and reliable used car can be a budget-friendly option for students. Look for certified pre-owned vehicles to ensure quality and durability.
Stay informed by checking car buying guides from reliable resources like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds to track emerging vehicle trends.
Things to Consider When Buying a Car for College
Let’s face it – school is expensive. Therefore, affordability is usually the top priority when considering the best car for college students. Purchasing a used car can be a great option for a college student looking to save money, so long as the vehicle is in good condition. To get the best deals on a new or used car for college, wait for the optimal time to buy a car based on deals and incentives.
We also recommend considering fuel efficiency, reliability, safety, and practicality. Reliable cars are a top priority, especially for a parent seeking a dependable vehicle for their college student. Specific brands like Toyota and Honda are known for their reliable and affordable vehicles, combining two key priorities.
We recommend college students and their parents consider the climate and geography of their particular school when searching for the perfect car. For example, students in Boston, upstate New York, or other locations with heavy snow and precipitation should consider vehicles with four-wheel or all-wheel drive.
College students in California, Florida, or other warm-weather locations can typically ditch the all-wheel drive. Instead, they may prioritize hybrid or electric cars for fuel efficiency or affordable base models to combat the high cost of living.
Best Cars for College Students
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a perennial favorite among college students and their parents due to its affordability, excellent fuel efficiency, and renowned reliability. This model boasts a comfortable interior, advanced safety features, and a reputation for longevity, making it a solid choice for any student. Kelley Blue Book named the Corolla as their top pick for college students in 2024.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is another top contender for the best car for college students. In fact, the Civic is the most popular vehicle we ship for college students and their parents. Known for its sporty design, fuel efficiency, and dependability, the Civic offers a smooth driving experience.
U.S. News named the Honda Civic the best compact car. Its high resale value and low maintenance costs make it an economical choice for students on a budget.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra combines style, efficiency, and value. This sedan is budget-friendly, offers impressive gas mileage, and has a great warranty. The Elantra’s modern technology and safety features make it an excellent purchase for college students looking for a good car that won’t disappoint.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is known for its agile handling and comfortable ride. It’s reasonably priced and offers good fuel economy. The Focus is also equipped with solid safety features, making it a practical and reliable choice for students heading to class or getting around town.
Toyota Prius
Although the Toyota Prius is a bit more expensive than some other cars on our list, it’s an excellent option for college students due to its exceptional fuel efficiency, which helps save on gas money. Additionally, the Prius is known for its reliability and low maintenance costs, making it a reliable choice for students.
How to Choose a Car for College?
Bringing a car to college can greatly improve your overall quality of life as a student. Not only does it give you the freedom to explore the surrounding area, but it also makes it easier to handle important tasks. These include managing off-campus jobs, internships, and even volunteer opportunities that could enhance your resume.
With a car, students can easily run errands, such as grocery shopping or picking up school supplies. This way they won’t have to rely on public transportation or friends. This convenience allows you to better manage your time, which is especially valuable when trying to balance class schedules, extracurricular activities, and maintaining good grades.
For parents, knowing their student has a reliable mode of transportation can bring peace of mind. Whether it’s a late-night study session at the library or a weekend trip home, having a car offers both flexibility and security.
It also reduces the stress of finding rides or relying on others to get to places like doctor appointments or group study sessions. Being able to drive also opens up more opportunities to participate in social activities. Moreover, you can explore off-campus dining or events, contributing to a well-rounded college experience.
Ultimately, a car at school provides students with a sense of independence and control over their schedule, which can make college life feel more manageable and enjoyable.
Practical Features to Look For
When selecting a car for college, certain features become especially important:
Fuel Efficiency: Given the rising gas prices and limited student budgets, cars with excellent fuel economy are a must. Compact sedans and hybrids can save hundreds of dollars annually on fuel.
Compact Size: Parking on crowded campuses can be a nightmare. Smaller cars are easier to maneuver and fit into tight spots, which makes life on campus less stressful.
Reliability and Maintenance: Students need a car that can withstand regular use without frequent repairs. Brands like Toyota, Honda, and Mazda are known for their long-term reliability and affordable maintenance.
Safety Features: Advanced safety technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and backup cameras, add extra protection for students who may still be new to driving independently
What Is Unique About Buying a Car for College?
Buying a car for college comes with its own unique set of priorities and challenges. Unlike family or luxury vehicles, cars for college students need to balance practicality, affordability, and fuel efficiency while addressing the demands of student life. Whether it’s commuting to classes, road-tripping with friends, or simply running errands, the right car can make a significant difference.
Owning vs Leasing
Choosing between owning vs leasing depends on your budget, usage, and long-term goals:
Leasing: Leasing can be a great option for students who want a newer car without the high upfront cost. Monthly payments are often lower, and cars are under warranty, reducing repair worries. However, leasing comes with mileage limits, which might be restrictive for students who frequently drive home or travel.
Owning: While owning a car requires a larger upfront investment, it offers long-term savings and freedom from mileage limits. Purchasing a used or certified pre-owned vehicle can be particularly cost-effective for students looking to save money. Over time, ownership provides better value since you’re building equity in the car, and it can serve you well beyond college.
New vs Used Cars
The decision between a new vs used car often depends on budget and priorities:
New Cars: A new car comes with the latest technology, advanced safety features, and the peace of mind of a warranty. For students, this means fewer worries about unexpected repairs or breakdowns. Additionally, new cars tend to have better fuel economy and modern features like backup cameras and driver-assist systems. However, the higher cost may not align with a tight student budget.
Used Cars: A well-maintained used car or certified pre-owned vehicle is a more affordable option for college students. It comes with a lower purchase price and a lower insurance costs. Many certified used cars include limited warranties, offering peace of mind without the expense of buying new.
Car Insurance for College Students
Finding affordable car insurance for college students is just as important as choosing the right car.
Students often face higher insurance rates due to their age and limited driving experience, but there are ways to lower costs:
Student Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for good grades, completion of defensive driving courses, or limited mileage policies. Students with a GPA above 3.0 often qualify for “good student” discounts.
Compare Rates: Shopping around for quotes from different providers ensures you find the most affordable plan that suits your needs. Online tools can simplify the process of comparing rates.
Adding to a Parent’s Policy: If possible, add your car to a parent’s insurance plan. This can significantly reduce costs compared to getting an individual policy.
By choosing a car with strong safety ratings and modern features, you may also qualify for further discounts on insurance premiums.
How to Get a Car to College
Getting your car to college can be a hassle, especially if you are moving across the country. This is where Sherpa Auto Transport comes in. We offer reliable and efficient vehicle transportation services, ensuring your car safely gets to your college destination.
Whether you are headed to college across the country or graduating and need your vehicle shipped to another state, Sherpa Auto Transport has you covered.
College Car Shipping with Sherpa
At Sherpa Auto Transport, we understand college students and their families’ unique needs when transporting cars to or from school. We believe in providing a top-notch experience on every shipment, without the need to pay a premium.
Our College Student Car Shipping service is designed with convenience, affordability, and reliability in mind, ensuring that your vehicle reaches its destination safely and on time.
Here are some key features we offer for College Student Car Shipping:
Instant Online Quotes
As a busy student balancing classes, studying, and extracurricular activities, your time is valuable. That’s why Sherpa offers free, instant online quotes to make the car shipping process as seamless as possible.
In just a few clicks, you can get an accurate quote and book your shipment within minutes—no need for a lengthy phone call. This efficiency allows you to focus on what matters most: succeeding in your studies and preparing for the next chapter in your academic journey.
Door-to-Door Transport
Whether you’re shipping your car to your dorm or back home for the summer, our door-to-door transport service ensures your car is picked up and delivered as close to the specified addresses as possible.
This eliminates the hassle of traveling to an off-site location to meet the carrier, saving you both time and effort. Whether you’re moving to a new city for school or returning home between semesters, our reliable company ensures a smooth transport process every step of the way.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Shipping a vehicle can often be more affordable than driving it, especially when considering the cost of fuel, food, and accommodations during a long-distance road trip. For students on a budget, Sherpa provides cost-effective shipping options that won’t break the bank.
Our open trailer transport and cash discount options help make shipping more accessible so you can focus on your education and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing your car is in good hands.
With these features, Sherpa Auto Transport makes it easy for students to ship their cars safely, affordably, and efficiently—whether you’re heading off to school for the first time or preparing for a new semester.
Car Ownership in College FAQs
Do most college students own a car?
While not all college students own cars, a significant number do. Car ownership can provide convenience and independence, making it a popular choice among students who can afford it.
Can college freshmen have cars on campus?
Each college or university has its own policies regarding on-campus vehicles, especially for first-year students. It’s best to check with your specific college’s policies to see if college freshmen are permitted to have cars.
Do I need specific insurance if my child takes my car to school?
Yes, you may need to adjust your insurance policy to account for the change in location and usage. To ensure proper coverage, it’s essential to inform your insurance company that your child will be using the car at school.
Does a Car’s Fuel Economy Matter at College?
Absolutely! College students are often on tight budgets, and cars with great fuel economy save money over time.
Do You Need a Car in College?
It depends on your campus location and lifestyle. If public transport is unreliable or you need to travel frequently, having a car can be a lifesaver.
What is the cheapest car for a college student?
The Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic are top choices for affordability, reliability, and fuel efficiency.