10 Great and Affordable Used Cars for Students
With the cost of living rising dramatically in recent years, owning a car is no longer part of the plan for many students and young adults. When it still is, then more compromises often have to be made when it comes to the year and mileage to stay on budget.
With another school year kicking off, The Car Guide has some good suggestions for those who find themselves in this situation. Without further ado, here are 10 affordable used vehicles we’d recommend to students with a budget of around $10,000 or less. In all cases, a pre-purchase inspection is always a wise move.
Honda Fit
The Fit is a solid, fuel-efficient and easy-to-maintain car, although you should be wary of the electrical systems and paint. It offers a particularly spacious interior with a vertically folding bench seat called the Magic Seat. A 2015 model can be found for the price we mentioned above. Don't let the high mileage scare you off.
Honda Civic
Let's stick with Honda, because how can we not include the Civic? Pleasant to drive, well-built and cheap to own, it’s a trusty companion. Your search will lead you to units from the 9th generation (2012-2015), perhaps even the first year of the 10th generation. If properly maintained, the car's durability won't be a concern for you throughout your college years.
Toyota Yaris
More conservative and less fun, the Yaris still stands out for its simplicity and reliability. You know, its reputation is not overrated. Expect to go back ten years (or more) to find a quality example selling for under $10,000, given the excellent value this little Toyota has retained over the years. We prefer the Yaris Hatchback, which is prettier and more practical.
Toyota Corolla
Its compact-sized sibling, the venerable Corolla, is a name that should never be missing from this kind of list. Any self-respecting student should consider it. Here again, reliability, quality and fuel economy are all part of the mix, eclipsing the somewhat boring driving experience. To fit the budget, you'll likely have to turn to the 10th generation (2009-2013) and forget about an XRS model with a 158-horsepower engine.
Hyundai Accent
There are more affordable used cars than Hondas and Toyotas, like the Accent. Small, sturdy, fun and very inexpensive to maintain, it can do a good job at a reasonable price and stands the test of time without too much trouble. In fact, since 2011-2012, the Korean subcompact has demonstrated surprisingly reliable performance. The same goes for the Kia Rio. A 2016 or 2017 model is within your reach.
Pontiac Vibe
The Toyota Matrix and its twin, the Pontiac Vibe, are worth a look, as well. The two were developed jointly, but given the reputation of the now-defunct brand, the latter costs less. Yet, it has proven to be just as reliable. A spacious interior with excellent visibility awaits you, and available all-wheel drive makes for safer driving in winter.
Nissan Micra
The city car that Nissan discontinued in the late 2010s was ironically one of its most reliable products. Fundamentally very simple and particularly fun to drive, the Micra is more interesting in our opinion than the Versa Note, albeit a little less spacious. It also hasn't suffered from the CVT issues that plagued its sibling, while ownership costs are minimal—as long as it's properly maintained.
Mitsubishi Lancer
We understand the appeal (so to speak) of the highly affordable, more contemporary Mirage, but it’s hard not to recommend a Lancer at the same price. The late compact sedan is significantly more practical and enjoyable to drive. Its last generation ended in 2017, and durability was a big part of its strengths. A 2014 model with all-wheel drive will cost you well under $10,000.
Mazda3
At once athletic and surprisingly reliable, the Mazda3 is an excellent used car for students. While you shouldn't go back too far in time to avoid rust and transmission issues, an early third-generation model (that fits the budget) still shares many components with the current Mazda3. Four- and five-door variants are also available.
Suzuki SX4
Although it's getting quite old and the Suzuki brand is no longer active in Canada, the SX4 is another interesting choice if reliability is a deciding factor. Arguably less cool than a Lancer, a Subaru Impreza or a Toyota Matrix, it can almost be considered a subcompact crossover (in hatchback configuration) boasting excellent visibility and available all-wheel drive. Prices are reasonable considering what the SX4 offers. Finding spare parts shouldn't be a major problem, either.
As a final note, remember that it is better to opt for an older used car that has been well maintained and whose history is known than a more recent one that comes with various question marks.
