Great Used Cars for College Students on a Budget

One very exciting rite of passage is preparing to go to college. Many of us remember the anticipation and nervousness. Starting a new chapter in your life is an exciting time. However, the weeks before college starts are busy ones, pulling together what seems like a million details to be ready for the big day. Transportation is one of those details. The first step to crossing that off your to-do list is to find a reputable used car dealer that you can trust. Here at Jim Ellis Buick GMC of Atlanta, we want to help you find the best pre-owned car for this next step in your life.

What does the ideal car for a college student look like? For starters, it should be reliable. You can’t be late for class because your car won’t start. It also has to be affordable. Let’s be honest; most of us remember a lot of ramen from our college days. You need a car that you can afford on a limited budget. We have been in business since the 1970s. In that time, we’ve learned a lot about cars. Here’s a list of some affordable, reliable used cars that should fit a college student’s budget.

Mazda6

Years Produced: 2003 to 2021

This midsize sedan is roomy enough for carpooling or driving back home on break. Most model years have two engine options: a four-cylinder and a V6 that offers a shot of pep. It’s known for agile handling and being a fun car to drive. While you won’t get the same mileage you might from a compact sedan, this car is high in quality and will give you a reliable vehicle for plenty of miles. Cars made after 2013 will come with the i-Activsense safety suite.

Kia Soul

Years Produced: 2010 to Present

If you like to stand out from the crowd and enjoy having a car that’s as unique as you are, then you should check out the Kia Soul. Don’t let the jokes on the internet fool you; this hatchback is big on features. Models after 2012 offer standard Bluetooth, satellite radio, and USB ports. If you go for a newer model, the features increase. It’s got more room than you’d expect on the inside. The smooth ride with tight steering makes it as much fun to drive as it is to look at.

Chevy Malibu

Years Produced: 1997 to 2024

This midsize sedan has an interesting history. It was originally produced as a muscle car from 1964 to 1983. After a hiatus, it returned in 1997 as a sedan and has made a new reputation all its own in this newest iteration for its sophisticated style and ease of handling. While it may not be the flashiest model out there, it is affordable and reliable. The Malibu also makes up for its sedate demeanor with its comfortable and spacious cabin.

Nissan LEAF

Years Produced: 2011 to Present

You don’t have to spend a lot to drive an EV. The LEAF was the first affordable electric vehicle on the market, and many budget-friendly pre-owned options are available. The LEAF is a great alternative to pain at the pump, but you’ll have to make sure your campus and the area around it have charging stations that are easily accessible. It has solid safety ratings, and most model years offer an excellent selection of features.

Honda Accord

Years Produced: 1976 to Present

The Honda Accord has a long history of being a crowd-pleaser. If you take care of your Accord, you’ll have a car that stands a good chance of making it to the 200,000-mile mark on the odometer––and beyond. It has excellent fuel economy and is a comfortable, fun car to drive. While you won’t want to drive something from the 1970s, the last couple of decades will provide you with plenty of trims and features to choose from at a reasonable price.

Ford Taurus

Years Produced: 1986 to 2019

This one might surprise you. While it’s been discontinued for a few years now, the Ford Taurus is still very much alive on the secondary market. With excellent safety ratings and plenty of room for passengers and luggage, it’s a solid vehicle that has a lot to offer. It’s surprisingly quick on its feet, and models built after 2009 have an available V6 engine that puts out a surprising amount of horsepower for a sedan.

Honda Civic

Years Produced: 1973 to Present

Like the Accord, the Honda Civic is a car that gives back everything you put into it. If you take care of it, the Civic will take care of you. It’s an easy-to-handle car with enough zest to make driving fun, especially on the highway. It has tight control and responsive brakes that make it a great choice for city driving. The fuel economy will save you money at the pump. Civics have gained a lot of popularity in recent years for their reliability, ease of customization, and role in the “Fast & Furious” movies.

Toyota Camry

Years Produced: 1983 to Present

The midsize Camry has been an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ every year since 2012. While the fuel economy is not the most impressive, it’s still respectable, and a hybrid version exists. Comfortable interiors and a generous trunk make it a great choice for road trips or hauling all of your stuff back home between school years. With a wide range of model years to choose from, it’s an accessible and excellent choice for college students who like to travel with friends.

Toyota Prius

Years Produced: 2001 to Present

The Prius was one of the first widely sold hybrid vehicles. It might be a surprising addition to this list, but it has proven to be a solid vehicle on the second-hand market. Fuel economy is the major asset across all of the model years. There is one caveat to the Prius’ inclusion here: the batteries can be expensive to replace. When you purchase a pre-owned Prius, it’s best to make sure that the battery has been examined by a reputable technician.

Mazda3

Years Produced: 2004 to Present

Like its larger sibling, the Mazda6, the Mazda3 has a lot of pep and style. It’s a compact car but offers a surprisingly roomy interior and trunk, especially if you find a hatchback version. It’s robust enough to bring an extra kick that makes highway driving more exciting. With proper care, the Mazda3 can last a surprisingly long time. The fuel efficiency of this sporty little sedan has also been high through the model years.

Heading Off to School In a Car That’s Right for You

Now that you have an idea of some great used cars to take you to college, the next step is getting a look at them in person. Take a test drive, talk to the experts at our dealership, and see which one feels right for you. As you’ve seen, there are a lot of options out there for college students on a budget. Here at Jim Ellis Buick GMC of Atlanta, we have an excellent selection of quality, pre-owned vehicles for you to choose from. We have many different models, years, trims, and features available. Come see us today, and let us help you drive into the next phase of your life.