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buying used

We've presented 10 new cars for students on a budget, but if you're thinking used is the way to go, consider these options. Do you have other suggestions? Please leave them in the comments field of this story.

Kia

2009 Kia Amanti Base 4D Sedan

Safety: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Amanti “good” in tests for moderate overlap front impacts, side impacts, roof strength and head restraints.

CBB (Canadian Black Book) asking price: $9,129

Test score: The Amanti represented Kia’s early foray into luxury cars. It’s big and safe and quiet and not the type of car that any student is likely to treat like a race car.

Hyundai

2006 Hyundai Azera Base 4D Sedan

Safety: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Azera “good” in tests for moderate overlap front impacts, side impacts, roof strength and head restraints.

CBB asking price: $9,322

Test score: The Azera has done very well in a variety of quality studies. It was a near-luxury sedan in Canada and it’s no longer sold here. But getting parts are not a problem. A lot of car for the money and very safe.

Honda

2004 Acura TL Base 4D Sedan 3.2

Safety: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the TL “good” in tests for moderate overlap front impacts, side impacts, roof strength and head restraints.

CBB asking price: $9,016

Test score: A super-reliable and very safe sedan, the TL represents a very good older car with a bit of style.

Mitsubishi

2007 Mitsubishi Outlander LS 4D Utility 4WD

Safety: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Outlander “good” in tests for moderate overlap front impacts, side impacts, roof strength and head restraints.

CBB asking price: $8,810

Test score: If you’re looking for a useful compact SUV, this is a good option at a very solid price.

Hyundai

2007 Hyundai Santa Fe GL FWD 2.7L

Safety: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Santa Fe “good” in tests for moderate overlap front impacts, side impacts, roof strength and head restraints.

CBB asking price: $9,036

Test score: This version of the Santa Fe has proven very durable and reliable. A solid choice for the student who needs a bit more space.

Honda

2005 Honda Odyssey EX 4D Wagon

Safety: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Odyssey “good” in tests for moderate overlap front impacts, side impacts, roof strength and head restraints.

CBB asking price: $9,041

Test score: The Odyssey is a big of a bus, which may not appeal to students. But it’s dead-reliable and as safe as any used car of this vintage. A good choice for car-pooling to campus?

Volkswagen

2006 Volkswagen Passat Sedan 2.0T

Safety: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Passat “good” in tests for moderate overlap front impacts, side impacts, roof strength and head restraints.

CBB asking price: $7,905

Test score: This is a truly European Passat, thus it’s amusing from behind the wheel. Not entirely reliable, so make sure you get a thorough mechanical inspection. But the price is right and the safety story is even better.

Petrina Gentile

2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C240 Sedan

Safety: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the C-Class “good” in tests for moderate overlap front impacts, side impacts, roof strength and head restraints.

CBB asking price: $9,168

Test score: Why not an older Benz for a student? The reliability story is quite decent and this car gives a student some style. (230 model pictured)

Suzuki

2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara JX Hardtop

Safety: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Grand Vitara “good” in tests for moderate overlap front impacts, side impacts, roof strength and head restraints.

CBB asking price: $6,891

Test score: Here we have a hard-core SUV for a good price in a rig boasting an excellent safety story.