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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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)
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.