JoeyM
Mod Squad
7/9/10 3:25 p.m.
This thread from 2010
These guys just came up with a list of the cars they recommend for college. http://www.collegecarguide.com/blog/1046952_top-ten-college-cars These were their criteria:
"So what exactly makes a car a "college car?" First off, it does not necessarily have to be in the hall of fame as a driver's car. In fact, some of these could be the worst driver's cars possible. A college car has to be affordable, because the stereotypical non Ivy League student is supposed to be broke and living off Ramen noodles and free Chipotle burrito coupons. Other than that, it has to be at least one of the following: stylish, dependable, economical, or practical. Here are ten cars, in no particular order, that are a dime a dozen around college campuses, or could be a good choice for someone looking for a beater for school."
...and this is their list. 10. Jeep Wrangler 9. Honda Accord 8. Geo Metro 7. VW Jetta 6. Ford Mustang 5. Chevy Cavalier/Pontiac Sunfire 4. Dodge Neon 3. Volvo 240 2. Ford Taurus 1. Honda Civic They obviously have no love for nissans. What other problems do you see with their list?
having 4 doors and a huge trunk is key in college.
Top Gear has you answer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RLP2GdTN7M
In these parts, a Wrangler is priced beyond most college kids' budget. The rest of those cars can be had for around $1,000 all day long.
mndsm
HalfDork
7/9/10 3:35 p.m.
Wrangler- the 4.0 I6 is strong. But the last thing you want is a jeep fulla rowdy kids. Might be ok in northern states, or Utah.
Honda Accord- Good call
Geo Metro- Are there any left that run?
VW Jetta- College kid budget likely means older one with some miles. Probably going to have electrical issues. Good luck if you get an auto one and the trans goes.
Mustang- Really? A pony car? I know too many kids that act worse than high schoolers.... not to mention the need to hoon it goes up exponentially with a nameplate like that.
Cavalier/Sunbird- What few ARE left of the roads, are ailing severly. Sure parts are cheap, but when you need to replace ALL of them, the price adds up.
Dodge Neon- know any college kid that can afford to do a HG at every oil change?
Volvo 240- Other than never getting laid with that car, good call.
Ford Taurus- Can't think of anything bad, other than most of the 1g ones have long since gone away. Though there are about a billion more newer ones, so it might be a cheap transport.
Civic will run forever, though prone to getting stolen.
Practicality and economy are priority one - for parents. For a college-age male, priority one is a car which you won't be embarrassed to show off to your new girlfriend and her bff's. You're not going to get that for $1,000.
Mustang and Wrangler will have high insurance compared to most of the list.
Swap out Mustang for Escort/Focus.
Swap Wrangler for any pickup truck.
Assuming the student lives on or near campus, the best car for college is no car.
mndsm wrote:
Volvo 240- Other than never getting laid with that car, good call.
I disagree - nerdy, artsy, earthy girls need love too. 
I think hatchbacks work best.
You can just fit so much crap in there...
Marty! wrote:
mndsm wrote:
Volvo 240- Other than never getting laid with that car, good call.
I disagree - nerdy, artsy, earthy girls need love too.
Only if they shave their pits
Wranglers hold their value really well. I'd put the Cherokee high up on that list. It'll run forever, they're everywhere, they're cheap and they are cool.
wonder what happened to:
4runners
Pathfinders
Altima
I am usually a big supporter of Miata but in college situation, you really need a reliable vehicle
I love the reasoning for the Jeep. In my time in college, I have had 3 of the 10, neons, an accord, and a taurus, and what should have made the list, a truck.
Claff
New Reader
7/9/10 10:48 p.m.
Whatever the college kid winds up getting only has to satisfy three criteria: cheap, reliable, and disposable. Size isn't important, I commuted to college with an MGB. But that's far from reliable.
So I guess I did learn something in college after all.
mtn
SuperDork
7/9/10 11:06 p.m.
I'm in college. Perfect college vehicle, for me? A pickup with a backseat or a capper/tonnoue, or both.
As it is, I switch between a BMW 318 e30 convertible, and a SAAB 9-5.
Really, at the end of the day the perfect car for a college student is the one mom and dad are going to fund for you.
Jeep Cherokee, I had several friends with them. They very utilitarian and with the seats folded down can hold a descent amount of stuff.
I went to college in the Midwest, so the 4WD came in handy in the winter.
The 4.0L can hold it's own too.
In reply to SyntheticBlinkerFluid:
Hey rob! good to see you here man. 
i agree cherokees worked pretty well for me.
