If you’re lucky enough to have a car on campus (or you’re considering buying your high school graduate a ride for their college years), remember that they’re not all created equally. Nowhere else is it prime season for drunk driving, poor driving skills and distracted driving. Even if you don’t partake in these activities, that doesn’t mean thousands of your peers aren’t doing so and sharing the streets with you. That’s why safety should come first.
Beyond looking at the best safety picks in any given year, make sure the vehicle itself it maintained. For example, fixing a chipped windshield right away can avoid a sudden, massive crack while you’re on the highway and need optimal visibility. Maintaining a car takes a lot of time and cash, so make sure that’s budgeted in. Otherwise, here are some great safety options for college students coming back from winter break:
1. Latest Volkswagen Golf GTI
The latest GTI model has scooped up plenty of accolades including Motor Trends’ and Yahoo’s car of the year award. It’s affordable, sleek, powerful and most importantly has nearly flawless safety ratings. As an added bonus, it boasts impressive mpg and is roomy enough for that spring break road trip. Check out Auto Trader’s overview for more on this year’s best model.
2. A low mileage Prius
The Prius remains one of the highest ranked hybrids around, and for good reason. For the college student who gets a panic attack at the sight of rising gas prices, a Prius is reasonable, affordable and of course cuts down on spending at the fuel station. According to International Business Times, Prius just lost its spot as the top selling hybrid to Honda, making both models great choices. Just make sure to get a hybrid with low miles since that battery only lasts so long.
3. A new-ish Dodge Challenger
If you really can’t resist American muscle, a late model Dodge Challenger is a great choice complete with luxury features but still possible to find for under $20,000 used. It’s a re-imagining of the Challenger of the 70s and comes with plenty of power, but also safety features. Roomy on the inside but stylish on the outside, it’s what every college students dreams about.
You don’t need to spend a lot to get a great looking, affordable ride during the best four years of your life. Consider comfort, gas mileage, safety and of course looks when shopping.
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