Best Car for College Kidz...
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 0
From: Euless, Texas
Rep Power: 287 
Best Car for College Kidz...
Originally Posted by CNN.COM
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - When you send your kids off to college, they may need a new set of wheels. Far away from home, they won't be able to borrow Mom and Dad's car.
Of course, not every parent -- or high school grad, if the parents involved aren't the generous type -- can afford their dream car right off the bat. Fortunately, a lot of car companies have models that cater to the needs of first-time car buyers.
Lawrence Ulrich, auto writer for MONEY magazine, worked with me to select six cars costing, at most, about $20,000.
This is about more than money, of course. It's also about safety and style. All these cars do well in crash tests.
And, while we can't promise you your kid won't be calling home for speeding ticket money, these cars, at least, don't demand to be driven badly.
Finally, these are cars you could reasonably expect your child to like. If you think that doesn't matter, consider that a car your kid likes is a car she'll take care of. A rolling embarrassment is less likely to be properly bathed and maintained. We aren't too old to remember.
We also mention a couple of cars that have just started rolling off assembly lines, or will soon, that are worth a look. We don't know enough about them yet to recommend them.
Used cars are, now more than ever, an excellent option for first-time car buyers. For the sake of simplicity, we're sticking with new models here, though.
Our picks: Best college cars
Of course, not every parent -- or high school grad, if the parents involved aren't the generous type -- can afford their dream car right off the bat. Fortunately, a lot of car companies have models that cater to the needs of first-time car buyers.
Lawrence Ulrich, auto writer for MONEY magazine, worked with me to select six cars costing, at most, about $20,000.
This is about more than money, of course. It's also about safety and style. All these cars do well in crash tests.
And, while we can't promise you your kid won't be calling home for speeding ticket money, these cars, at least, don't demand to be driven badly.
Finally, these are cars you could reasonably expect your child to like. If you think that doesn't matter, consider that a car your kid likes is a car she'll take care of. A rolling embarrassment is less likely to be properly bathed and maintained. We aren't too old to remember.
We also mention a couple of cars that have just started rolling off assembly lines, or will soon, that are worth a look. We don't know enough about them yet to recommend them.
Used cars are, now more than ever, an excellent option for first-time car buyers. For the sake of simplicity, we're sticking with new models here, though.
Our picks: Best college cars
Honda Civic has a mention at the end of the interactive scroll, but that is about it.
CNN.COM
250+ awhp Stage 2
iTrader: (19)
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 10,839
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
Rep Power: 0 
Well come to SMU and you will think you are hanging around millionaires. 50% of the people that go here drive BMW's, Lexus', Hummer's, or Infinity's. It is like a car show everyday. I feel out of place with my civic, but whatever. Nice find t00l
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 0
From: Euless, Texas
Rep Power: 287 Hey.. I saw that SMU was rated like 113 or something like that.. or maybe it was 133.. They got a long road of proving themselves this year..
Last time I had this much fun some furniture got broken!
Hey! Look At Me!! I'm a Supporting Member!!
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,839
Likes: 2
From: PA
Rep Power: 362 i am keeping my 01 ssm sedan for college. after I will return it to somewhat stock configuartion and trade it in or sell it. dvd player ill ebay off and subs and amp ill transfer to the next car. will buy a sporty sedan probably like a TSX level or maybe a new eclipse or something similiar. but for college the civic is awesome. you can drive on fumes forever and its cheap!
Last time I had this much fun some furniture got broken!
Hey! Look At Me!! I'm a Supporting Member!!
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,839
Likes: 2
From: PA
Rep Power: 362 only reason mini got on is cause its trendier than a thong sticking out of low rise pants on a fat chick!
I sure wish my car was newer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,448
Likes: 1
From: St. Louis, Mo
Rep Power: 366
Originally Posted by winnerpl
If the Wrangler is so unreliable and such a bad car why is it a best car for kids in college?!
Drunken Master-7thgen Ninja
iTrader: (21)
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,976
Likes: 0
From: georgia
Rep Power: 337 i know i have my civic cause it will be there for college and beyong. i would bet on that over a stupid focus. and why wouldn't the toyota corolla be on that list? it would not be as fugly as the scion xB. that is a stupid list. tacoma is a death trap, and the mini is ridiculously small for college. what can you fit in it? not even a mini fridge for the mini car. and an SUV for a college kid? crap of doom. and bad gas mileage. i would also take the wrangler. seems like the best bet out of the choices they provide. and i have seen an HHR and its fuglier than the xB
Registered!!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Pomona Valley, SoCal
Rep Power: 0 
As with many other "best" lists, what it really boils down to is the writer's opinions or amount of $$$ s/he got for name dropping.
My vote would be a Volvo 240/740 wagon. Safe, cheap to buy ($1500-3k will get a very good specimen), reasonably economical, seats 5 comfortably, can haul a lot when needed (6-ft+ with the back seat folded), and if opted for a turbo, can haul *** when needed too.
-- Kane ... highly unlikely to win in coolness, however.
My vote would be a Volvo 240/740 wagon. Safe, cheap to buy ($1500-3k will get a very good specimen), reasonably economical, seats 5 comfortably, can haul a lot when needed (6-ft+ with the back seat folded), and if opted for a turbo, can haul *** when needed too.
-- Kane ... highly unlikely to win in coolness, however.
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
usajags84
6th Generation Civic 1996 - 2000
15
Aug 19, 2015 03:12 AM
Jonas Powell
6th Generation Civic 1996 - 2000
1
Apr 16, 2015 11:47 AM
