Car for a student

[SALTY3142]

I'm looking to buy a car, preferably new. Thinking about financing possibly? What cars are worth looking into? I'm a student so moneys not the best but got enough saved to buy something decent(i think lol). Need something efficient mostly, but extras would be nice. Im totally new to all of this so any advice/tips are greatly appreciated! THANKS!

[MP3_SKY]

Tell us your budget to spend on the car payment (rather lease or finance)

Gas is standard cost and insruance is depends on which car.

[SALTY3142]

I could afford a downpayment of max $5000 but would like something lower if i can. Monthly could afford up to $500. hope this helps!

[masterballer]

I could afford a downpayment of max $5000 but would like something lower if i can. Monthly could afford up to $500. hope this helps!

thought about insurance? u can get a nice car ... ;)

[MP3_SKY]

5000$ down and 500 per month?

You got enough to finance a 25000$ car for 60 months.

Mazda 3 GT? Matrix? Ralliart, Impreza....

[SALTY3142]

geesh didn't realize how far that much could go financing wise. Lets say 2500 down? what does the downpayment change? and yeah I've taken insurance into consideration, got some general quotes from my company.

[Supershyguy]

wow. you can basily afford 75% of the car on the road.

good job on your savings.

but if you just need a car from point A to point b.

I would get a corolla or civic for sure. maybe even a used one.

saves you money to get a better car when you finish school. :)

[SALTY3142]

Yeah, parents are kind of urging me to stay away from used cars because their's is a money pit. Would like to have some $$ left over if possible, what could a $2500 deposit and sometihng like 200 a month put me at?

[Sylvestre]

I'm looking to buy a car, preferably new. Thinking about financing possibly? What cars are worth looking into? I'm a student so moneys not the best but got enough saved to buy something decent(i think lol). Need something efficient mostly, but extras would be nice. Im totally new to all of this so any advice/tips are greatly appreciated! THANKS!

if you are a student, I strongly advise not buying new. IT's a bit more leg work but buying used saves significant cash.
Don't think moneypit (cause that implies >10yrs old). you can easily get 2-3yr old cars now that are in excellent shape. usually coming off a lease or something. definitely the best price point for cars now.

[Pete_Coach]

Yeah, parents are kind of urging me to stay away from used cars because their's is a money pit. Would like to have some $$ left over if possible, what could a $2500 deposit and sometihng like 200 a month put me at?
That is an interesting comment from your folks, because their car is a money pit, so would yours be?
A two year old car (lease return or other)will potentially save you 30 to 50% percent of new and even if it is a "money pit" you can sink a lot into it before you get close to the cost of new.

[SALTY3142]

The strongest point they made was regarding the warranty. Thanks for all the pointers everyone! Any make/model reccomendations?

[curtis]

Dude, I thought the title was 'Car for a student', not I have $$$$, what car should I buy?

IF I was still a student, I would be looking at a 2001/2002 Corolla. Not a fan of the Civic's (had an 01 EX, brand new, nothing special)

Budgetting $250/month for student insurance, $100/month on gas, and say $50/month on wear and tear (tires, etc..) You're looking at $400+$500 (your monthly payment) = $900/month on a car!

How many students can afford $900/month on a car??

[MP3_SKY]

I'm sure his parent will help him out for the payment and such.

2500$ at 200$....means 0$ down and 179$

Accent, Elentra, Aveo, Corolla, Fit, Cobalt, basic Mazda 3, Sentra 1.8S, etc....



For a used...maybe a Protege 5, RSX, Celica, etc...so much choices...
Those are like 2-3 years sold...but still under short period of warranty.

Another factor for buying used is cheaper on insurance andpay less tax (if buying private)

[Evil Techie]

look into Nissan Versa, Yaris, Fit as well
those are great student cars, so versatile

[curtis]

Anyways, I was looking for a beater car, something good on gas, and the Toyota Yaris (not Hatchback) is pretty cheap. $14,530 base, ~$18k loaded + taxes and stuff.

Less than the Honda Fit.

[mau108]

The strongest point they made was regarding the warranty. Thanks for all the pointers everyone! Any make/model reccomendations?


dont buy a car for its warranty cuz stealerships will find a way to take your money even if your on warranty and bringt he car in.

If you buy a reliable car such as the toyota corolla or honda civic, which have proven to be reliable over and over, you can buy used.

I personally dont like the older corollas styling inside and out, so if you go pre 04 or so then I'd go for honda civic.

What car do your parents have?

[evolution921]

I personally dont like the older corollas styling inside and out, so if you go pre 04 or so then I'd go for honda civic.

Couldn't agree more! The 98 - 02 Corollas are really small inside, especially in the back. Never driven a 03+ Corolla but i heard they are pretty good, only bad thing is the driving position is so high that one would think that they are driving a minivan. Interior of the 03+ (look somewhat like that in a camry) is so much better than the previous gen.

[SALTY3142]

hmm a Corolla is sounding good from the looks of things, gonna go to the dealership tommorow and get some more info. Parents are driving a used 2000 ford windstar lx(used), and a 2004 jeep liberty(new). Thanks for all the help so far!!!!

[Mr D J]

I'd buy a 99-2000 Jetta... they are $6-8000 with about 130k on the car. Buying a new car is really stupid because once you leave the dealership, 15% of the price goes right off the car. It's actually true.

[pandaharo]

Yaris is a very nice students car.

[pete5000]

As a student I'd go with versatility - I'm sure you're moving stuff and people all the time. As others have said, I would also suggest reliability as a key factor and Honda/Toyota/Subaru have that in spades.

Versatility - Toyota Matrix (or the Toyota built Pontiac Vibe) would be a good bet. Subaru Impreza hatch next. Honda - well if you can find a Civic SiR or Acura RSX those are nice too.

[DJ_Peanuts22]

How about a used model Celica?

If not, then get the Honda Fit or Nissan Versa. many flexible storage and seating options between the two.

[SALTY3142]

OK So just got back from some dealerships....have brochures and quotes for 07 ford focus ZX3SE, 07 Yaris, 07 pontiac wave and 07 mazda 3 GX package. Any input on these?

[kcorscadden]

I would recommend the Toyota Corolla as well. I would recommend looking at a demo as it will bring the cost down a couple of hundred bucks and have little mileage on it. I have a 2005 Corolla CE (base model with power locks) that was a demo, put $8k down, got the grad discount (you won't get that until you graduate), and demo discount which = $126.00 per month for a lease. Insurance rates will be pretty low (depending on your driving class and history) as they don't consider the Corolla to be a sports car like they do the Civic.

It is the best on fuel effiency, which is something you need to consider since you are a student. Depending on how far you are driving daily, the further the distance the more fuel consumption obviously, so fuel efficiency is huge for a student. You will get 53 MPG for city and about 35 MPG for highway. Those stats are based on the 2005 model. Anything lower than that might not be the same. 2006 is the same stats

The Corolla is a very nice starter car.

[kcorscadden]

OK So just got back from some dealerships....have brochures and quotes for 07 ford focus ZX3SE, 07 Yaris, 07 pontiac wave and 07 mazda 3 GX package. Any input on these?

Stay away from the Ford Focus !!!! It's a $hit box on wheels..

[SALTY3142]

lol really? can you give me some details as to why?

[mau108]

hmm a Corolla is sounding good from the looks of things, gonna go to the dealership tommorow and get some more info. Parents are driving a used 2000 ford windstar lx(used), and a 2004 jeep liberty(new). Thanks for all the help so far!!!!


lol theres your reason why your parents are urging you away from used cars, look at what they drive!!! The liberty is not bad but sooner or later you will feel the heat.

A used civic or corolla will not give you any issues if you do the oil changes on time (engine, tranny, brake fluid, air filter and tune ups plugs etc)

Its not like you can buy a brand new car and just cuz it has warranty you dont have to worry about it, if you dont do the proper maintenence on any car it will become a never ending money pit regardless of 20 years of age or a few months old.

[pete5000]

matrix! not only do you get a reliable car but you can bend down on bullets and wear hot leather outfits too.

[SALTY3142]

Didn't get a good look at the corolla or matrix, seemed a little out of my price range, but i'll definately check them out next time! been hearing nothing but good things. Anyone know why the new focus is garbage??

[Mr D J]

Didn't get a good look at the corolla or matrix, seemed a little out of my price range, but i'll definately check them out next time! been hearing nothing but good things. Anyone know why the new focus is garbage??

Because it's a Ford? Made out of cheap parts too?

[Samir]

I should remind you there is more to a car than a monthly payment.

If you drive a lot (ie if you commute to school from a far away sub-urb), a $400/mo car can easily cost you $800/mo.

Just think what you have to pay:

-Monthly payment
-Maintenance & Repairs
-Tires
-Insurance
-Parking Permit/Lot Fees
-Registration/Plates
-Cleaning, Shampooing

It can add up in a hurry. That's why I'd love to tell you to splurge and buy a used BMW M3 or something, but the first time you'll take it in for new brakes and you see the bill, you'll be pissed.

For a student car, cheap is the way to go. Unless you have steady income, stick to a reliable compact like a Civic, Corolla or Mazda3.

[Sprite_TM]

wow buy anything u like i guess since ur being sponsered, i guess mazda3 seems like a good choice

[SALTY3142]

Ok, narrowed it down to mazda 3 or the pontiac wave....what should I pick? looking mainly for effiency...the wave seems the way to go but how reliable is it? anyone know? thanks!

[Sprite_TM]

i'll go for the mazda3 because of the looks, i wouldnt choose the wave because it doesnt look good

[SALTY3142]

looks wise thats very true, for me with 5000 down the monthly payments would be 400 a month on a 5yr term. For the wave, same amount down, 313 a month on a 5yr term. Thats the only thing thats holding me back from going with mazda :(

[Samir]

Wasn't the Pontiac Wave designed and built alongside the Toyota Matrix?

[mau108]

Yes the Wave and Matrix use the same frame and I believe engine....

[kcorscadden]

looks wise thats very true, for me with 5000 down the monthly payments would be 400 a month on a 5yr term. For the wave, same amount down, 313 a month on a 5yr term. Thats the only thing thats holding me back from going with mazda :(

5yr term???? That's along time for that much $$$ in monthly payments... Is that Lease or Financing? That's waaay too much if it is a lease.

Keep negotiating man.... you can bring it down to at least mid 200's a month for a 5 yr term. If it was 3 or 4 yrs, then that's one thing, but a 5 yr term for $300 and $400 on those type of cars is waaaaay too much.

Either renegotiate the term, or get a shorter payment per month.

[SALTY3142]

OK so now I'm looking at Mazda 3, Pontiac Wave or a Toyota Corolla...any final advice?

[Doug]

Wasn't the Pontiac Wave designed and built alongside the Toyota Matrix? Pontiac Vibe --> Toyota Matrix

Pontiac Wave (http://www.canadiandriver.com/overviews/2006/pontiac/wave.php) :
The Wave is available in Canada only and is not sold in the U.S. market. It’s the same car as the Chevrolet Aveo and Suzuki Swift+, all of which are built in South Korea by GM-DAT, a conglomerate of General Motors and Daewoo Auto and Technology.

[Samir]

Oh, I stand corrected. I knew Pontiac had developed a car with Toyota, I just mixed the names up.

[SALTY3142]

So they're the EXACT same vehicle?? I'm confused lol

[kcorscadden]

Yes they are the same car.

GM came to Toyota and asked them to design a car. Toyota agreed on the condition that they get to use the design as well.

So GM makes the Wave, Toyota the Matrix. The cars look different on the outside but they use the exact same frame

[pete5000]

The Matrix and Vibe are Toyotas, not General Mofos. GM only takes the cars, like the Optras and other Daewoos. They don't make the imports.

[i-o_o-i]

my friend and I test drove the Nissan Versa on saturday and its a pretty good car, it drives well and very roomy, but I think its major drawback is that Nissan cars aren't as reliable as Honda or Toyota, but its a good car for that price. I prefer the Fit over the Yaris or Versa, I think its just a better all around car with great styling but it ismore expensive...

[mau108]

ya the honda fit is a nice little car, did you price one of those out?

[ES_Revenge]

Yes they are the same car.

GM came to Toyota and asked them to design a car. Toyota agreed on the condition that they get to use the design as well.

So GM makes the Wave, Toyota the Matrix. The cars look different on the outside but they use the exact same frame

The Matrix and the Wave are not the same! (Already been pointed out, too!) What's the matter with you people?!?! LOL

The Wave is a bargain-basement crap-ass econo-box made by Daewoo; the Matrix is a larger vehicle made by Toyota. It's GM sibling is the Vibe. (The Vibe looks much better than the Matrix IMO and has a nicer interior design as well.)

The Mazda3 and the Vibe/Matrix are differently priced really, with the latter being a good bit more expensive IIRC.

The Mazda3 and the Wave might be more similarly priced but the 3 is a waay better choice than the Wave (almost anything is, lol).

[SALTY3142]

Point taken, but the wave is so damn affordable compared to the mazda 3 :(, also my parents have earned some GM points that will give me a $1500 credit, which makes the wave more attractive....

[ES_Revenge]

Point taken, but the wave is so damn affordable compared to the mazda 3 :(, also my parents have earned some GM points that will give me a $1500 credit, which makes the wave more attractive....
Yeah but the Wave is gonna break in two days, LOL. Okay well maybe not literally but I can't see it being as reliable as the Mazda3, the Toyota-based Vibe or a "real" GM car (i.e. not a Daewoo rebadge).

I mean that $1500 could go towards a Vibe, or other cars in GMs lineup that are in the economy/small car segment. Cobalt/G5 Pursuit/Ion, or even a basic model G6/Aura perhaps...

Personally I wouldn't buy a Wave but it is economical both in terms of price and fuel cost.

[VivienM]

Point taken, but the wave is so damn affordable compared to the mazda 3 :(, also my parents have earned some GM points that will give me a $1500 credit, which makes the wave more attractive....

As someone else pointed out, why not look at the bigger GM models? The 4 cyl G6, for example, is rather cheap, and far nicer in every aspect than the Wave.

Probably not that much thirstier, either. Don't forget the Wave is korean, and koreans are not typically known for best-in-class fuel economy...

[SALTY3142]

Alright, went and test drove the wave and the honda fit today. WOW what a difference !!!! The Honda was so much more responsive in every way!, wave seemed sluggish at times. Looks like im going for the fit!

[kcorscadden]

Good to see you have made your choice. The Honda Fit is a perfect car for a student. This vehicle gives you quality and reliability that we talked about in the PM's.

Congrats on the big purchase

[SALTY3142]

Thank you to everyone who helped!! A big thanks to kcorscadden for all your help answering my n00b questions! THANKS A LOT! I'll keep you posted as to how it goes when I get it :)

[felix]

Another vote here for Corolla, just because I have one :D

Don't forget the graduation student discount, available for Toyota and some other makes. You'll need to have graduated from university/college within the past 5 years or so, and have the car under your name meaning you need your own car insurance and not under your parents (which is cheaper if you're not primary driver). I don't have the link handy but I'm sure someone can help you out.

[kcorscadden]

Another vote here for Corolla, just because I have one :D

Don't forget the graduation student discount, available for Toyota and some other makes. You'll need to have graduated from university/college within the past 5 years or so, and have the car under your name meaning you need your own car insurance and not under your parents (which is cheaper if you're not primary driver). I don't have the link handy but I'm sure someone can help you out.

I have a Corolla as well and I took advantage of the Grad discount. The problem is that Salty is STILL A STUDENT. So unless he is going back to school within 5 yrs of him graduating from his first college/university program, he doesn't qualify for any grad discount from any company since he hasn't graduated yet.

[hgclim]

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=340564&highlight=ford+focus

[hgclim]

http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/07citygolfjetta.htm

Starting at just $14,900, the four-door 2007 City Golf is more than $3,600 cheaper than the 2006 Golf CL, and more than $6,000 cheaper than new four-door Rabbit. Starting at $16,700, the 2007 City Jetta is more than $8,000 cheaper than the 2005 Jetta and the redesigned 2006 Jetta.

To make the City Golf even more attractive to entry-level buyers, Volkswagen Canada is offering attractive financing and lease rates. Base models can be bought with $1,400 down, and $179/month with 5.9% interest for 48 months.

Base models (Jetta) can be bought with $1,750 down and payments of $199/month for 48 months at 5.9% interest. That should prove attractive, particularly as it has a four-year warranty. As well, competitors like the Civic, Corolla and Mazda3 are priced considerably higher.

[SilverSamurai12]

I agree w/ the Sentra (well mainly because I'm trying to sell mine ) lol

But besides the Sentra, I'd 2nd the Corolla or Civic.

[2000fordfocus]

I'm looking to buy a car, preferably new. Thinking about financing possibly? What cars are worth looking into? I'm a student so moneys not the best but got enough saved to buy something decent(i think lol). Need something efficient mostly, but extras would be nice. Im totally new to all of this so any advice/tips are greatly appreciated! THANKS!

In my university, a lot of asian student driving Mercedes SLK and BMW's... Tons of TSX and finally, for the poor student, they just get a Civic! In my case, bottom of the food chain, I drive a focus :)

[Slimfast]

students driving slk's and bmw's!?....wow, just wow. Most of us can't even afford a decent meal...

[Luckyinfil]

For a student who wants to buy a used car under 5000, what am i looking at in terms of low costing insurance and good gas milage?

[Luckyinfil]

:arrowu:

[VivienM]

For a student who wants to buy a used car under 5000, what am i looking at in terms of low costing insurance and good gas milage?

GM mid-sized sedans? Anything W body except the Pontiac Grand Prix, probably...

[jian1]

For those who recommand Yaris, fit, I highly doubt that you have heard Nissan Versa.

From the specification, Versa is way way better than Yaris and Fit, iridium spark plug... 6 speed manual, electronic heated mirror, etc etc, these items are standard for the base price 14k $.

Alternative options would be a 2~3 years Chevy Aveo, only around $7000 you can get yourself a manual one with Air,3.5y old aveo with auto is only $6777 once I spot, sure aveo could be a little bit problimatic, but none are fatal, the windows motor can be bad in time, or plastic fall off, or button doesn't work occasionally... but, dude for $7000... and still under GM warranty, what else u can get? aveo's engine and transmision is pretty OK.

[curtis]

The Versa is an interesting car, I've checked it out. It's got relatively poor fuel economy vs it's competitors, which is probably the most important thing for someone looking for a cheap car. I haven't checked out insurance, but I would say the Fit has the highest insurance rates followed by the Yaris and Versa.

The Yaris is still the cheapest of the three. The Fit, the most expensive.

The main thing I didn't like about the Yaris was the speedo and stuff in the middle of the car. That's such a ******** design. The dumbarse who came up with that should be fired.


For those who recommand Yaris, fit, I highly doubt that you have heard Nissan Versa.

From the specification, Versa is way way better than Yaris and Fit, iridium spark plug... 6 speed manual, electronic heated mirror, etc etc, these items are standard for the base price 14k $.

Alternative options would be a 2~3 years Chevy Aveo, only around $7000 you can get yourself a manual one with Air,3.5y old aveo with auto is only $6777 once I spot, sure aveo could be a little bit problimatic, but none are fatal, the windows motor can be bad in time, or plastic fall off, or button doesn't work occasionally... but, dude for $7000... and still under GM warranty, what else u can get? aveo's engine and transmision is pretty OK.

[Slimfast]

the versa's 1.8L engine uses more fuel than the civic's 1.8 and is less powerful...The Versa is a great car. I just wish it had a better powertrain.