Best Cars for College Students on a Budget in 2021

Last Updated on November 1, 2021 by Jason Mason

Headed to college? There’s lots of things that you have to think about from your college major to your textbook shopping list. However, you don’t want to overlook the fact that you’ll want some wheels while at school. You could be intimidated by the choice you have when it comes to finding the right vehicle. Have no fear. We’ve compiled a list of the best cars for college students for 2021. 

Criteria used in this guide

When it comes to finding the right car for college, you want to make sure that you can get a quality ride for a great price and a low cost of operation. With that in mind, here’s a look at the criteria we used to select our top picks. 

• Price. We know that you’re on a budget. That’s why we set a cap of $12,000 on all vehicles on our list. Assuming a 3.11% interest rate loan on a $12,000 with a 60-month payment plan, you should be able to keep your monthly car payment budget at around $216 per month.
• Model year. Since the budget is set at $12,000, we are going to be looking at used vehicles. However, you don’t want to get a vehicle that has too much wear and tear on it. That’s why we will be looking at 2016 to 2018 models. These models will be at three to five years old and at the “sweet spot” of the depreciation curve. 
• Reliability. You don’t want to spend half your time on the side of the road dealing with repairs. Therefore, all the vehicles on this list have a higher than average reliability rating from J.D. Power & Associates. 
• Fuel economy. Gas cost money and you are going to be on a budget. Therefore, all the vehicles on this list will have an average combined fuel economy of at least 24 miles per gallon. 
• Insurance cost. Insurance is another cost you are going to have to consider. Therefore, we have selected vehicles that don’t have high insurance premiums. 
• Cool factor. Finally, you want to make sure that your vehicle makes you look good. Therefore, we have considered exterior and interior design for each of these vehicles.

Our top picks

When it comes to finding the right 2018 model, there are literally hundreds of different vehicles to choose from. From all of those available vehicle’s here’s a look at our top 7 picks:

2018 Ford Focus Hatchback – $10,000

The Ford Focus is one attractive compact hatchback that offers you some excellent reliability along with extra space in the back. You get a 160 horsepower four-cylinder engine which gives you some nice pick-up. Also, the Focus Hatchback gives you up to 29 miles per gallon of combined fuel economy so you will save at the fuel pump. Maintenance should be inexpensive since Ford parts are easy to find and affordable.

How about the cool factor? As a hatchback, the Focus doesn’t look like an econobox. It has some sleek lines that will make you like this vehicle for years to come. 

2018 Hyundai Elantra – $12,000

The Hyundai Elantra is a stylish small car that gives you an upscale look not often found in vehicles of this price range. From its chrome accented mesh grille to its impressive interior design, the Elantra feels more expensive than its price. The Elantra also comes through when it comes to fuel economy with a combined rating of 31 miles per gallon. This model is powered by a 141 horsepower four-cylinder engine. 

The cool factor with the Elantra is its chic style that won’t make you feel like you are driving something cheap. 

2016 Honda Civic Hatchback – $12,000 

The Honda Civic Hatchback is the vehicle that you want when you need the ultimate in fuel economy and reliability. You can be sure that a Civic Hatchback will last all four years (or five years) of your college career. The Civic Hatchback also has a surprising amount of interior space for its size. Fuel economy is a combined 37 miles per gallon from a 137 horsepower four-cylinder engine. 

Granted, the Honda Civic Hatchback is not tops when it comes to coolness. However, this subcompact hatchback will more than make up for it in reliability and fuel economy.

2016 Kia Soul – $11,000 

Looking for something a little funky and spacious? Then you want to take a look at the Kia Soul subcompact SUV. This is the boxy little commuter that will accommodate those over six feet with no problem. Also, you’ll be happy with the 27 miles per gallon of combined fuel economy from the 130 horsepower four-cylinder engine. Finally, you can fold down the back seats and get what you need when you need to pack up for college. 

The Kia Soul is cool in its unique sort of way. If you don’t want to drive around in hatchback, then the Kia Soul is a good choice. 

2017 Volkswagen Jetta – $11,500 

Don’t think that driving a German car is out of your budget. You can get a four year old Volkswagen Jetta for under $12K. This car looks great inside and out. Also, you will enjoy the feel of German engineering. This vehicle gives you a combined fuel economy rating of 33 miles per gallon from a 150 horsepower engine. 

As a Volkswagen, you’ll be driving one of the coolest cars in this price range. You certainly won’t feel embarrassed traveling around time in a Jetta. 

2016 Chevy Cruze  – $11,000

If you are looking for a more traditional four-door sedan that gives you a decent amount of power and excellent fuel economy, then you will want to take a look at the Chevy Cruze. This small sedan gives you a good amount of space for its price. Also, power is not bad with a standard 153 horsepower 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that provides you with a combined fuel economy rating of 31 miles per gallon. 

What about the cool factor? Well, it’s a Chevy which is not exactly tops when it comes to campus coolness. However, the excellent power and fuel economy makes it cool without showing off. 

2018 Toyota Corolla – $12,000 

No list of college cars would be complete without including the legendary Toyota Corolla. This is the small Toyota that is bulletproof when it comes to reliability. A bit of a caveat here. Toyota Corollas are in super high demand. Therefore, you will have to look at 2016 Corollas with at least 70,000 miles on them if you want to score one under $12,000. However, Toyota Corollas can easily last at least 200,000 miles with the proper maintenance. Fuel economy is also excellent with a combined rating of 31 miles per gallon from a 1.8-liter 132 horsepower inline four-cylinder engine. 

So what’s the cool factor on Toyota? Well, it’s not a head turner. However, you’ll feel good knowing that you have a car that will last throughout your time in college. 

Finding the right car for college students on a budget 

As you can see, there are lots of great picks to choose from when it comes to excellent college cars for 2021. Be sure to test drive at least three vehicles. Also be sure to check the vehicle’s history through a service such as Carfax. With the right patience and research, you’ll find the top college car for you.