Going to college is often a time of considerable changes for a young person. Many students have to move large distances to study at their chosen university or college. More often than not, the student dormitory can be located quite far away from the college itself. This makes getting around one of the first issues that must be solved before the first class even starts.
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But you may be wondering how to solve it. Public transportation may be a no-go; hiring a taxi is expensive in the long term, and hitching a ride with friends can be difficult in a new environment. However, there is a solution, and it is to get your own means of transportation. While this can be a bike or a motorcycle, a more efficient means of getting around would be a car.
- Helpful Tips When Looking for a Car
Now, remember that this is not an exhaustive list, and there might be a number of other tips you can utilize. Either way, here are our 10 tips when looking for the best car for college students.
1. Save up enough money.
While it may be a no-brainer in most situations, people do not always consider saving money as a good strategy to buy a car. They rely instead on hefty loans, which are hardly an option for a college student, especially in the case of having to make tuition payments. Therefore, be sure to save up enough money to buy a decent car, the amount of which depends on your own location and personal situation.
Of course, in order to save up money, you may need to focus less on classes, and find a part-time job. This is not a problem with the availability of paper writing services.
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2. Do not avoid used cars.
It can sure be a treat to buy a new car that is still “fresh” from the factory. However, as lucrative as it may be, it is an expensive purchase. For most students, a brand new car is a major hit to the wallet. In order to simply get around to campus and back, or to your workplace and back, a used but dependable car is a perfect choice.
3. The car is for transportation, not showing off.
No matter how much you may like making an impression on your friends, buying an expensive car simply to show off is not the best financial decision. Choose a car that is durable and dependable and not just fancy-looking.
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4. Choose fuel-efficient cars.
Fuel prices tend to rise and fall with the price of oil, but that still does not mean it will not be a hit to your budget. As such, avoid cars that burn gas like there is no tomorrow.
5. Consult reviews before buying a car.
While you should not immediately assume that somebody is trying to trick you, car salespeople still have a singular task: selling a car. Sometimes this comes at your expense, as you settle for a choice that you would not have otherwise made. Remember to always check what other people have to say about the cars currently on offer.
6. Check several dealers first.
Wherever you may be, there are likely to be several car dealerships in the area. They can have different prices and special offers that can make them a better choice than others. So do not be afraid of looking around before settling, as it is more than okay to be choosy.
7. Prioritize safety!
Remember to check the car’s performance in crash tests. While you might favor a car that is on the cheaper side, if it performs poorly during a crash test, you definitely want to avoid it. Better safe than sorry.
8. Be sure to check everything before buying.
Whether buying a used car or a brand new one, always check everything before parting with your hard-earned money. Check if the transmission is working, see if new paint was not used to cover extensive damage or rust, and if you are not yet an expert, bring a friend or a family member with expertise along.
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9. Ask your friends and family for advice.
If you are not yet an experienced driver or you are not well-versed in what makes a good car tick, consult someone close to you with enough experience. They will be sure to help you make an informed choice.
10. Negotiate with car salespeople.
Car dealerships look to make a deal. While they might be offering a car for a considerable price, you can successfully knock the price down if you negotiate. Be confident – with a bit of preparation, you can do it.
If you follow these simple tips, you will be sure to find the best car to suit your needs as a college student. Always remember to choose sensibly and drive safely!
