Top 10 Best Cars for 2015 College Graduates
If you’re a recent college graduate and are looking to buy a new or used car. You may be wondering what are the best cars available on a tight budget.
The good news is, there’s never been a better time to be in the market for a new or used car. Dealer’s lots are full of fun to drive, beautifully designed, fuel-efficient vehicles. All you have to do is find the one that best fits your everyday driving needs.
AutoTrader recently released their top 10 list of the best vehicles for recent college graduates considering to purchase a new or used vehicle.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive vehicle and don’t care about power windows or other convenience items. The base model 2015 Versa Note S starts at only $15,005. Keep in mind, this is the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). You can most likely buy it even cheaper if you get car dealer’s to compete for your business online. The Versa Note gets 40 mpg with its available CVT and has a very large back seat for such a small car. The rear seats fold down and with the hatchback, there’s plenty of room for all your cargo.
The Mazda3 is the vehicle you want if you’re looking for the most fun for your money. It’s available in either a four-door hatchback or sedan. Entering the marketplace at $17,765, the Mazda3 has two engine sizes available. The 2.0 liter gets 41 miles per gallon on the highway and the sportier 2.5 liter tops out at 39 mpg highway. If you have a little more flexibility in your budget, you may want to look at the additional leather upholstery and Mazda3’s infotainment system. Not only is the 3 is the closest thing you’ll find to a sports car, it’s one of the best cars you’ll find within this price range.
If you have a large budget and would like to treat yourself to a little bit of pampering, but can’t afford a brand new luxury vehicle at the moment, Take a look at the Certified Preowned (CPO) Lexus IS. AutoTrader’s average price for a 2012 CPO Lexus IS 250 is $27,690. The IS sedan is a great entry level luxury vehicle with all the bells and whistles of a brand new one.
Top 10 Best Cars for 2015 College Graduates
| Rank | Vehicle | Pricing | Miles Per Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buick Encore | Priced from $24,990 | 33 Hwy |
| 2 | Chevrolet Trax | Starting at $20,995 | 34 Hwy |
| 3 | Honda Fit | Priced from $16,470 | 41 Hwy |
| 4 | Nissan Versa Note | Starting at $15,005 | 40 Hwy |
| 5 | Mazda Mazda3 | Starting at $17,765 | 39 Hwy |
| 6 | Jeep Renegade | Starting at $18,990 | 31 Hwy |
| 7 | FIAT 500 | Base price: $17,825 | 40 Hwy |
| 8 | CPO Toyota Camry | Average 2013 Price: $19,188 | 35 Hwy |
| 9 | CPO Ford Fusion | Average 2014 Price: $19,712 | 37 Hwy |
| 10 | CPO Lexus IS | Average 2012 IS 250 Price: $27,690 | 30 Hwy |
If you’re a recent college graduate and considering the purchase of a new car, I recommend using a free online referral service such as Ryde Shopper and Motor Trend to guarantee you pay the lowest price. These services will tell you what others are paying for the vehicle you’re considering in your local area and which dealers give the greatest discounts.
