Buying Wilmington: A Guide for Buying a Used Car as a College Student

For most university students, buying a car is a first. College students are just joining the workforce, after all, so they are only just starting on their large purchase journeys. College students can often find many different types of tasks difficult, even jobs as simple as replacing a car battery, because they haven’t had the necessary experience in car ownership yet. That’s actually one reason why buying used cars for college students is a good move. Having a car that is not brand new is perfect for learning how to take care of a vehicle properly with less risk, so later on, they can take care of a new car without issue.

Making the decision to buy used is only the first step, though. After that, you need to consider the model, year, anticipated maintenance conditions, and overall affordability. So, in order to make this process easier for new car buyers, we have compiled a guide on the best ways to find used vehicles for Wilmington College students.

Driving As a College Student

In order to understand the car buying process, it’s important to understand what makes one car better than another. While it can be tempting to assume that any vehicle would do so long as it moves, this is a very flawed way of deciding on a vehicle that could be your only form of transportation for the next few years. Each car is built with a different audience in mind, much like how every book is written with a different type of reader in mind. The factors that are important for a person in their middle years is going to be vastly different than that of a college student.

Generally speaking, it is much smarter for a college student to prioritize performance and affordability over other factors like infotainment and luxury. Don’t misunderstand; those factors can be important, but when it comes to university students, a used vehicle for a smaller price is a far better investment in the long-run than one that is more luxurious. That’s why affordability and performance is the absolute duo for students that don’t have an ample source of income. They can be bought at a lower price, and yet will also save money at the pump. Of course, these aren’t the only factors that should be taken into consideration; however, other factors will depend on which college you attend.

What About Buying In Wilmington?

As Wilmington college students, driving conditions that you will have to deal with on a daily basis are going to differ when compared to students from other areas. After all, living in Southern Ohio is very largely varied, with the muddy conditions of the rain season, the cold of the winter season, and of course, the unpredictable weather associated with living in the Great Lakes region. This means that, aside from affordability and performance, weather versatility and safety will also be incredibly important. Also, living on a college campus can mean tight parking sometimes, so going for something smaller may be in your best interest.

So, Which Car is the Right One?

While there are lots of brands out there to choose from, we suggest college students narrow their search to some of the offerings from Ford, Kia, Honda, and Toyota. For Wilmington students, it would be a good idea to focus on models that have proven themselves to be reliable and long-lasting throughout the years, as you are going to want to make a smart decision that will last you a long time. Several very good choices include:

Ford

There is a reason that Ford is one of the top brands in the United States. With a wide selection of different models, and a long history dating back to the beginning of the automotive industry, there is a large selection of vehicles that can be bought used from Ford. Because the brand is so large, there are actually a lot of choices when it comes to reliable Ford cars, giving a little bit more leeway for college students purchasing from the brand. Specifically, the Ford Escape SUV or Ford Fusion sedan are great models for Wilmington college students, depending on the type of vehicle you’re looking for.

A big area that Ford excels in, that sets it apart from other vehicles on this list, is that its vehicles tend to perform very well in difficult weather conditions. Many college students are still new drivers, and if you are going to be commuting or driving around a lot, rainy seasons and the variable winter months may be a source of concern. That said, both the Ford Escape and the Ford Fusion should be able to handle these kinds of situations, and you’ll still be able to fit through the campus streets and parking.

Kia

Overall, Kia is a lot less famous when compared to some other car producers on the market. Nonetheless, their reputation lies in the fact that they offer a lot of different models at an affordable price. Among these, the Kia Forte is an exceptional model that is great for Wilmington College students. The Kia Forte is a sedan that, throughout its history, has offered a great fuel economy and urban performance. As such, it is a vehicle that can generally take care of most commuting needs that a college student could need, especially for the urban portions of Wilmington.

Honda

Honda is a brand that has been a reliable option for people who want a car that’ll last. Many of their initiatives focus on making vehicles more affordable to a general audience, so it is definitely a brand that college students should consider. A college student favorite among Honda’s lineup is the Honda Accord or the Honda Fit, which have had a long history throughout the company’s history.

The Honda Accord is perfect for college students as they can usually be found used at a reasonable price, though it may be a little more expensive than other models out there. However, the benefit of buying a Honda is the enhanced performance and fuel economy of the Honda Accord makes the vehicle long-lasting and cheap in the long run. So, you’ll be saving on gas in the short term and maintenance in the long term.

The Honda Fit is on the other side of the spectrum, offers a limited selection but is far cheaper than other Honda models when used. Furthermore, if you’re not in a stressful budget situation, you may even be able to buy a new Honda Fit. However, we would still recommend going the used route to save money while still getting a great car. The Fit does have a lower fuel economy than the Honda Accord; however, this is definitely the optimal option if you’re looking for a capable hatchback or sedan but don’t have the funds to buy a Honda Accord.

Toyota

Toyota, much like Honda, has also had a long history of targeting affordability throughout their history. To be fair, Toyota and Honda are two companies that have very similar histories and have largely been rivals throughout their history. What this means for you as a college student, however, is that this rivalry has mustered competition resulting in very affordable, high-quality cars that are exactly what a student on a budget needs. The Toyota Camry is probably the best Toyota model for a college student, given that it is relatively widespread in America, so you can find a used one easily. The sedan boasts a relatively standard performance, of course, but given its generally smaller price tag, it will definitely get the job of commuting done with a little bit of money left in your pocket.

Take the Stress Out of College Car Buying

There are a lot of different things to keep in mind when choosing a used vehicle, especially if it’s your first time shopping for one. Nonetheless, buying the right vehicle as a college student is easier if you keep in mind your priorities. As a Wilmington college student, and as a college student in general, you have to consider more than just what a car looks like. You’re going to need a car that is only affordable and high-performing, but you also need to take into consideration the area you live in. Nonetheless, there are several companies, like Ford, making cars more affordable and more reliable, so the worries of buying used as a college student are a thing of the past. If you are a Wilmington College student interested in purchasing a used car, visit Kings Ford and let our sales team find you the perfect college car.