The Best New Cars for College Graduates
After graduation you’ll need some new wheels to get to that all-important first job. But which new car is for you? Money Under 30 picks the top new cars for college graduates and young professionals under 30 based on affordability, reliability, and appeal.
2007 Scion tC
Avg. MSRP: $15,000 (Man.)
If you crave an affordable sports car, look no further than the 2007 Scion tC. Featuring mouth-watering standard equipment like 17-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof, and a super sound system, this coupe is one hot ride for just $15k. The tC also boasts the engineering quality of Scion parent company Toyota, so you know you can count on your tC. Got friends? Owners praise the tC’s spacious rear leg-room. For a small car, the Scion tC carries disappointing 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway EPA ratings. Fuel economy aside, the tC is a lovable marriage of fun and practicality.
2007 Hyundai Sonata
Avg. MSRP: $18,295 (Auto.)
Need to impress your coworkers? Drivers looking for a larger car won’t beat the 2007 Hyundai Sonata. Redesigned in 2006 and made even better in 2007, the new Sonata is proof that Hyundai is a worthy competitor in the American auto market. The Sonata provides a smooth, quiet, yet peppy ride and boasts a surprisingly spacious cabin. Need more proof? The Sonata raked in initial-quality awards from J. D. Power and boasts Hyundai’s impressive five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and ten-year/100,000-mile limited warranties.
2006 Toyota Tacoma
Avg. MSRP: $18,230 (2WD, Auto., Access Cab)
Haul more gear than bodies? For those looking for a pick-up truck there’s no better choice than the Toyota Tacoma. The redesigned 2005 Tacoma won Motor Trend’s 2005 truck of the year award, and the Tacoma continues to be strong. With rock-solid reliability and interior styling far eclipsing American compact pick-up trucks, the Tacoma does well as a daily driver and a work horse. The Tacoma is highly affordable on the lower end, with four-cylinder, rear-wheel drive models all coming in under $20k. Choose these models for the best affordability, fuel economy, and reliability. Six-cylinder and four-wheel drive models will cost substantially more to buy, fuel, and repair.
The Best New Car for Grads
2006 Honda Civic LX Sedan
Avg. MSRP: $17,510 (Auto.)
To current Honda drivers, the Money Under 30 pick for best new car for college graduates comes as no surprise. The 2006 Honda Civic features Honda’s legendary value and reliability and, finally, competitive styling. The Civic may not be the flashiest car you can buy, but its appearance has come a long way from its blander past.
Civics carry higher sticker prices than competing compact cars but cost less to own thanks to fewer repair bills. And with an EPA highway rating of 40 mpg, the Civic’s gas tank is easy on your wallet, too. The LX model offers options that are “just right”, including air conditioning and power windows and locks. Choose a barebones DX model to save cash or splurge on the EX for “luxuries” like alloy wheels and a sunroof.
Now that you have some cars to choose from, read up on some smart car shopping tips.
