Member of the Month

JalmarKalmar
April, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Cheap Cars For Cawlege

profile picture
Corgy
Posts: 67 - Karma: 655
Thinking about saving up for a car later down the road in college and need some advice. Ill probably be at $3500-$4000 after senior year of highschool, and want to buy a car around Junior year in college. I'll need winter capabilities, and really only need a compact car. Ill hopefully have around $8000-$10,000 at Junior which is the target time to buy a car. Anyone name some cars that I could afford. This will be in about 2 years or so. I want to get a subaru but i'm afraid it will be out of budget

tl;dr I need a cheap car to buy midway through college in 2 years
Mar 10 2016 7:33PM
54 5
profile picture
.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7408 - Karma: 11,040
CorgyThinking about saving up for a car later down the road in college and need some advice. Ill probably be at $3500-$4000 after senior year of highschool, and want to buy a car around Junior year in college. I'll need winter capabilities, and really only need a compact car. Ill hopefully have around $8000-$10,000 at Junior which is the target time to buy a car. Anyone name some cars that I could afford. This will be in about 2 years or so. I want to get a subaru but i'm afraid it will be out of budget

tl;dr I need a cheap car to buy midway through college in 2 years


How many miles? Where are you going to college?
Mar 10 2016 7:39PM
0 0
profile picture
Corgy
Posts: 67 - Karma: 655
.MASSHOLE.How many miles? Where are you going to college?


Going out west, deciding between Bozeman and U of Utah atm. Would like to keep miles under 100k, but I'm really just looking into models that are generally lower cost that bring a bang for your buck. I don't need a specific car off craigslist yet... just suggestions
Mar 10 2016 7:43PM
0 0
profile picture
.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7408 - Karma: 11,040
CorgyGoing out west, deciding between Bozeman and U of Utah atm. Would like to keep miles under 100k, but I'm really just looking into models that are generally lower cost that bring a bang for your buck. I don't need a specific car off craigslist yet... just suggestions


So definitely AWD. You said compact too, so that narrows it down.

-Subarus are a good choice, just check head gaskets and the like depending on the year and model.
-Honda CRVs are another good one, last forever, rather reliable, etc. Not compact, but still small
-RAV4s may work as well.
-If you can find an older 4runner they're bomb-proof, but usually over 100,000 miles. They can last up to 200,000+
Mar 10 2016 8:09PM
2 0
profile picture
.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,474
8-10 grand is cheap for a college student? Jesus
Mar 10 2016 8:12PM
15 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 51293 - Karma: 157,944
Buy my subaru forester for $1,700 and use the rest of the money for books aka hookers and blow
Mar 10 2016 8:15PM
6 0
profile picture
.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,178
Fred_Bear8-10 grand is cheap for a college student? Jesus


For real. If I had that kind of money, or even half of that, I could upgrade from my 2002 Suby Outback that my parents mostly paid for haha.
Mar 10 2016 8:19PM
1 3
profile picture
.CJ.
Posts: 1507 - Karma: 3,657
Subaru Legacy/ Outback/ Forester
Jeep Cherokee/ Grand Cherokee, I've seen some on craigslist that had over 330k miles on them and were still running strong.
Toyota 4runner/ Rav4/ Tacoma
Audi a4 b7/ b8 This may not be the best option as a college student since repairs are costly, but the newer models are some of the most reliable cars on the market.
Almost any Volvo (that has AWD)

Now some of these cars are pushing the "compact" limit but you'll be thankful that you bought a slightly larger car than what you originally wanted.
Mar 10 2016 8:44PM
3 1
profile picture
Corgy
Posts: 67 - Karma: 655
Fred_Bear8-10 grand is cheap for a college student? Jesus


.lenconFor real. If I had that kind of money, or even half of that, I could upgrade from my 2002 Suby Outback that my parents mostly paid for haha.


Its all just a goal from working. Right now I got like $1000 set aside, working a lot this summer next fall. In reality I know ill be around $5000-$6000. Ive had the same job for 3.5 years now so I'm getting paid more than minimum wage
Mar 10 2016 9:24PM
0 0
profile picture
.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,178
CorgyIts all just a goal from working. Right now I got like $1000 set aside, working a lot this summer next fall. In reality I know ill be around $5000-$6000. Ive had the same job for 3.5 years now so I'm getting paid more than minimum wage


What year in HS are you in?


Also I live in Pocatello Idaho (a few hours north of U of U in SLC) and I bought my car off KSL which has some good stuff. So if you do end up coming out west, especially in the Utah area check out KSL cause there's some good stuff on there.
Mar 10 2016 9:28PM
0 0
profile picture
Corgy
Posts: 67 - Karma: 655
.lenconWhat year in HS are you in?


Also I live in Pocatello Idaho (a few hours north of U of U in SLC) and I bought my car off KSL which has some good stuff. So if you do end up coming out west, especially in the Utah area check out KSL cause there's some good stuff on there.


Junior year, though I feel like I'm Senior. Swandog7 and I are in a similar boat with $$$ and college decisions. Aren't you a senior m8?
Mar 10 2016 9:33PM
0 0
profile picture
.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,178
CorgyJunior year, though I feel like I'm Senior. Swandog7 and I are in a similar boat with $$$ and college decisions. Aren't you a senior m8?


Yeah I'm a senior. If you're looking for advice all I have to say is make sure you have a decent paying job and stick with it. You'll make a lot this summer and all of next year and summer.

My buddy works in a resteraunt and after working there for a bit and getting moved up from dishwasher to bus boy with his tips he makes pretty nice money for a kid and he's gonna be able to afford a car and money for college or whatever.
Mar 10 2016 9:35PM
0 0
profile picture
Chubz.
Posts: 13918 - Karma: 25,658
Fred_Bear8-10 grand is cheap for a college student? Jesus


this.


OP buy a wrx
Mar 10 2016 9:40PM
2 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 51293 - Karma: 157,944
Fred_Bear8-10 grand is cheap for a college student? Jesus


When you sling energy drinks part time the world is up for grabs bruh
Mar 10 2016 9:52PM
6 0
profile picture
.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,474
theabortionatorWhen you sling energy drinks part time the world is up for grabs bruh


can you get me into that? im lookin to quit my full time job
Mar 10 2016 10:01PM
0 0
profile picture
iFlip
Posts: 4541 - Karma: 19,089
There is only one possible choice and I don't know how it hasn't been posted yet:

1992 Volvo 240

Mar 10 2016 10:02PM
6 0
profile picture
Deforestation
Posts: 1606 - Karma: 3,192
CorgyIts all just a goal from working. Right now I got like $1000 set aside, working a lot this summer next fall. In reality I know ill be around $5000-$6000. Ive had the same job for 3.5 years now so I'm getting paid more than minimum wage


Why do you want to spend every cent you make for four years on a car? Get one for 2k and have $6000 for beer and weed.
Mar 10 2016 10:09PM
0 0
profile picture
skittiti
Posts: 172 - Karma: 434
i found a used '11 forester for like 9 grand on auto trader with 26k miles... i dont think you need to be spending as much as you plan to. for like 4-6 grand you could get a solid car, well under 100k miles and then just pocket/invest the rest
Mar 10 2016 10:21PM
0 0
profile picture
Corgy
Posts: 67 - Karma: 655
DeforestationWhy do you want to spend every cent you make for four years on a car? Get one for 2k and have $6000 for beer and weed.


Well for ski shit as well, but only for 2 or 2.5 years. I want it to last outside of college as well, idk I'm sure my mind will change multiple times before I even get to that point in buying a car anyway, who knows. Im not a heavy drinker or smoker yet so I haven't budgeted that in because it doesn't take a big chunk of my wallet.
Mar 10 2016 10:27PM
0 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 51293 - Karma: 157,944
Fred_Bearcan you get me into that? im lookin to quit my full time job


Yeah man. I had a half a semester left in college but I quit that shit to go for the big time. My parents are pissed but I'm like "Dad, not everyone wants to work a 9-5 to make money.' I can't wait to drive home in my bmw, that'll show them. I can't believe they don't support me. They just don't get it.

I don't need them, I don't need anybody.

Shoot the moon!
Mar 10 2016 10:30PM
0 0
profile picture
skittiti
Posts: 172 - Karma: 434
CorgyI'm not a heavy drinker or smoker yet so I haven't budgeted that in because it doesn't take a big chunk of my wallet.


oh definitely budget drinking/smoking in. I use to be a heavier smoker, and have pretty much been a heavier drinker throughout college, and that shit eats up your money faster than you realize...

you also don't want to miss out on going out/drinking in college just so you can save money to buy some car. College is the best 4 years of your life, take every opportunity you have during it to drink/smoke/whatever, because those are times you will remember (or not remember) for the rest of your life. this is coming from someone who graduates in under 2 months.

but fuck me, what do i know. I'm moving to NYC after graduation so all i need to buy is a fucking subway pass...
Mar 10 2016 10:32PM
0 0
profile picture
crotchvent
Posts: 1527 - Karma: 2,182
CorgyWell for ski shit as well, but only for 2 or 2.5 years. I want it to last outside of college as well, idk I'm sure my mind will change multiple times before I even get to that point in buying a car anyway, who knows. Im not a heavy drinker or smoker yet so I haven't budgeted that in because it doesn't take a big chunk of my wallet.

Money just likes to disappear when your on college. No one knows where it goes.
Mar 10 2016 10:44PM
1 0
profile picture
K-Dot.
Posts: 3705 - Karma: 7,396
crotchventMoney just likes to disappear when your on college. No one knows where it goes.


Can vouch for this. Always overestimate shit, you'll end up spending more than you thought
Mar 10 2016 10:54PM
0 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 51293 - Karma: 157,944
Mar 10 2016 10:55PM
4 0
profile picture
Bodhisattva_
Posts: 5749 - Karma: 2,009
crotchventMoney just likes to disappear when your on college. No one knows where it goes.


Money, clothes, and cell phones are all collateral damage from partying in college. I lose a jacket or hat every weekend and break/lose my cell phone like once every couple months lol.
Mar 10 2016 11:02PM
2 0
profile picture
.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,474
Buy a cheap car then keep saving to help pay off your tuition faster
Mar 11 2016 6:49AM
0 0
profile picture
Caucasian_Asian
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 1,665
Whatever you get saved up, take half a buy a car. Use the other half to pay for repairs/maintenance/insurance/fuel.

And $10k is a lot for a first car. I didn't pay $10k for my first three cars.
Mar 11 2016 7:52AM
0 0
profile picture
KravtZ
Posts: 6637 - Karma: 2,629
Just browse craigslist constantly for good deals / autotrader, etc. Go with some financing at interest rates these days not a bad alternative if you can take the monthly payment for something a little better/reliable.

Don't go after the "it" car or a flashy car. Go for something pretty reliable. Autotrader has a ton of solid cars right around $10k.
Mar 11 2016 9:41AM
0 0
profile picture
Swaggy_P
Posts: 130 - Karma: 361
.MASSHOLE.-If you can find an older 4runner they're bomb-proof, but usually over 100,000 miles. They can last up to 200,000+


^This. I have one and love it. Ive beat the crap out of it with no issues and go doing literally anything you want it to. Mines an 05' with 150,000 miles and I still haven't found something on it to complain about. Not really compact but I think it the best you can get for the money
Mar 11 2016 10:31AM
0 0
profile picture
HAMNATION
Posts: 814 - Karma: 1,719
http://rockies.craigslist.org/cto/5442021170.html

somethin like this so when you fuck it up doing dones in the resort parking lot you won't cry like a lil bitch about it UGGNNNN
Mar 12 2016 7:52PM
0 0
profile picture
boppin
Posts: 111 - Karma: 308
Toyota corolla.
Mar 12 2016 9:59PM
0 0
profile picture
gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,787
Get an sti. And no, not the subaru one
Mar 12 2016 10:04PM
1 1
profile picture
assatrailz
Posts: 324 - Karma: 745
besides for the obvious (Volvo 240 wagon) get a saab there the best cheapest cars in my opinion
Mar 14 2016 12:15PM
0 0
profile picture
.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,474
assatrailzbesides for the obvious (Volvo 240 wagon) get a saab there the best cheapest cars in my opinion


Except they fall apart and cost a fortune to fix
Mar 14 2016 12:22PM
0 0
profile picture
HAMNATION
Posts: 814 - Karma: 1,719
Fred_BearExcept they fall apart and cost a fortune to fix


easy solution don't fix it drive it till it dies I retired my 900 turbo when It had 290k and was stuck in 1st gear!!! sweedish pride mo fucka
Mar 14 2016 3:14PM
0 0
profile picture
saskskier
Posts: 4772 - Karma: 9,984
Fred_Bear8-10 grand is cheap for a college student? Jesus


This. When I was in university, I drove a $1000 (or less) car. Drove it until it died and then did it again. Did that a couple of times.

Heck, I have a great job now and still haven't ever spent as much as OP wants to on a car...
Mar 14 2016 3:37PM
0 0
profile picture
humpty
Posts: 1189 - Karma: 3,150
Subarus are great cars. If it has en EJ series engine make sure you ask about the head gaskets, also i would avoid buying subaru that is just over or just about to hit 100 or 200k that has not had timing belt, water pump, pulleys and associated parts.

Volvos are good, i dont have much experience with them but my friend swears by them, another friend has one with 220k and still going strong. I have heard the Volvo AWD is better in the snow than subarus, but not as fun in the snow as the subaru AWD.

Volkswagens are nice too, the ALH tdi is bombproof, but if you do not have an apt for keeping up with maintenance i would steer away. The newer 2.5 engines are also very good. I have heard some bad things about VW automatic transmissions, but im sure the newer ones are much better now.

If you want a cheap car that you can literally run to the ground without doing any maintenace, i would get a honda or a toyota.
Mar 14 2016 7:06PM
0 0
profile picture
RRhighrider
Posts: 2137 - Karma: 1,105
It really grinds my gears how you spelled College. What the fuck Cawlege
Mar 14 2016 7:48PM
0 0
profile picture
Bodhisattva_
Posts: 5749 - Karma: 2,009
humptySubarus are great cars. If it has en EJ series engine make sure you ask about the head gaskets


ESPECIALLY the 2.5's. Haven't seen a 2.5l Subie yet that hasn't blown a head gasket before 150k
Mar 14 2016 7:58PM
0 0
profile picture
assatrailz
Posts: 324 - Karma: 745
Fred_BearExcept they fall apart and cost a fortune to fix


I agree that there a little expensive to fix but my first one I had had around 260000 miles when I got rid of it and I didn't put any money into it besides for a few accidents and regular maintenance
Mar 15 2016 12:16PM
0 0
profile picture
OregonDead
Posts: 6808 - Karma: 23,682

Need a compact car with winter capabilities? I can't believe this mountain assault vehicle is still for sale. Do your self a favor and buy this gem ASAP.
http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/cto/5482386704.html
Worth it just for the seats.
Mar 15 2016 1:18PM
0 0
profile picture
Hotdogger99
Posts: 34 - Karma: 7
1992 suzuki sidekick. 5-speed manual, 4x4, seat belts and airbags. 4 banger. 1000000000 miles to the gallon. $800 on kijiji
Mar 15 2016 3:38PM
0 0
All times are Eastern (-4)