If you are a parent looking for the best used vehicle for your child for back to school, there are several factors you are likely to consider including safety, reliability, fuel economy, affordability and overall cost to own. However, your child may also want a good looking vehicle that has plenty of room to haul cargo and friends and is easy to park and fun to drive. Here are three of the best back to school used vehicles that will satisfy both parents and students.
2007 Suzuki SX4
If you’re a student who needs a fuel efficient all-wheel drive vehicle to help get around during snowy winters or over rugged terrain, then the Suzuki SX4 is the perfect choice. The SX4 is the least expensive all-wheel drive on the market, meaning major savings for already cash strapped students. Another plus: Suzuki’s no deductible seven year power train warranty is fully transferrable to new owners, which could help if costly repairs pop up. The budget friendly hatchback also offers seats that fold down to add more cargo space and smart fuel saving standard features such as the three mode all-wheel drive system that intelligently switches to two-wheel drive when needed.
The sturdy SX4 offers superior handling and 54 cubic feet of cargo space that allows students to carry bulky items like boogie boards, skis or even boxes for a mid-year move, as well as enough room for five passengers. Standard equipment includes all-wheel drive, six airbags, four wheel drive antilock brakes, remote entry, power windows and locks, air conditioning and an AM/FM/MP3/CD audio system. For the price, students can’t get a more powerful engine that performs better in diverse conditions.
2007 Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra is perfect for the practical minded student. The CVT automatic transmission helps the Sentra get 33 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city, making it tops for saving cash on gas whether you’re zipping around town or heading off on a road trip. This easy to park compact also boasts plenty of room for cargo and enough space for five passengers to ride comfortably. The sporty Sentra also offers students loads of standard safety features including both side and seat mounted airbags as well as air conditioning and power locks and windows.
2008 Chevrolet HHR
If you can get past the PT Cruiser-like body style, the Chevy HHR is a great back to school vehicle for students. What’s so great about the HHR? To start with, the deafening sound system lets students rock out to their hearts desire. Tech features such as the front mounted auxiliary input jack makes connecting your MP3 player easy. The retro wagon-style makes hauling lots of gear or friends a breeze. In fact, the HHR may look and ride like a bigger vehicle, but it handles like a smaller one. It also offers the versatility that students need, featuring a collapsible passenger seat and a storage bin hidden underneath the cargo floor.
A ride in the HHR is comfortable and quiet, whether you’re the driver or a passenger. OnStar is standard as is a four speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, front airbags, remote keyless entry, cruise control and power windows and locks. Are you a college student living in a dorm a distance from your car? The HHR’s remote start feature means you can start the heat or air conditioning well before having to brave the elements. The HHR may have a retro feel outside, but inside it has a modern style that will appeal to students. Best of all, when you’re ready to move on to another vehicle, the HHR has a very good resale value.
Sources
Edmunds: Suzuki SX 4
Motor Trend
Edmunds: Chevrolet HHR