So you’re sending your teen off to college soon, but do they already drive their own vehicle? This can be a massive investment for you so be careful when exploring makes and models. You’ll want something easy and safe to drive in the city that offers power, fuel efficiency, and cargo space–such as Kia from Rio Rancho. But before that, think about money first.
Who’s going to pay for the cars?
After establishing that your child needs his own car in college, ask yourself how you’re going to pay for it. Bear in mind that besides the vehicle, you also have to pay for insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Of course, you can shoulder everything if you can afford it, but if it’s too much for you, there are other options to explore.
Many dealerships offer financing, which can reduce the purchase cost. You may also consider buying a pre-owned car. After all, it’s only for a few years. You or your child can just buy a brand new one when they finish school. Many college students also decide to work while studying. Maybe you can ask your child to cover a portion of the monthly fee. Discuss this with them before shopping around for cars.
Start with the typical choices
Any sedan or SUV can be a suitable ride for your college student. However, it’s best to find something they’ll feel comfortable driving and maintaining. Almost every manufacturer has something for young adult motorists. And all of them share useful perks: excellent fuel economy, loads of safety features like collision and lane-departure warning, decent amount of cargo space, and connectivity features.
In the end, the deciding factor will be the price. You don’t want to trade safety for the little savings you can make but you also have to remember that price doesn’t always reflect quality. Some makes and models, such as Kia from Rio Rancho, offer tons of safety features but cost less than others. You just have to put extra effort into research to find the vehicle that suits your budget.
Ideal Kia models for college students
Most affordable vehicle models for college students cost between $25,000 and $35,000. However, if you check Kia’s product line, you’ll find models that cost less than $25,000 and yet they have all the basic features for safe and comfortable driving. You might want to start your search from there.
Kia Soul
For example, the Kia Soul offers versatility. Not only are both manual and automatic transmission available for this model, but it also has split-folding rear seats that allow you to configure your cargo space.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage, on the other hand, comes with a surfeit of safety features, including parking assist and lane warning.
Kia Sorento
If you want something bigger to put your mind at ease, go for the Kia Sorento. In fact, check all of Kia’s current models and you’ll understand why Kia is perfect for students.
A car is one of the biggest investments you’ll make both as a parent and as an individual. It’s best to be meticulous when buying one, especially if it’s for your kids. Their safety is your top priority and not all car models can guarantee that. Go for the brand that designs its vehicle with the driver’s safety in mind. Check out Fiesta Kia for more helpful tips.
