RICHMOND, Va.—Going to college can be an intimidating experience for high school grads, but not having a car or plan for your mode of transportation can make the experience even more daunting. CarMax, the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, published Cars & College: A Complete Guide as a resource for college students and their parents on the different transportation options around campus. The guide also includes car recommendations and tips for first-time car buyers.
Why a Car?
To help ease the financial burden, landing a job in college is necessary for many students. Having access to a car can be a huge benefit to secure a job. Additionally, the freedom and independence of having a car is often enough to relieve the anxiety of a heavy course load and also gives students the flexibility to travel home on weekends or holidays.
The Alternatives
Whether it be the subway on an urban campus or campus connector buses on a rural campus, public transportation can be an option for most students. Taxis and other ride sharing services are another great way to get around campus, but the expenses can add up quickly. Purchasing a bike or utilizing a bike-sharing kiosk is another option when weather permits. Students may also consider checking with the college student center to review available transportation options.
Car Recommendations
CarMax’s list for Best Used Cars Under $15,000 make great options for college students. These car recommendations may also fulfill both the parents' monetary and reliability demands, as well as young drivers' preferences for looks and performance.
| The list includes: | ||||||||||
|
• Chevrolet Sonic |
• Nissan Versa |
• Mitsubishi Mirage |
||||||||
|
• Nissan Sentra |
• Kia Forte |
• Dodge Avenger |
||||||||
|
• Hyundai Elantra |
• Hyundai Accent |
• Fiat 500 |
||||||||
|
• Dodge Dart |
• Ford Focus |
• Toyota Yaris |
||||||||
|
• Nissan Versa Note |
• Chevrolet Spark |
• Ford Fiesta |
||||||||
“CarMax is a great place for college students and their families to start car shopping,” said Cliff Wood, chief operating officer at CarMax. “We understand that preparing for college can be nerve-racking and our customers appreciate CarMax’s honest and transparent car buying experience and no-haggle pricing.”
About CarMax
CarMax is the nation’s largest retailer of used cars and operates more than 175 stores in 39 states nationwide. CarMax revolutionized the auto industry by delivering the honest, transparent and high-integrity car buying experience customers want and deserve. For more than 20 years, CarMax has made car buying more ethical, fair and stress-free by offering a no-haggle, no-hassle experience and an incredible selection of vehicles. CarMax makes selling your car easy too, by offering no-obligation appraisals good for seven days. At CarMax, we’ll buy your car even if you don’t buy ours®. CarMax has more than 24,000 associates nationwide and for 13 consecutive years has been named as one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®. During the 12 months ending February 28, 2017, the company retailed 671,294 used cars and sold 391,686 wholesale vehicles at its in-store auctions. For more information, access the CarMax website at www.carmax.com.
