There's no getting around it: new cars aren't cheap. It's often tough to scrape together enough money to buy a new car - especially if you're a student. But that doesn't mean that you should give up on your dream just yet. Our editors at CarsDirect found the nine best cars under $20k that have fresh styling and excellent fuel ratings. By driving one of these cars, you can save enough money for something other than Ramen noodles.
Best Cars for Students Under $15,000
These subcompacts are not only the most affordable cars available, they are also the most efficient non-hybrids around. Just because they're inexpensive doesn't mean that they are eye sores. The Fiesta was restyled last year. The Versa received a makeover for 2012. And the Sonic is an all-new car.
The aptly named Ford Fiesta is a party on wheels for students who want a ride that can help relieve some of the pressure of carrying 18-20 units. The Fiesta is the most stylish car in this group and is available in both sedan and hatchback models. With a low sticker price and fuel ratings of 29/39 mpg, the 2012 Fiesta will leave you with money left for books, frozen pizza, and apps for your smartphone. Speaking of smartphones, the Fiesta has a standard USB port so you can connect with ease.
Students looking for the most affordable new car can look no further than the modest 2012 Nissan Versa sedan. With a base price of just under $11k, the Versa is cheaper than a semester's tuition at most schools. Even though the Versa sedan was redesigned, it won't appeal to young drivers like the sporty Fiesta will. However, the redesign did add a few inches to the backseat area, making it easier for your fellow students to pile in. Fuel estimates are on par with other subcompacts at 30/38 mpg.
The all-new Chevrolet Sonic is available in hatchback and sedan models, with the latter being the most affordable. Parents who are footing the bill for their college-bound kids can help protect them with the Sonic's 10 standard airbags. As for the student, the Sonic sedan has ample horsepower (138) and class-leading torque (148), so you can finally hold your own against those pesky Vespas. The American-made Sonic gets excellent fuel economy ratings of 29/40 mpg, so you don't have to scrounge around your couch cushions for loose change. Well, not as often at least.
Best Cars for Students Under $17,500
By adding just a few thousand dollars to the bottom line, you can get into a solid vehicle that won't threaten your tuition and book costs.
With a starting price of just over $15k, the 2012 Honda Fit is a bargain in this price segment. Students looking for a reliable, flexible, spacious and efficient new car in this price range can't do much better than the Fit. What sets the Fit apart is its spacious interior, with a fold flat rear seat that allows for 57.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The 60/40-split rear seat can also flip upright to accommodate tall cargo (a plant, guitar, etc.). Young drivers will enjoy the Fit's quirky style and overall fun presence on the road.
Even though you're supposed to be studying, it'll be hard to draw your attention away from the redesigned 2012 Ford Focus. The difference between the old model and the 2012 Focus is the difference between creative writing and microbiology. Young drivers will love the sleek interior with its high-quality materials. MyFord Touch with SYNC is the most advanced way to handle apps and music through your wireless device of any car in this class. If you're a parent looking to get an inexpensive car for your high schooler, the available MyKey function allows you to set speed and volume limits, helping to ensure that your kid makes it safely to college.
Students looking to make a splash in the two-door econo-coupe class won't find a better bang for their buck than the 2012 Kia Forte Koup. A firm suspension allows for better handling when zipping around college-town USA. In addition to responsive handling, fuel efficiency is also the excellent at 25/34 mpg. If you want to keep maintenance costs down and ensure that you'll own your car for a long time, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is the best in the biz.
Best Cars for Students Under $20,000
If you are willing to pay a little more per month, these three cars will make your college experience even more enjoyable. From the all-around Passat to the versatile Sportage and exciting Cooper, these vehicles are at the top of the class no matter what your major is.
If you're a practical student that wants world-class craftsmanship and overall value, the 2012 VW Passat simply can't be beat. Named the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year, the all-new Passat has the most backseat room of any car in its class - enough to give your entire dorm a ride. The Passat is larger than all of the previously mentioned vehicles and still gets excellent fuel efficiency ratings of 22/31 mpg.
The Kia Sportage is the most affordable crossover period. That's great news for students who want the versatility of a crossover without paying too much. The Sportage gets 22/32 mpg, which is slightly better than the Passat sedan. Like the Forte Koup, it also features a world-class warranty. The 2012 Sportage is also one of the more stylish crossovers you will see, which is bound to attract students. Last but not least, the Sportage starts at only $18.5k, making it one heck of a deal for those who really need one.
Students that always have their heads in their books need to take a study break sometime. What better way to do that than with the immensely fun and popular 2012 Mini Cooper. We don't need to describe how the Cooper and its iconic British style immediately set it apart from the cookie-cutter mainstream - you know that already. But you might not know that the Cooper is fun to drive and extremely fuel-efficient. EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are 29/37 mpg, and the sticker price is just under $20k. If you decide on the Mini Cooper, prepare yourself to become the most popular kid on campus.
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