When you are a student every cent counts. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t afford a car or that you need to put up with some junky old vehicle. When choosing a vehicle keep in mind some considerations that will add up to the cost of ownership — the upkeep of the vehicle. Generally speaking, used SUVs cost considerably less than the new ones. If a new one costs about $25 000 and more, then you can buy a used one for just $5000 or even less. The price is influenced by such factors as the car’s history, its age, and condition, make and model, and who you are buying from. We have collected a list of SUVs that you can get even for the salary of a part-time worker. Here we go.
Nissan Xterra
Nissan Xterra was built back in the days when it wasn’t all about space and safety. Its main purpose was fun and more fun. Today, Nissan Xterra is one of the best deals you can get. The car is simple, but it doesn’t mean it is bad, rather, that it is reliable. The vehicle has a 3.3-liter V6 engine, lots of inside space, and many aftermarket items that you can add on. You can easily find Nissan Xterra for about $5000, and if you are willing to add some more money you can get a cool car with some off-roading updates.
Ford Fiesta
You can buy a used Ford Fiesta for as low as $1500! And if you are willing to invest about $10000 then you can get a car in excellent condition with many add-ons. Ford Fiesta is one of the best-selling Ford models and this means a lot! This car has a huge following thanks to the combination of speed, reliability, and simplicity. Ford Fiesta is like an old friend that you can always trust.
Lexus RX
This vehicle has a luxurious interior, beautiful curves, speed, and comfort! This is everything you need in one SUV: enough room for all your friends and a car that looks awesome. And you can buy a used one for under $5000! Lexus RX is built on a modified Camry platform, which means this vehicle is super reliable. It doesn’t matter how many miles it has — it will serve you well for years.
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wrangler is a classic small SUV that can easily go on rugged roads. Not only this but they are also great for driving around college towns and campuses with your friends, as well as carrying loads (e. g. when you move). If you are on a small budget you can go for the basic Sport package, which nevertheless will be sufficient for your needs. And if you have saved a little bit more you can buy the Rubicon version which has some more cool additional features, such as a great infotainment system. And this car is also specifically tailored for off-roading if this is important for you. You can find Wrangler for a very low price ($2000) since these vehicles have been around for ages. And if you add a little more you can buy a decent used car that will serve you faithfully a few more years.
Chevy Tahoe
Chevy Tahoe — a big car for American roads! Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the most comfortable SUVs and one of the biggest too. You can comfortably fit 8 people. Moreover, this car is equipped with V8s, which means it is very fast. It is no wonder, government and police forces used these vehicles for years. And that is also the reason why there are so many of the used ones on sale. Tahoe can be outfitted with some cool features because they used to be police cars, so you can find some really great vehicles for an awesome price of about $3000.
Honda Fit
Honda Fit is a hatchback, which means it has some extra space for your needs. So if you cannot afford a bigger and more expensive crossover or SUV then Honda Fit should be the vehicle of your choice. You can buy one in fair condition for about $3000, and if you are willing to throw in some more then you can get a newer model with a variety of trim options. And any model of Honda Fit will have decent entertainment options and safety features.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class will make you look like a star for just $5000. That’s right! This vehicle will make you look rich and cool. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class was in production from 1998 to 2005 and it is packed with goodies. It has electronic stability control, airbags, an all-wheel drive system, you name it. And because this is a German car it is very safe and reliable even after years of being used. So, if you want to impress everyone at the college parking lot, Mercedes-Benz M-Class is the car of your choice!