How to Buy a Used Car For a College Student

College is expensive, even if with a scholarship. There's tuition, room, board, books, pizza money--and transportation. It can be hard to fork over money for a car in the same year you're paying for these other expenses. But unless you live in a city with excellent, safe public transportation, your son or daughter must have wheels.

Instructions

1

Figure how much driving the college student will be doing. If it's a quick commute up and back, you can buy an older, higher mileage car and score a great bargain. If the student must drive 20 miles or more a day, or will live several hours away from home and making multiple road trips to return for school vacations, you need something more reliable.

2

Consider the college student's experience with cars. A student who worked weekends at the local mechanic's can handle a vehicle that needs considerable upkeep, but if your son or daughter hasn't spent much time in the driver's seat, go for an almost new, low mileage car from a reputable maker.

3

Ask responsible friends and family members if they are looking to unload a used car in decent condition. This way you'll know whether the car was driven by someone with a good driving record who likely took decent care of their automobiles.

4

Search Forbes.com and review the list of the best cars out there for college students. From the main page, click on "Forbes Life," then "Vehicles" and then choose "Best Cars for College Students."

5

Look for deals on Craigslist. Often people hoping for a fast, cash-only sale list their cars below Kelley Blue Book value, so you'll get a better deal than you would from a dealer. Request the car's vehicle identification number so you can check for a history of major collisions before you purchase. Also consider hiring a mechanic to help you determine whether the car is in good condition.

6

Buy a used car under warranty if you're concerned about the reliability of cars on Craigslist. You'll pay more for the car, but you'll have the peace of mind of knowing it's guaranteed to be in good condition and that any mechanical repairs will be covered.