Best Used Cars as Gifts for Grads
Sunday May 4, 2008
The 2007 Honda Fit is a great used car for a high school grad
Photo © Honda
OK, just to be upfront, my parents never bought me a car as a graduation present. But Dad did co-sign my first car loan after college, so there is no lingering resentment there.
This time of year there are plenty of parents looking to buy cars for grads as presents and my advice - which should shock nobody - is to buy used. Check out my list of the perfect used cars for these situations:
- HS Grads Going To Far Flung Colleges
- HS Grads Studying Locally
- HS Grads Going to Trade School
- HS Grads Entering the Military
- HS Grads with No Sense of Purpose
- College Grads Moving Home with No Loans
- College Grads Moving Home with Loans
- College Grads Moving Into a City
- College Grads Going To Grad School
- College Grads Out on Their Own
Remember, every vehicle should be inspected by an independent mechanic before purchase.
Comments
I have one who just finished 1st year in college and another 1 year away from going so I’ve spent some considerable time researching this segment.
I’d have to disagree with the van and SUV’s? Few grads would want or be able to afford these soon to be relics.
I’m not sure what criteria is used here but kids these days like Grand Am, Olds Alero, Cavalier and Sebring on the domestic front.
I sure agree with the Corolla and Civic choices for imports. Kind of pricey but depreciation is minimal and safety is emphasized. Also, Mazda3, Volvo S60 and BMW 325 could be alternatives. Here in snow country I’ve been looking for a 325XI and have found a few around $15K. A little pricey but if you have the expendible income, a fine car.
C
Maybe I was too tongue in cheek about the SUVs. I included them as a “tough love” thing for grads moping about the house doing nothing with their degrees! Make it too expensive for them not to get a job.
My basic criteria was around $12k and not too old (within 6 years).
Thanks for the comment!
I agree with the Corolla and Civic too.The only conern for me is that Civics are very prone to theft. But nice info.
Thanks,
Robert
Robert-
Newer Civics don’t top the most stolen list. It’s the mid-90s versions with easier to defeat security systems.
Thanks,
Keith
Guide to Used Cars