Planning to start college in 2025? With tuition, books, and everyday expenses, a vehicle may seem like a luxury. Fortunately, there are many affordable, reliable, and student-friendly vehicles available this year that won’t use all your fiancial aid or part-time job paycheck. If you need transportation to campus or just want the freedom a vehicle provides on the weekend, this guide cmpares the best cheap cars for college students available in 2025, with a focus on price, reliability, safety, and coolness.
Whether you’re buying new or used, these cars prove you don’t have to spend big to drive smart.
What College Students Should Look for in a Cheap Car
Before diving into the top picks, here’s what makes a car great for student life:
- Affordability: Low purchase cost, cheap insurance, and low maintenance
- Fuel Efficiency: Saves money on gas during daily commutes
- Reliability: You don’t want breakdowns when you’re already stressed about finals
- Compact Size: Easier to park on tight campuses
- Safety Features: Must-haves include airbags, ABS, and a good crash rating
With that in mind, here are the top choices in 2025.
1. 2025 Nissan Versa
Price: Starting at $14,900 (New)
Fuel Economy: Up to 40 MPG highway
Why It’s Great for Students:
The Nissan Versa is one of the least expensive new cars available nationwide in the U.S. in 2025, and it is ideally suited for students because of its size, fuel economy, and safety features (automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, etc.). Even the base model feels pretty modern inside with a touchscreen, Bluetooth, and connection for your smartphone. With low maintenance costs and an average warranty, this is a great car to drive at this rice level.
Students living off-campus or commuting daily will love how far they can go on a single tank.
2. 2020–2022 Toyota Corolla (Used)
Price Range: $13,000–$15,000 (Used)
Fuel Economy: 30–38 MPG
Why It’s Great for Students:
If you want something that is a known qantity, the Toyota Corolla is a classic. It is well known to be almost bulletproof in terms of reliability. Used models from 2020 to 2022 are available within a college-price range, especially with some mileage. They come equipped with Apple CarPlay, solid crash test ratings, and an excellent long-term value. Additionally, they have slow depreciation and are fairly easy to maintain.
A used Corolla is the kind of car you can drive through college and well beyond graduation.
3. 2022–2023 Hyundai Accent
Price Range: $13,000–$15,000 (Used or New Leftover Inventory)
Fuel Economy: Up to 41 MPG highway
Why It’s Great for Students:
To some, the Hyundai Accent is not the most nimble vehicle, but it performs exceptionally well for an inexpensive compact. New or lightly used, the ride is comfortable, simple layout (great for first-time drivers), and very good fuel economy. Warranty coverage — which can usually be transferred to a second owner — is a great benefit.
It may not have the flashiest design, but for students needing a reliable daily driver, the Accent is a smart choice.
4. 2019–2021 Honda Fit (Used)
Price Range: $12,000–$14,500
Fuel Economy: 33–40 MPG
Why It’s Great for Students:
With its large interior, the Honda Fit is a hit on campuses, particularly with its rear “magic seat,” which offers multiple configuration options for cargo. Actually, its heroic capabilities — whether you haul dorm supplies or bikes — seem to exceed its small size! It is enjoyable to drive, easy to park and inexpensive to own.
Though discontinued in the U.S., plenty of lightly used Fits are still available. With Honda’s legendary durability, you’re getting a car that lasts.
5. 2021–2023 Kia Rio (Used)
Price Range: $12,500–$15,000
Fuel Economy: 36 MPG combined
Why It’s Great for Students:
The Honda Fit is the preferred vehicle of many college students, especially for its big interior space, rear “magic seat” that serves multiple configurations for cargo, and in truth, it’s heroic capabilities–whether you are lugging dorm supplies or bicycles–seems to be more than what its small size would suggest! It is fun to drive, easy to park and inexpensive to maintain.
Many used Rio come with a few years left on the 10-year powertrain warranty, a nice safety net.y net.
6. 2025 Chevrolet Spark (Demo or Clearance Models)
Price Range: Around $13,500
Fuel Economy: 33 MPG combined
Why It’s Great for Students:
Though discontinued, the Chevy Spark is still available through dealerships clearing out unsold inventory or demos. It’s one of the cheapest new cars you can still buy in the U.S. Perfect for city college campuses, this compact hatchback squeezes into tight parking spaces and has one of the lowest costs to own.
It’s simple, but it covers the essentials and saves money from day one.
7. 2020–2022 Mazda3 (Used)
Price Range: $13,000–$15,000
Fuel Economy: 28–36 MPG
Why It’s Great for Students:
Looking for something with a little more flair without spending a fortune? Consider a Mazda3, a sportier option for students who appreciate the driving experience. It has excellent handling, a solid interior finish, and surprisingly high-end materials for the price point.
Used Mazda3s from the last few years are now falling into the affordable range and have been known to hold their value.
Honorable Mentions (If You Find a Good Deal)
- Ford Fiesta – Compact and cheap, but availability is limited as it’s discontinued
- Volkswagen Jetta – Some 2020–2021 models can be found under $15K
- Hyundai Elantra – A great compact sedan if you find a well-maintained used one
- Chevrolet Sonic – Another discontinued car that can still offer value if found used
Tips for Students Buying Their First Car
- Set a budget before shopping – Include insurance, gas, maintenance, and registration
- Check insurance rates – Some models are cheaper to insure than others
- Consider certified pre-owned (CPO) – These come with extra warranties and inspection guarantees
- Get a pre-purchase inspection – Especially when buying used or from a private seller
- Use student discounts – Some dealerships or credit unions offer incentives for students
Final Thoughts
Just because you’re a college student doesn’t mean you should feel compelled to drive an unreliable or unsafe vehicle. The best inexpensive cars for college students in 2025 combine modern technology, great gas mileage, and peace of mind, all without costing you too much money. Whether you’re simply driving across campus or making trips home on the weekends, the above list of cars will get you through this next phase of your life without bringing on additional stress or surprise bills.
If you do your homework now, you can save yourself thousands of dollars down the road. Look for the right combination of value, dependability, and low operating costs and you’ll be good for your entire college experience.
