Tips on buying your Student Wheels

17/08/11

It’s coming up to that time of year again when hoards of students will be making their way back to university. Party time for them and peace at last for the parents!

Lots of them will be slumming it on the train, forced to leave most of their possessions with mum and dad, but a lucky few will be able to fill out their new digs with all their bits and pieces courtesy of their car boot. They will also be the most popular person in the block when it comes to the supermarket run. It’s true that with the cost of motoring on the up, and with students more squeezed than ever, fewer young people may be able make massive investments in a motor. So with that in mind, we thought we might be able to help.

If you’re a student or a parent of a student looking for a new car, here’s a few ideas to have a think about. We’ve rated each by cost, storage, and that all important street cred.

VW Polo

The old ones are the best! The Polo seems to have been around forever – since 1975, in fact. The newer versions look increasingly like their (slightly cooler) cousin, the Golf. But the older models have their ‘charm’, too. Inexpensive, reliable, and a slightly-bigger-than-tiny boot.

Beer in the boot? The Polo would stock up a pretty reasonable Friday night.
How’s my street cred? Have you borrowed your mum’s car?

Morris Minor

It’s all about being different, so whether it’s a Moggy or another old classic, this will win you friends in the student bar. Don’t buy it for reliability, but the insurance can be cheap, and frankly, when you look this good, who cares?

Beer in the boot? More like a fine port, and that takes up less space.
How’s my street cred? You’re the coolest kid at university.

Kia Picanto

Ok ok, your street cred is out of the window, but sometimes, needs must. And you know, this is not a bad little motor that does exactly what it says on the tin – cheap to buy, and cheap and reliable to run.

Beer in the boot? Maybe the odd six pack.
How’s my street cred? Erm…not so much.

Fiat Punto

A great option! In plentiful supply on the used car market, this Italian number is not bad looking, not so common that you’ll be struggling to find it in the car park, and not so small that you won’t fit the shopping in. Worth a punt(o)!

Beer in the boot? Yes, and plenty of it.
How’s my street cred? Looking fresco (that’s Italian for ‘cool’)

Old Mini

Classic never dies. And this is classic at its best. Older models are available for a reasonable price, and the proper British Mini just screams student cool. Who cares that you can’t fit anything in it and your head scrapes the ceiling?!

Beer in the boot? Get yourself a little roof box.
How’s my street cred? Untouchable.