What is the best car for me? (college student)?

Forest Duttinger: Buy a used car and pay cash. Take a look at a 2005ish Subaru.

Ayesha Genova: The high-reliability, fuel-efficient cars that are attractive, have been described as fun to drive, and are in your budget are:The 2001 to 2004 Toyota Prius, with a 2010 Auto Reliability GPA (on the standard scale of 0.00 to 4.00) of a perfect 4.00 over a 9-year data history, and whose 2010 model year has EPA mileage estimates of 51 mpg in city and 48 mpg on highway,The 2007 or 2008 Toyota Yaris Hatchback, with a 2010 Auto Reliability GPA of a perfect 4.00 over a 3-year data history, and whose 2010 model year has EPA mileage estimates of 29 mpg in city and 35 mpg on highway,The 2000 to 2005 Toyota Echo (the predecessor to the Yaris with a less refined interior), with a 2009 Auto Reliability GPA of a perfect 4.00 over a 6-year data history, and with gas mileage comparable to that of the Yaris,The 2007 or earlier Honda Civic Sedan, with a 2010 Auto Reliability GPA of 3.75 o! ver a 10-year data history, and whose 2010 model year has EPA mileage estimates of 25 mpg in city and 36 mpg on highway,The 2007 Honda Fit (a hatchback), with a 2010 Auto Reliability GPA of a perfect 4.00 over a 3-year data history, and whose 2010 model year has EPA mileage estimates of 28 mpg in city and 35 mpg on highway.For comparison, here are overall 2010 Auto Reliability GPAs for several brands, in descending order:Honda: 3.67 (an A)Scion: 3.56 (a low A)Toyota: 3.53 (a low A)Subaru: 2.61 (a low B)Hyundai: 2.54 (a low B)Mazda: 2.28 (a C)Ford: 2.17 (a C)Nissan: 2.13 (a C)Kia: 1.93 (a C)Volkswagen: 1.58 (a low C)Saturn: 1.49 (a high D)Chevrolet: 1.37 (a D)Chrysler: 1.04 (a D)Dodge: 0.97 (a D)....Show more

Jude Kennelly: I have been saving cash since I was in fourth grade for my car. I also have a job and I DJ at parties. I currently have around $10000 in cash on hand.

Jinny Dronen: A GTI is a very cool car. Maintenance costs won't be any higher than other ca! rs. A turbocharged car can potentially cost more to operate o! ver the long term, if you have problems with the turbocharger, but if you DON"T SCREW WITH IT, it will last a long time. You can also get extended powertrain coverage to help insure against engine, transmission, drivetrain and turbo repair costs.One question, though.... If you are a student, how are you going to pay for it? Have you saved up enough money to pay cash? Because financing any kind of vehicle is going to be impossible unless you have a dependable job and good credit....Show more