Media Contacts:
Mark Scott
AutoTrader.com
404-568-7905 (ph)
404-435-2047 (cell)
mark.scott@autotrader.com
Laura Kelly
GolinHarris
212-373-6005 (ph)
516-241-8259 (cell)
lkelly@golinharris.com
Finding the Perfect College Ride
Expert car shopping tips for college students from AutoTrader.com
As the new school year begins, no college student wants to be late for class or left to bum rides off friends, so many are on the hunt for a new vehicle to help them get around this semester and beyond. For those looking for a new ride, experts from AutoTrader.com, the largest online auto classifieds site, offer the following recommendations on what to look out for when shopping for a new vehicle:
What to look for:
• Affordability: Most college students are strapped for expendable cash, so finding a good deal is a must. Sites like AutoTrader.com can help any driver find a vehicle to fit his or her lifestyle and budget.
• New, Used or Certified Pre-Owned: Explore the advantages of new, used and certified pre-owned cars to find the vehicle that has the ideal safety, dependability and other features for the available budget.
• Warranty: Available on new, and most used and certified vehicles, a warranty that can be used at dealerships or through independent mechanics will be invaluable when the inevitable maintenance needs occur.
• Gas mileage: For college students who take long trips back and forth between campus and home, finding a vehicle with reasonable gas mileage is a high priority. Anything over 30 miles per gallon (mpg) is considered good.
• Reliability: When purchasing a used car, obtain its CARFAX report to understand the history of the vehicle. For new cars, research reliability ratings and read reviews from other owners.
• Cargo space: If the car is going to be used for moving furniture, clothing and other supplies between campus and home, be sure to pick a model that can fit everything.
• Safety: Features like airbags, anti-lock braking systems and Electronic Stability Control increase a vehicle’s safety.
Top New Car Picks
Have the basics down but still don’t know where to start? Following are AutoTrader.com‘s top ten picks for college students that combine affordability, style and fuel efficiency, in no particular order:
o Mazda2 (starting at $13,900)
o Ford Fiesta (starting at $13,320)
o Honda Civic Coupe (starting at $15,500)
o Nissan Versa (starting at $13,500)
o Chevy Cruze (starting at $16,995)
o Volvo C30 (starting at $24,600)
o Mini Cooper (starting at $19,500)
o Hyundai Accent (starting at $9,970)
o Kia Forte Koup (starting at $16,595)
o Chrysler/Fiat 500 (pricing not announced yet)
For more ideas and information, visit the AutoTrader.com Lifestyle Center at www.AutoTrader.com/lifestyle.
# # #