Popular, cheap and easy to run cars for students

University students have a strict budget they should stick to that covers everything from living expenses to those infamous nights out.

The idea of owning a car at university may sound preposterous to many, but according to car finance specialists Carvine, more and more students are opting to buy a new or used car through finance than ever before.

Newer cars come with better fuel economy, a higher standard of safety features and are less likely to rack up your bill with costly repairs.

With reduced ownership costs and manufacturer incentives, owning a car while at university has become more feasible than ever.

Opting for a car finance deal, such as Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), hire purchase (HP), or a personal loan makes buying a car more affordable with flexible, low monthly payments on offer.
The UK’s cheapest car, the Dacia Sandero, is popular amongst students.

It comes with a comprehensive three-year warranty, falls into the lower insurance group categories, and has an attractive price tag.

Scoring practical points versus good value and offering a fun driving experience comes the Motor Awards 2021 ‘Value Car of the Year,’ the Vauxhall Corsa.

All the engines deliver decent fuel economy, with the 1.2-litre engine averaging 40 miles per gallon (mpg). It also comes in an all-electric version if the surge in current energy prices puts you off.

Other vehicles on the list include Volkswagen Polo and Up!, Kia Rio, Hyundai i10, Ford Focus, Skoda Fabia and SEAT Ibiza – all sitting within the lower insurance groups ensuring costs are kept down low.

Eco-conscious students may want to opt for a future-proofing electric car and keep refuelling costs down to a minimum. With most halls and campuses offering charge-points, including home-charging facilities, electric vehicles (EVs) offer considerably low running costs compared to their fuel-powered counterparts.

One of Europe’s best selling EVs, the Renault Zoe is one of the cheapest electric cars you can buy. Combined with the Government’s plug-in grant scheme of up to £1,500, monthly payments are even more affordable if you opt for finance.

The nippy and high performing Skoda Citigo-e iV and the highly popular Nissan Leaf also made the cut.

Alex Thomas, a marketing executive for Carvine, said: “Students feel the weight of the cost of living more than most.

When you think that the average student is thrown in at the deep end with little to no real responsibilities until they take the leap and go to university, buying a car won’t cross some people’s minds at all.

“But with car finance, students can learn how to budget effectively and have a decent car that will naturally open up more opportunities throughout their academic career and beyond.”

With the costs of living on the rise, and the most significant energy crisis these shores have seen, getting on the motor ladder now is not a bad thing for the next generation to consider.

 

Main Picture: Kia Rio