Tips for College Students Buying Their First Car
Buying your first vehicle can seem scary, but unlike other dealerships, Curry Auto Center wants to make sure you’re educated about the process so you don’t feel intimidated. These are our tips to help you make an informed decision when you’re a college student buying your first car in Bloomington, Indiana.
Know your budget
College students notoriously have tight budgets due to the high cost of books, dorms, and tuition. As such, it’s important to know exactly how much money you can afford to spend each month on a vehicle.
Draft a monthly budget for yourself and include how much income you have coming from loans, your part-time job, and your parents as well as how much money you have going out for bills and school costs. Whatever is left is roughly how much you have to spend on a vehicle. Don’t forget to include insurance, maintenance, and gas costs in your calculations.
Do your research
Once you know how much you can afford, it’s time to do some research on exactly what kind of vehicle you need. First, consider how you’ll use your vehicle. Unless you need some serious hauling capability, you probably want to look at sedans and SUVs. If you need more space, an SUV is a great choice. If you want better gas mileage, a small car will typically be your best bet. Make sure your needs align with what you can afford, and try not to make decisions based solely on style or tech preferences.
Complete the process
Now that you know your budget and the kind of car you’re looking for, stop in to Curry Auto Center to test drive a few vehicles. Make sure to bring your driver’s license and insurance information. Depending on your credit, you might also need to bring pay stubs to make the financing process easier.
Once you’ve test driven a few vehicles and found which one you like, a finance specialist will walk you through the paperwork and you’ll be driving your new vehicle in no time.
Contact the team at Curry Auto Center today if you’re looking for more guidance on purchasing your first new vehicle. We’d be glad to help you through every step of the process.
Why Buy a Used Car from Curry Auto Center if You're a College Student in Bloomington, IN
A car that fits your student budget
You can expect to shell out much less money when you buy a used vehicle at Curry Auto Center than a new one. That’s because any pre-owned vehicle has undergone some depreciation in value. The lower price translates to lower monthly payments, so you won’t have to struggle to fit your car payment into your monthly budget along with gas, car insurance, groceries, and other college life expenses.
Don't sweat the scratches and dents
Every ding, dent, and scratch lowers the resale value of a brand-new vehicle. But when you buy a used car, it already has plenty of cosmetic abrasions. So, if you’re busy packing up your dorm or moving to your first apartment, you don’t have to stress out when a chair leg scratches the bumper. You don’t have to fret about keeping your car pristine.
And if you ever need help repairing a big dent or gash on the body panels, we’ve got you covered at Curry Auto Center’s collision department.
Modern tech you can afford
Buying a used car doesn't have to mean sacrificing modern conveniences that you expect to have as a digitally savvy young adult. Many recent models still come equipped with connectivity essentials like Bluetooth®, voice commands, advanced driver-assist features, rear backup cameras, and smartphone integration. It’s so easy access to your favorite entertainment and navigation apps in a pre-owned car that’s only 3-5 years old.
Shop confidently with vehicle history reports
When you buy a used car at Curry Auto Center, you aren’t taking a risk. You can research every pre-owned model on our lot by reading its vehicle history report. These helpful records inform you about the vehicle’s previous owners, its accident history, and maintenance records — among many other useful insights into the vehicle’s condition. With resources like these, it’s never been easier to make an informed buying decision on a used car.
Need help finding your perfect match? At Curry Auto Center in Bloomington, our friendly sales team can connect you with a vehicle that fits your needs and budget.
Best Chevrolet Models for College Students in Bloomington, IN
Whether you’re fresh out of high school or working on your capstone, college students like you need a reliable vehicle to travel to and from internships, work, and back home in Bloomington, Indiana. Curry Auto Center has several recommendations for affordable Chevy vehicles for college students.
Chevy Cruze
Available in both a practical sedan and a funky hatchback body style, the Chevy Cruze is an excellent vehicle for fun-loving college students in Bloomington. The five-seater Cruze is not only one of the best value used vehicles we offer on our lot, but its excellent average fuel economy will help you save money in the long run.
Depending on which year of the Cruze you opt for, you can enjoy great features like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and built in Wi-Fi.
Chevy Trax
If you need a vehicle with a little extra room, the Chevy Trax is a perfect choice. The latest Trax can hold up to 48.4 cubic feet of cargo or accommodate up to five passengers, making it a perfect road trip partner. The Trax has available all-wheel drive so your parents can rest easy knowing you’re traversing the slippery winter streets with greater stability in Indiana.
Chevy Spark
The Spark is a peppy compact with a fun personality. The small-but-mighty Spark is offered in ten cool colors like Mystic Blue and Cayenne Orange, and is the most affordable vehicle on the list. The Spark gets excellent gas mileage on the highway based on EPA rates, which makes an excellent choice for college students on a tight budget.
Chevy Malibu
Looking for an early graduation gift as you prepare to enter the corporate world? The sleek Chevy Malibu is an excellent choice for young professionals who want a comfortable cabin and affordable luxury. On top of its head-turning good looks and modern interior, the latest Malibu comes with a spacious 15.7 cubic feet of trunk space and as much as 41.5 inches of legroom.
Check out the current inventory of new and used Chevy models at Curry Auto Center to find a model that fits your needs and budget as a Bloomington college student.