In college, transportation may be at the top of anyone’s priority list. Whether you’re trying to get over to Ladies’ Night in Tigerland, zooming to CEBA for an 8:30 class, or just trying to get to work, a set of wheels would make things much easier. Of course, one of the main problems of most college students is … come on everyone, say it with me, money!
Now we’re not talking about just boxes with wheels on them. Students need cars that represent them and aid their daily lives.
“I’d like to drive something useful.” said Adam Greenlee, ISDS junior.
Amanda Maher, a marketing junior said she does not have much criteria for her perfect car.
“I like cars that look cute, as long as you can see over the steering wheel and out the back window” Maher said.
Well my friends, this may be of some help to all you poor souls with your funds-meter going on empty. Revelry has come up with four attractive, versatile cars that would complement a starving bank account and would come to the aid of all those having trouble getting from point A to point B.
Nissan Sentra
Along with Nissan’s completely renovated new product line, they added some insightful touches to their baseline sedan, the Sentra. This new model presents a much sleeker, revolutionary image and is packed with optional features.
Options include a seven-speaker stereo system, XM or SIRIUS satellite radio, and rear trunk spoiler. Nissan also features the Sentra SE-R, a souped-up, sporty edition. Options for the SE-R include a nine-speaker stereo system and power sliding sunroof. The Sentra also contains a 16-valve, 4 cylinder engine that gets, on average, 28 miles per gallon. Pricing starts at $12,200.
Toyota ECHO
For those not concerned with a sleek, sporty look, Toyota’s ECHO might be a good contender. This compact sedan sports a spacious interior and a significant amount of optional features that would make a more comfortable ride.
Although more basic than other cars, the options of the ECHO include a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/Cassette stereo system and rear spoiler. Not all the bells and whistles of a dream machine, but Cedric Pitcher of Price LeBlanc Toyota says that Toyota prides itself in having a long history of durability and good resale value on its vehicles. So if you’re not looking for flash and power, consider the ECHO, starting at $11,290.
Honda Civic
If I had a dime for everytime I saw a Civic on the road, I’d probably be looking at buying a Hummer. Honda has proved to have made a hit when they developed the recently redesigned Civic. Having a sleeker, more comfortable design than its competitors, the Civic features a spacious interior able to accommodate the driver and 4 passengers, as well as a variety of standard features.
A 4-cylinder engine pumping 29 city mileage per gallon also makes the Civic lighter on the wallet. Joining the multitude of Civic owners costs as little as $13,010.
Saturn Ion
It would not be at all far-fetched for one to call Saturn’s Ion the gem of the economical car category. The Ion sports a futuristic look, powerful 140 Horsepower 4 cylinder engine, and a plethora of features and options. The new electric-powered steering system provides a much wider turning radius, making turns and getting into parking spaces a cakewalk.
David Young of Saturn of Baton Rouge said that Saturn prides itself on having vehicles with very low cost of ownership and low insurance rates. Most utilities, such as transmission fluid and coolant, do not have to be refilled for the first 100,000 miles.
Also, the 2004 Ions include XM satellite capabilities to go along with a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo system. Although the electric power steering makes the vehicle lighter, the Ion gets on average only 23 city miles per gallon.
With more safety and security features than one would care to count, the Ion is a joy to drive and a steal, starting at $11,995.