Best Cars for Calgary Students

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Best Cars for Calgary Students

Posted on February 19, 2025

Whether you're studying at the University of Calgary, SAIT, or another school here in Calgary, chances are you're going to need a car that you can trust on and off campus. The best car for any Calgary student is going to be budget friendly, reliable, and fuel-efficient. Luckily, our team at Country Hills Hyundai has outlined the top affordable car choices for students, keeping in mind budget constraints, safety, and overall cost of ownership.

Read on to discover which models make the cut and why they are ideal for student drivers.

Key Takeaways

• Students should prioritize safety, fuel efficiency, and reliability when purchasing a car, as these factors greatly influence overall car expenses and help save money in the long run.
• Opting for used cars is a smart choice for budget-conscious students, as they typically offer better value due to lower purchase prices and slower depreciation rates.
• Regular maintenance and comparing insurance rates are essential strategies for minimizing car expenses, allowing students to allocate more funds towards their education and other necessities.
• Fuel-efficient vehicles, such as compact sedans and SUVs, provide excellent fuel economy, reducing monthly fuel costs and contributing to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
• Choosing cars with strong safety features and reliability ratings can help lower insurance premiums and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs, ensuring a smoother and more affordable driving experience for students.

Factors for Students to Consider When Buying a Car

Buying a car as a Calgary student is a significant decision that goes beyond just the initial purchase price. Factors like insurance rates and fuel efficiency play a major role in your overall car expenses. While keeping things affordable is important, don't overlook essential safety features and reliability, as they can help you save on maintenance costs over time.

While buying a new car does have its perks, opting for a used car is a smart move for students since they come with a lower price tag and don't depreciate as quickly as new ones. Picking a car with a solid safety rating and good fuel economy can also help keep insurance rates and fuel costs manageable. Balancing these aspects is key to finding a car that fits within a student budget.

Insurance Premiums

Insurance premiums can really add up for young drivers in Calgary, mainly because they're often seen as higher risk, in addition to recent fluctuations in Alberta's insurance policies. Choosing a car with a lower market value and strong safety features can help keep these costs down. Shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurers is key to finding the best deals on insurance premiums.

Bundling your car insurance with other policies, like home insurance, can also snag you some extra savings. Online comparison tools make it super easy to find the right coverage at a competitive price.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy is something students should definitely keep in mind. Choosing a fuel-efficient car can really help cut down on monthly expenses, stretching your budget further. Cars that get over 30 miles per gallon offer decent fuel economy, making them a smart pick for both daily commutes and longer road trips.

Best Sedans for Students in Calgary

In addition to their affordability and reliability, sedans are a go-to option for Calgary students due to the city's sprawling streets, lack of public transportation options, and - especially in the inner city - limited parking options.

Compact sedans, in particular, are great for squeezing into tight parking spots and come at lower ownership costs, making them perfect for students on a budget. Here are some top sedan picks that meet these criteria.

Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra is an excellent choice for students in Calgary, offering a stylish design and a price that won't break the bank. Its affordability is matched by its impressive fuel efficiency, making it a perfect fit for students who need to stick to a budget. With the Elantra, students can enjoy significant fuel savings, providing them with extra financial flexibility.

Beyond its economical advantages, the Elantra is equipped with modern safety features such as stability control and blind spot monitoring, ensuring a safe driving experience. Its compact sedan design offers a spacious interior, making it practical for both daily commutes and road trips. The Elantra's reliability ratings are top-notch, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs and allowing students to focus more on their studies rather than car maintenance.

Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a long-time favorite for many first-time drivers thanks to its outstanding reliability and low maintenance costs. This compact car's excellent fuel capacity is a big plus for students looking to save on gas and keep their budgets in check.

Its blend of reliability, efficiency, and affordability makes it a popular choice for those seeking a dependable vehicle. The Civic's excellent fuel efficiency is particularly beneficial for students managing tight budgets, as it minimizes fuel expenses over time. Additionally, the Civic's compact design makes it easy to maneuver and park in crowded university parking lots.

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla shines with its outstanding reliability, often outlasting many other compact vehicles when maintained regularly. This dependability makes it an excellent choice for students who need a vehicle they can count on, particularly during Calgary's volatile winters.

Its impressive fuel economy helps students save on gas, making it a budget-friendly pick. With its durability and economical fuel usage, the Corolla is a smart investment for any student looking to manage their expenses wisely.

Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata is a solid pick for Calgary students, offering a great blend of affordability, reliability, and modern features. As a mid-sized sedan, it provides a roomy interior that's perfect for carrying books, sports gear, or groceries. Its budget-friendly price and durability mean fewer worries about costly repairs or frequent maintenance.

The Sonata's impressive fuel efficiency is a big plus for students aiming to save on gas. With advanced safety features like stability control and blind spot monitoring, it offers peace of mind for students driving on the city's icy roads. These features help lower insurance premiums, cutting down overall ownership costs. Plus, its strong resale value means students can get a good return when upgrading.

Best SUVs for Students

For Calgary students seeking more room and flexibility, SUVs are an excellent choice. One of the best things about Calgary is its proximity to a variety of outdoor activities and road trip opportunities, and the extra cargo room of an SUV is perfect for hauling sports gear and camping equipment alongside your textbooks and other school essentials.

Balancing cost-effectiveness with practicality, they are ideal for both campus life and travel adventures.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-sized SUV that offers plenty of space, making it perfect for carrying sports gear, textbooks, and other essentials. With its impressive fuel economy, the Santa Fe is a great choice for students looking to save on gas, especially if you're on a tight budget. Its strong reliability ratings mean fewer worries about unexpected repairs.

Plus, the Hyundai Santa Fe comes packed with modern safety features like stability control and blind spot monitoring, giving both students and their families peace of mind. These safety features not only enhance your driving experience but can also help lower insurance premiums. Its sturdy design and all-wheel drive capabilities ensure you get excellent traction and stability, which is super important for handling Calgary's varied weather conditions.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a top pick for students thanks to its perfect mix of spaciousness, efficiency, and features. Its great fuel economy is a lifesaver for students trying to keep gas costs down, which is crucial when you're on a tight budget.

With plenty of cargo space and advanced safety features, the CR-V is a smart choice for students who need practical transportation to and from class. The roomy interior is also ideal for carrying sports or camping gear for those weekend trips to the mountains, making it both versatile and budget-friendly.

Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is a fantastic SUV choice for students due to its blend of affordability, modern features, and compact design. This budget-friendly vehicle strikes a great balance between price and performance, making it accessible for students needing reliable transportation. Its compact size ensures easy maneuverability in city traffic and tight parking spaces, while still offering ample interior space. The Kona's impressive fuel economy further helps students save on gas, making it a smart pick for those managing a tight budget.

Additionally, the Hyundai Kona is equipped with essential safety features like stability control and blind spot monitoring, crucial for young drivers navigating Calgary's varied weather conditions. These features not only enhance the driving experience but can also help lower insurance premiums, reducing overall car expenses. With its stylish design, advanced safety technologies, and reliability ratings that we've raved about before, the Hyundai Kona offers Calgary students a dependable and cost-effective vehicle option.

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta's small size and decent fuel efficiency make it a cost-effective option for students. Its nimble handling is perfect for getting around the city making it an ideal choice for commuting to school or cruising down 17th.

As a budget-friendly vehicle, the Fiesta offers practical features suited for student life. With lower insurance premiums, students can save on car expenses, making it a wise pick for those with tight budgets.

Tips for Reducing Car Expenses

With the increase in rent prices and overall cost-of-living across Calgary, managing car expenses is crucial for students. By sticking to a regular maintenance schedule, using fuel-saving techniques, and comparing insurance options, students can effectively cut down on costs. These savvy strategies allow students to concentrate more on their studies and worry less about car-related expenses.

Regular Maintenance

Keeping up with regular maintenance is crucial for avoiding surprise repairs and ensuring your car runs smoothly for a longer time. Cars like the Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic are celebrated for their low maintenance costs, making them excellent options for those aiming to keep expenses in check.

By booking routine maintenance with our service department, you reduce the risk of costly fixes and help preserve your car's value, which can lead to better resale prices in the future. Plus, for those famously long Alberta winters, it's also important to winterize your vehicle to protect it from the elements.

Fuel-Saving Tips

Taking it easy on the gas pedal and keeping a steady pace can really make a difference in how much fuel you use while driving around town. Sticking to speeds between 40 and 90 km/h when cruising around Calgary hits the sweet spot for decent fuel economy, helping you save some money at the pump.

By adopting smarter driving habits, you can boost your car's fuel efficiency and see noticeable savings. These small adjustments can significantly impact your overall fuel expenses.

Shopping Around for Insurance

Given the higher rates for car insurance in Alberta, checking out various insurance companies is a smart strategy for students aiming to score the best coverage deal. Since insurance premiums can differ significantly, it's important to explore a variety of options.

Many insurers offer student discounts, which can really help lower insurance costs. By comparing different providers, students can potentially save a substantial amount on their premiums.

Summary

Picking the right car as a student in Calgary is all about striking the perfect balance between cost, efficiency, and reliability. Sedans like the Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla deliver excellent value, while SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe offer that extra room and flexibility. Staying on top of regular maintenance, driving smart to save on fuel, and shopping around for the best insurance deals can really help cut down on car expenses.

With so many options on the used car market, making a well-informed choice on which car to buy can save you a lot of cash and make your college life much smoother. If you'd like to weigh all the factors we've talked about in person, why not drop by Country Hills Hyundai today to book a test drive? Our team of experienced sales advisors are on hand to help you find a ride that fits your needs and budget.