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For many parents, giving a teenager their first car is an option as a graduation present or off-to-college present. However, not all students can afford this because numerous families have a tight budget.
For college students having cars isn’t only about identifying yourself as an adult. It’s also a way to show that you’re “grown-up”. Unfortunately, many idiots drive automobiles.
You demonstrate maturity by utilising your car to progress through the world, driving yourself to your internships, and staying punctual for appointments.
If you’re a college student, is it impossible to score a decent bargain on a set of wheels?
However, we’ve put together a helpful guide to show you how to purchase an affordable car, as well as various ways to transform an unloved car into something attractive:
Realistic Budgeting
Your budget is the priority, along with your payment method.
It’s possible to buy a used car for $3,000 on CraigsList, and it would require having $3000 in cash, wouldn’t it? You could be eligible for a car loan for a modest amount, but you’ll be faced with a variety of obstacles when you’re a college student.
There is no need to choose between eating today or waiting until you’re starving. Even if you don’t qualify for a loan to purchase a car, you can still strike an arrangement and handshake with a used car salesperson or a local dealer.
If you aren’t able to purchase a car outright with cash, you should consider your options for financing used cars, with a reasonable down payment.
Shop for Imported Cars
An excellent option to find inexpensive, low-cost cars is to look at imports. Brands such as Kia, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, and others offer specific models and years that stand up to the test of time and can be purchased at lower than $4000.
For US citizens, the options are limited by the strict rules that allow only imports of cars over 25 years old when the vehicle was not designed specifically for the US market.
European students at college will discover an array of European and Asian imports more than those in the US.
If you find something at your local store, ensure you know how to conduct the basics of test driving and feel or hear anything that is “off”. It is helpful to have someone experienced in driving to look over the used vehicles.
Different Ways to Personalize Your Car
The most important thing is to find an affordable car that performs well, even if the car is covered in dents or scratches.
You could save a little money by going for a more vintage-looking car, getting your hands dirty and doing some DIY bodywork. For instance, body dents can be repaired by hammering them back into shape using some know-how.
If you’re looking for a bit of personalization, there are various affordable options. Start by putting personal inexpensive plate numbers on your car and then add some accessories like:
LED Interior Lighting
LED interior lights come in various colours. Some even alter the colour according to your preferences and input. It is possible to highlight your central console, doors, and footrest.
A few of the LED lights come in controlled with a remote or a smartphone app that lets you manage your lighting with a voice. For example, ” Hey Google, make my interior dash lights blue”.
LED Headlights Conversions
This upgrade will not only give a contemporary look to your car but is very efficient and efficient also.
LED headlights are brighter and have more light, have a sharper can focus better and are brighter than standard incandescent or halogen bulbs.
Windshield Headers
There are a variety of styles, fonts and designs that you can incorporate on your windshield’s header to give your vehicle a unique appearance.