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So, you've been borrowing the family minivan since you got your driver's license last year, and while you appreciate the extra rear cargo space and the E--Z load luggage rack, it's not exactly what you want to be seen driving around town in. Plus, you're headed off to College soon and you want a  

College car

  to call your own.

Whether you're saving your hard--earned Cash, praying for the ultimate four--wheeled Graduation gift, or trading in that hand--me--down lemon your uncle gave you, CB Teen dug up some important info to help guide your first college car purchase - and keep that ride rolling on campus.

The Price Tag vs. The Price
Sounds a little confusing, right? Isn't the price right there, clearly visible on the price tag? "Remember that when you're buying a vehicle, you need to consider what it's going to cost you on a monthly basis," explains John Honiotes, vice president of dealer relations for Autobytel.com.

"Your fundamental expenses are the cost of the car, gasoline, and insurance. It seems pretty basic, but people forget that a car costs more than just the monthly car payment."

You can get a pretty good estimate on how your potential ride costs will stack up by doing some research online. "Search for information on a handful of models you're interested in," Honiotes continues. "What is the gas economy on a used car? New car? What is the relative insurance for each?"

Insurance has a Major impact on what you'll have to dish out. Will you be on your Parents' insurance policy or your own? "If you're on your parents' policy, what are the implications of your living away from home at campus?" asks Honiotes. "Plus, if you do all of this research, it will demonstrate to your parents that you're being responsible about the whole process - which is always helpful!"

Pre--Purchase Precautions
Let's get one thing straight - this is not the time for impulse buys. "A lot of people fall in love with one car too quickly, and then wind up paying too much Money for it, or buying a lesser quality version that is easier for them to afford," says Mark Bilek, automotive editor at Consumer Guide Automotive. "You want to really comb the classifieds to get a good idea of a few possibilities."

Remember, cars vary drastically from year to year. "Make sure your research is current. The Ford Mustang from this year is completely different from the one that came out last year," he says.

Also, don't speed through the test drive - literally or figuratively. "You need to spend at least 30 minutes on it," Bilek explains. "Get that car on all kinds of different roads - highways, dirt roads, potholed roads - and get acquainted with it at a variety of speeds."

And perhaps most importantly, when buying a used vehicle, take it to a mechanic prior to writing that down payment check. "It will cost you about $50 to have a mechanic look it over, and it will be the best $50 you've ever spent," says Bilek. "He'll be able to tell you about any problems you can't see - leaks, or damage under the vehicle."

The Right Ride For You
And no - it isn't necessarily a pimped--out Escalade, though we're sure you wouldn't mind driving one. Ultimately, you'll be most happy with a car that will accommodate you financially and personally. "Don't buy a sports car if you carpool to college every day with four guys," says Bilek. "Don't buy a gas guzzler if you need to commute 60 miles to campus daily. It's just common sense."




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Paul D. Rosevear is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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