OK, Spies Time To Put Your Heads Together - What's The PERFECT Car For A NEW College Grad?

Oh-kay, so I have a little explaining to do.

My brother is at the two yard line of his collegiate career. Luckily he is one of the few class of 2012 that was able to land a profession coming out of school and he will be working in Massachusetts for a technology company. Ultimately we're gearheads; however, he's looking for a vehicle that's:

- GOOD on gas
- Has all-wheel drive
- DOESN'T have to be sporty
- Is reliable
- Can be new/used
- Is priced somewhere in the high teens to low $20s.

Rather than use two brains, I think it's much more wise to crowdsource some ideas from the MOST discriminating audience of them all -- the whole AutoSpies kingdom.

So, take a second, give some thought and let us know: What is the BEST CAR a NEW graduate can buy?

ggcrash - 4/21/2012 12:50:47 AM

+6 Boost

If your brother is really smart, he won't buy a new car at all...he would buy the cheapest used car that he is not too embarrased to own, then use the rest of his money to get a really nice place.

I mean really, what's the use driving a new ride, and then living in a shitty basement apt. He will get laid more having a great pad, than a new car!

Agent00R - 4/21/2012 9:27:26 AM

0 Boost

You, my friend, are hilarious but bring some serious value-add to the conversation!

DuDE - 4/21/2012 3:24:32 AM

+3 Boost

Scion FR-S.

Agent00R - 4/21/2012 9:28:56 AM

-2 Boost

Although I see your point, after sitting the FR-S I can't think of a car with a worse interior.

Then there's the whole Scion brand image on top of a not impressive powertrain.

I think of the FR-S/BRZ variants, there's no point until Subaru's STI division produces something.

BenzTROLL - 4/21/2012 4:54:20 AM

-3 Boost

Used C300 4matic sport all the way

Agent00R - 4/21/2012 9:29:29 AM

-2 Boost

I did actually think of that the other day while sitting in traffic...

Ab311 - 4/21/2012 9:44:08 AM

+2 Boost

1992 Volvo 240.

2ndbimmer - 4/21/2012 10:11:28 AM

-3 Boost

Certified pre owned 328xi, if you need all wheel drive. Otherwise, just get a 328i coupe or sedan. Special financing, certified warranty, the car has already been depreciated and will hold its value, most have an iPod adapter and bluetooth. It will make them feel like "they made it" because they aren't driven a college POS anymore.

PLAY - 4/21/2012 5:26:45 PM

+6 Boost

Something cheap. College grads are usually broke, and the last thing they should be doing is financing a car.

PUGPROUD - 4/21/2012 8:14:01 PM

+1 Boost

Mini Cooper...great on gas, fun to drive. You need to feel good about yourself in these difficult times and a Mini Cooper will bring a smile to your face on every trip.

CAR54 - 4/21/2012 8:50:07 PM

+2 Boost

The new Madza CX5. Fun, frugal, flingable. Keep it ten years and it will be cheaper than a used car because you know where it's been and what it was doing. No suprise repair bills.

exgmer - 4/21/2012 11:55:55 PM

+4 Boost

Something he can either pay cash for now. If doesn't have enough for a car and must have transport, then something he can pay off in 6 -9 months.

Tell the grad to pay off any existing debt, start saving as much as he can, never go into debt, and in 10 years, financially he'll light years ahead of his peers.

(I wish someone had given me this advice when I was a grad.)

85bmw745i - 4/22/2012 12:43:03 AM

-3 Boost

A well maintained E30 325is with a 5 speed is great on gas, RWD so you can do those all important powerslides/drifting like you buddies in their muscle cars while out cornering them and getting 30 mpg. Parts are cheap and its a simple super easy car to work on and maintain. But seriously though If you are not mechanicaly incline and need a bullet proof dependable car, a Civic is a great solid dependable car thats great on gas. A Mazda 3 sport package is great too. You might get laughed at in a corolla but its a very solid and dependable car as well.

85bmw745i - 4/22/2012 9:46:25 PM

+2 Boost

Obviously we have some immature children here on auto daycare. I named some very practical and economically sensible cars.

pilotguy - 4/22/2012 10:06:20 AM

+2 Boost

Based on the vehicle requirements I'd go with some sort of Subaru. For mileage go for a brand new Impreza, for more performance go for a used Legacy GT/WRX, or for somewhere in between go for a loaded non turbo Legacy. They are all great reliable cars, fun to drive, and are top notch in the snow. Plus he won't get the "rich boy" connotation like he would with a BMW, Mercedes, Audi etc..... Unless of course thats what he's looking for....

balldoc54 - 4/23/2012 12:35:09 PM

+1 Boost

Not sure why everyone is suggesting cars that don't fit the bill. Reliable, all wheel drive, and in the high teens? If you want new, I think the only car with all wheel drive would be a suzuki. Save yourself the embarrassment and go used with a subaru wrx.

commander104 - 4/23/2012 1:21:01 PM

+1 Boost

Jetta TDI and buy snow tires in the winter.

commander104 - 4/23/2012 1:21:41 PM

+1 Boost

NO NO I meant the GOLF

bfghemicuda - 4/23/2012 3:32:38 PM

+1 Boost

Jeep Wrangler.