If you or your child is a college student in Oregon, you’ll want a reliable car that’s affordable to buy as well as maintain. Certain brands are known for their durability, low fuel consumption, and easy, affordable maintenance. We’ve sourced the best 10 cars for college students in Oregon, and here’s what we found.

Honda Civic (2005–2008)

A Civic is arguably one of the most reliable cars you could ever own. They last long after extensive mileage readings and are easy to maintain even when they’re old. The 2005 to 2008 models are still around, and the pre-owned cars go for around $4,000 or cheaper. Find one with a relatively low mileage if you can, but don’t shy away from one with a higher mileage if the price fits your budget. These cars are built to last!

Chevrolet Malibu (2006–2009)

American-produced, the Chevrolet Malibu is one of the cheapest cars to maintain and service. The 2006 to 2009 models still run well, and they’re not too heavy on fuel either. The Malibu is known for its spacious interior, so you’ll have the option to arrange a carpool for your college classmates if the opportunity arises. If you’re searching for a first car as you head off to college in Oregon, this is a great option.

Ford Focus (2008–2011)

The Ford Focus has always been a popular choice for students in all states. That’s because it’s low on fuel and American-made. Your local mechanic will almost never be out of parts to help you maintain this car, and the cost for maintenance will be significantly lower than most other brands. The best thing about the Focus is that it allows you to pay for cheap car insurance in Oregon because of its safety features and low-cost repairs.

Mazda3 (2004–2007)

For a car that looks like it should cost more than $4,000 (but doesn’t), opt for a 2004 to 2007 model Mazda3. As popular as when it first came out, the Mazda3 is a sporty-looking vehicle that handles well. It also comes with a bunch of great safety features that lower your insurance costs as well as your fuel expenditure.

Volkswagen Jetta (2005–2008)

The Jetta is a solid car that’s durable and reliable. You’ll find them easy to maintain and moderate in fuel consumption. The best part of these cars is that there are still many of them around in Oregon, and they go for less than $4,000.

Chevrolet Sonic (2013)

Another good American-made car is the Chevy Sonic, which makes its maintenance super cheap compared to other international brands. For $4,000, you should be able to pick up a 2013 model or an earlier one. They are light on fuel if you’re driving to college every day, and they are compact on the outside while spacious on the inside if you’re travelling with more than one person.

Nissan Sentra (2006–2010)

Sentras are great cars that are durable and stylish. Models ranging between 2006 and 2010 still go for a low price of $4,000 or less, and they make great investments for college students. They boast ample trunk space, excellent safety features, and are easy to drive. Not only do they look great on the outside, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a car with a more stylish interior.

Toyota Corolla (2004–2007)

No list of best cars for college students in Oregon would be complete without the ever-reliable Toyota Corolla. These dependable cars are surprisingly cheap to buy, and you might even find one for less than $4,000 if you stick to the 2004 to 2007 models. Like most Toyotas, they are cheaper to maintain than most, and when it comes to fuel efficiency, the Corolla is one of the best.

Subaru Impreza (2005–2008)

Models of the Subaru Impreza that date back from 2005 to 2008 have all-wheel drive capability, making them great cars to drive. Students will appreciate their youthful designs and become fans of Subaru when they discover the advanced safety features these cars offer. Whether you’re planning to drive short or long distances, this is a great car for Oregon students.

Hyundai Elantra (2006–2010)

The feature that makes the Elantra stand out is its excellent fuel efficiency. Even the models that date back to 2006 to 2010 are cheap to maintain and fill up with gas. You should be able to grab a relatively newer model for less than $4,000. But if you prefer a car with low mileage, your budget will probably fit in with an older model with lower mileage.

Final Thoughts

Make a good investment when buying your first college car in Oregon. Be sure to always check the mileage, the state of the car, and its driving history. Compare some of these models with each other in terms of price, mileage, and age, and you’ll soon narrow in on the best car for your campus life.