If you're considering supplying wheels for your collegebound
kids, here are some suggestions.

This is written for your parents, but it’s so important, I
thought you’d like to know what they’re talking about!

August 7, 2003: 10:20 AM EDT

By Lawrence Ulrich
MONEY Magazine

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - So, your child is college-bound but
car-less. And in a fit of generosity, you're inclined to
spring for a set of student wheels.

After wiping away a tear -- for the impending departure of
teen-ager and money alike -- you're ready to deal. As with
any back-to-school shopping, choosing a great collegiate
car will require calm negotiating. A compromise between the
rad ride every youngster wants and what you -- as the
older, wiser parent -- know they need. (If that fails,
remind your little frosh who's cutting the check.)

We don't need to remind mom and dad that even a single year
of college costs as much as a new car. So we urge most
parents to first consider a used model. Even a 6- or 8-
year-old vehicle shouldn't induce guilt or worry, as long
as mileage is reasonable and it's been well-maintained. A
fraction of the money you'll save can go toward replacing
worn items like brakes and tires, ensuring trusty
operation. (Do make sure any used model is equipped with
anti-lock brakes, a critical safety factor for young and
relatively inexperienced drivers.)

Whether it's a new or used car, also consider making this a
helpful introduction to the real world of monthly payments.
For a responsible young adult, the privilege of driving a
nice car or truck might include covering the insurance, or
an agreed-upon share of the monthly payments. Or at least
gas and maintenance.

Finally, while we're not ignoring style and performance,
practicality, economy, affordability and safety take
precedence here. With those ground rules set for College
Cars 101, here are a few models that earn an A for the fall
semester:

No-brainers, new or used

Toyota Corolla: Toyota sees its Matrix, a funky-hatch
version of the Corolla, as the model of choice for the
college set. But here's where the wise parent comes in: The
Corolla sedan may not have the Matrix' hipster name and
styling, but it's a notably better car.
Introduced as a 2002 model, the latest-generation Corolla
is probably the most faultless small sedan on the planet:
roomy, comfortable, quiet, surprisingly powerful, built to
quality standards few cars can match. The styling might
elicit yawns or even whines from your progeny, but they'll
settle down once they see the inferior cars broken down
outside the dorm.

If they're helping out with payments, they'll also
appreciate the $14,855 base price for the base 2004 Corolla
CE. A three-year-old 2000 Corolla CE isn't as sophisticated
as the current version, but it runs roughly $8,000-to-
$10,000. And the Corolla's exceptional resale value has
even '97 models going for $4,000-to-$6,000.

Honda Civic: A hard-earned reputation for quality means
you'll pay a stiff premium for Honda vehicles -- new or
used. That includes the Civic, a compact sedan, coupe or
hatchback that can be whatever your student driver wants it
to be: A low-key econobox or a tricked-out, Fast and
Furious street rod.

Practical collegians will lean toward the fuel-sipping HX
coupe at $14,710 with a continuously variable automatic
transmission. The gas-electric hybrid version is even more
fuel-efficient, but the price is a disconcerting $20,550.
One more downer: Anti-lock brakes are only available on the
Civic hybrid, sporty Si hatchback and top-shelf EX models.
The bright side is that Civics are as reliable as final
exams and really hold their value: One popular model, the
Civic LX sedan, is still worth $9,000-to-$11,500 for year-
2000 models, or $5,500-to-$7,500 for a '97 version.

Honda CR-V: Among compact SUVs, both the Jeep Liberty and
Nissan Xterra offer more collegian curb appeal, along with
more off-road ability. But the Honda rides, handles and
stops better than its truckish rivals, is easier on gas,
better-built and costs less comparably equipped: Base price
for 2003 is $19,610 for front-wheel-drive models with side
air bags.

The CR-V's 160-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder is so
deceptively powerful you'll never miss the V-6s offered by
competitors. Throw in Honda quality, outstanding safety and
a higher projected resale value, and the CR-V wins despite
its yawner looks. Year 2000 models are still fetching
$12,000-to-$16,500, depending on mileage and equipment.

New cars

Hyundai Elantra and Elantra GT: Industry laughingstock no
longer, South Korea's Hyundai has seen sales explode after
boosting quality and expanding its power train warranty to
a confidence-inspiring 10 years/100,000 miles.

Starting at $12,499, the peppy Elantra sedan and hatchback
simply deliver more features for less money than the
competition: At $14,149, the GT sedan and hatchback include
standard four-wheel disc brakes, side air bags, leather
upholstery and steering wheel, CD player, heated power
mirrors, alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, intermittent
wipers and more. Another $1,033 gets you traction control,
ABS and a sunroof. One caveat: Resale value continues to
trail the class leaders from Honda and Toyota.

Cars for the Little Prince or Princess

For those with a little more cash to spend and kids they
don't mind spoiling, here are a couple of slightly pricier
options.

New Car -- Mini Cooper: If tuition hasn't already wiped you
out, and your 4.0-average offspring is deserving, nothing
will inspire campus envy like the Mini Cooper. Starting at
$16,850, BMW's brilliant redesign of the pint-sized British
classic is cool, practical, fuel-efficient, easy to park,
and a blast to drive and to be seen in.

And this isn't the modern, irresponsible equivalent of
buying a Camaro for your teen: Front-wheel-drive,
reassuring handling and just 115 horsepower (160 horsepower
for the $19,850 Cooper S) ensure drivers won't get in over
their head. The back seat is minuscule, but then college
students are the least likely to grouse about a free ride.
And despite David size in a world of SUV Goliaths, the Mini
delivers top marks in crash testing, with a comprehensive
roster of active and passive safety features including
eight air bags and available stability control.

Used Car -- Volkswagen Jetta: The Jetta costs substantially
more than its small-sedan competition, giving us pause in
recommending it as a new car. And before you get all huffy,
no, the Jetta's overall reliability doesn't equal the best
from Japan. (Neither does Mercedes, but you don't see many
Benz owners trading for a Camry.) The point is that young
people are smart, and VWs like the Jetta have earned their
enthusiastic loyalty for very good reasons.

The Jetta's sophisticated German character shines through
in styling, performance and interior craftsmanship, making
this a solid used-car buy. A three-year-old 2000 Jetta GL
can be had for less than $12,000. That year's Jetta GLS
1.8T, equipped with the terrific turbocharged four-cylinder
also found in the Passat sedan and Audi's TT and A4 models,
is fetching $12,500-to-$15,000, depending on mileage and
options.

Lawrence Ulrich writes about cars for Money Magazine. You
can contact him at autos@money.com.