Dear Action Line: My college student is "buying a hot rod for college" (not happening) so what are some good cars for kids going off to college their first time? - S.H., Tulsa.
Kiplinger's Washington-based publisher of business forecasts and personal finance advice (print, online, audio, video and software) went shopping for youth-friendly wheels, of the non-hot rod variety, emphasis on value. It ranks the 10 best new and used cars for young drivers that won't wreck your budget, with best safety features (stability control and at least six airbags).
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Mitsubishi's Outlander ($21,195) scores high in reliability. Plus, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (
tulsaworld.com/iihssafetypix) gave it a Top Safety Pick+ award. Hands-free calling and USB are standard on the ES version, and environmentally conscious drivers will appreciate the regenerative braking system that boosts fuel economy to highway 31 mpg.
2013 Nissan Altima: Redesigned Altima sedan ($23,650) has Infiniti-esque good looks and stellar fuel economy (highway 38 mpg) - 2.5 S features Bluetooth with streaming audio with phone and music steering-wheel controls at fingertips.
2013 Subaru Impreza: Last year's redesign gave this compact ($21,065) a striking new look, 36 highway mpg and more standard features, including Subaru's sure-footed handling with standard all-wheel drive, auto-off headlights that preserve the battery, steering-wheel buttons to control audio and hands-free calls, as well as Bluetooth audio streaming.
2010 Honda Civic: Reliability and highway 36 mpg for $16,966 makes this a perennial good-value pick. Tech features include top-of-the-line EX-L with Navigation. The 3-year-old Civic costs one-third less than the new version, with navigation, Bluetooth and USB standard features.
2010 Kia Soul: Funky looks and beautiful amenities for $12,043, it handles like a go-kart but doesn't have too much power, with 30 highway mpg. Plenty of room in the back - 39 inches rear legroom, 19 cubic feet cargo space - is good for a college lug.
2010 Lincoln MKZ: With heated mirrors and heated and cooled 10-way adjustable driver's seat, the MKZ ($18,000) features Ford's SYNC system (Bluetooth, SB port, 911 assist, turn-by-turn navigation, radio-LED displayed) and real-time traffic information. Models equipped with navigation include 10 gigabytes of music storage, a blind-spot warning system, a rearview camera and 27 highway mpg.
2010 Scion xB: This boxy hatch, along with the rest of Scion's lineup, was created for younger drivers. Made by Toyota, it features the parent company's low-price quality - $12,813 - with looks only a millennial could love. Interior space, 38 inches rear legroom and 22 cubic feet of cargo space - complemented by a peppy engine that puts out 158 horses but 28 highway mpg. Look for a model with the optional Blu Logic hands-free system, iPod input included.
View the full article at
tulsaworld.com/kiplingerscollcars
Submit Action Line questions by calling 918-699-8888, emailing
phil.mulkins@tulsaworld.com or by mailing them to Tulsa World Action Line, PO Box 1770, Tulsa OK 74102-1770.
Original Print Headline: College-bound need safe, affordable cars
Action Line
Edmunds.com last week released its annual list of Best Used Cars for 2013, a list of 17 cars across every segment based on "the most important criteria: reliability, safety, value and availability."
Dear Action Line: I received a mailing from the IRS and wonder if this is typical. I thought all such notices came by email. Should I call the Tulsa IRS on this? - B.N., Tulsa
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