Best Vehicles for College Students in Fergus Falls, MN

Best Used Vehicles for College Students

Do you have a kid heading to college in the fall? Or maybe you are a student yourself, shopping for your first car. Either way, having a car can provide a college student with plenty of freedom to move around their area, and make it easier to visit home. Here are a few factors to consider when shopping for a vehicle for a college student.

Price

College comes with enough expenses. At Nelson Auto Center Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we carry plenty of used vehicles with low monthly payments, with plenty of special offers available to provide savings. We even have some quality used cars for sale for less than $20,000.

Dependability

When shopping for a used vehicle, it can provide a lot of peace of mind to know it's reliable. While low upfront costs are nice, reliable vehicles provide long-term savings thanks to lower maintenance costs. Some brands famous for making dependable vehicles include Honda, Subaru, and Toyota.

Body Style and Configuration

What kind of vehicle do you need on campus? A huge three-row SUV or a rugged pickup truck might look appealing on the lot, but they can rack up significant gas costs and can make parking on a crowded campus lot a challenge. Likewise, opting for a subcompact car might leave you without much space to carpool. Consider your needs and find a vehicle with the right balance of spaciousness, maneuverability, and efficiency.

Safety

Newer used vehicles are more likely to have state-of-the-art safety tech. Older models will likely save you more money, but they're also less likely to have features like forward collision warning or blind-spot alert. If safety tech matters to you, it can be worth it to save up a bit more.

Technology

Do you want a used car with a large touchscreen? Then, limit your search to recent models. Older models might lack a big display but still have smartphone connectivity, so you can easily stream your favorite tunes. On the other hand, maybe you're content with a CD player and a radio. Consider what you want from your tech into your budget.

Test Drive a Used Vehicle Today

Are you ready to find your ideal college car? Then browse the used inventory at Nelson Auto Center Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and take your model of choice for a test drive.

  1. Nelson Auto Center CDJR

    2228 College Way
    Fergus Falls, MN 56537-1062

    • Sales: 2184295669
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Get in Touch

  • Contact our Sales Department at: 2184295669
  • Monday08:00AM - 07:00PM
  • Tuesday08:00AM - 07:00PM
  • Wednesday08:00AM - 07:00PM
  • Thursday08:00AM - 07:00PM
  • Friday08:00AM - 06:00PM
  • Saturday08:00AM - 05:00PM
  • SundayClosed
   

College Student Used Vehicle FAQ

   
        Which colleges are near Nelson CDJR in Fergus Falls? +       
            We are proud to serve students from several local institutions within a 50-mile radius. Whether commuting to class or heading home, we have reliable options for students at:           
                   
  • M State (Minnesota State Community and Technical College): Fergus Falls, Detroit Lakes, and Wadena campuses.
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  • NDSCS (North Dakota State College of Science): Located in Wahpeton, ND.
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  • University of Minnesota Morris: Located to our southwest.
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  • Fargo-Moorhead Area: Including NDSU, MSUM, and Concordia.
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        What vehicle type is best for my specific college commute? +       
            Not every student needs a heavy-duty 4x4, but a small sedan might not cut it if you're commuting from a rural farm. Use this chart to find your best fit:           

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
Vehicle TypeBest For...Key Benefit
Compact Sedan (Corolla, Civic)In-town Fergus Falls & M State studentsLowest fuel cost & easiest parking
AWD Crossover (Compass, Equinox)Commuting from Wahpeton (NDSCS) or MorrisWinter traction for unplowed highways
Mid-Size SUV (Grand Cherokee, Explorer)Students living on-campus / Moving frequentlyHuge cargo space for dorm gear & laundry
Light-Duty Truck (RAM 1500)Ag/Tech students or outdoor enthusiastsVersatility for work, school, & towing
       
   
   
        Can a college student get financing with a limited credit history? +       
            Yes! We work with many students who have part-time income or limited credit. Our team can explore options like using a co-signer to secure a better rate. Your trade-in equity can also help lower monthly payments.           

            Start your application: Student Finance Application       
   
   
        Does Nelson CDJR offer a warranty on affordable student cars? +       
            Many of our used vehicles qualify for the Nelson Extra Program. If the vehicle has under 100,000 miles, it often includes a 3-month/3,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, providing a safety net against unexpected repairs during the school year.       
   
   
        Can I trade in my car even if I still owe money on it? +       
            Absolutely. We can help you navigate rolling over an existing loan or using your current vehicle's equity to upgrade to something more reliable. We buy all makes and models.           

            Check your value: Value Your Trade