Back-to-school season means more than buying notebooks, backpacks and new shoes. For many families, it is also the time to start thinking about transportation.
Maybe you have a new driver who needs their first car. Maybe you're sending a student off to college and want something dependable for trips between home and campus. Or maybe another year of practices, games, activities and school drop-offs has made it painfully obvious that your family has outgrown its current vehicle.
At Brad Deery Motors in Maquoketa, we have options for all three. You can start by browsing our used cars, trucks and SUVs, check out our used vehicles under $15,000, or compare our entire new vehicle inventory.
So, what should you actually look for in a back-to-school vehicle? Let's break it down.
What Should You Look for in a First Car for a Teen Driver?
For a first-time driver, the coolest car on the lot isn't necessarily the best car on the lot.
Parents and new drivers should consider:
- Overall vehicle condition
- Safety and driver-assistance features
- Fuel economy
- Insurance costs
- Maintenance costs
- Vehicle size and visibility
- Mileage
- AWD or 4x4 if the student will regularly drive in Iowa winters
- Smartphone connectivity
- The student's actual driving needs
A student driving five miles to Maquoketa High School has very different needs from a college student regularly traveling between Maquoketa and Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque or the Quad Cities.
That's why there isn't one universal "best first car."
Are Used Cars Good for First-Time Drivers?
Absolutely. A quality used vehicle can make a lot of sense for a new driver, especially when keeping the purchase price and monthly payment manageable is a priority.
Start with our used cars for sale if you want a traditional sedan or smaller vehicle. If you prefer more space and a higher seating position, take a look at our used SUVs.
Budget is important, but don't shop on price alone. A cheaper vehicle isn't necessarily the better value if it needs significant repairs or doesn't fit how the student will actually use it.
What Are Some Good Vehicles for a First-Time Driver?
Inventory changes constantly, so rather than telling you there is one specific vehicle everyone should buy, here are a few models and vehicle types worth putting on your shopping list.
Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax is a compact SUV that's easy to maneuver without giving up the practicality many students want from an SUV. It's worth considering for commuting to school, work and everyday driving.
Chevrolet Equinox
Need a little more room? The Chevrolet Equinox can work well for a student who wants SUV versatility or a young driver who regularly has sports equipment, luggage or friends along for the ride.
Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass is another compact SUV worth considering, particularly for students who prefer an SUV instead of a traditional sedan.
Used Sedans
Don't overlook the good old-fashioned car.
Used sedans can offer a lot of value for students primarily concerned with getting to class, work and home without needing the cargo room of a larger SUV.
Browse used cars for sale at Brad Deery Motors.
What Is a Good Car for a College Student?
For college students, we'd prioritize dependability, affordability, fuel costs and practicality.
Think about where the vehicle will spend the next few years.
Will it sit outside on campus all winter? Will your student make frequent highway trips home? Are they taking half their bedroom with them every time they move into a dorm or apartment? Do they need room for friends, sports equipment or work?
Those answers can quickly change which vehicle makes the most sense.
Should a College Student Get a Car or an SUV?
A car may make more sense for a student who:
- Mostly commutes
- Wants something easy to park
- Doesn't carry much cargo
- Wants to keep vehicle costs manageable
A compact SUV may make more sense for a student who:
- Regularly travels home
- Needs more cargo room
- Carries sports or outdoor equipment
- Prefers a higher seating position
- Wants available AWD for winter driving
For Iowa and Illinois college students, we'd also pay attention to tires, ground clearance and available AWD or 4x4. January has a way of making features you didn't care about in August suddenly seem pretty important.
What Are the Best Back-to-School Vehicles for Families?
Maybe you're not sending a kid off to college. Maybe you're just trying to get three kids, two backpacks, a trumpet, football equipment and $147 worth of groceries into one vehicle.
We understand.
For families, space and flexibility quickly become the priorities.
Some of the models we recommend comparing include the Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Pacifica and Ford Explorer.
Shop our used SUV inventory to compare different brands, sizes and price ranges in one place.
Is a 2-Row or 3-Row SUV Better for a Family?
It depends on how much space you regularly need.
A 2-row SUV may be better if:
- You have one or two children
- You want easier parking and maneuverability
- You don't regularly carpool
- You want cargo space without driving a large SUV
The Chevrolet Equinox and Jeep Grand Cherokee are examples worth comparing.
A 3-row SUV may be better if:
- You have a larger family
- Your kids regularly bring friends
- You carpool
- You're constantly hauling sports gear
- You take family road trips
- You simply want more passenger flexibility
The Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer are three options to consider.
We've also put together a complete guide to choosing the best SUV for a family if you're trying to decide which size makes the most sense.
Is a Minivan Still a Good Family Vehicle?
Yes. And we're willing to say it.
Minivans aren't always the vehicle people dream about when they're 16, but once you have kids, sliding doors start looking pretty impressive.
The Chrysler Pacifica offers the kind of passenger and cargo flexibility that can make school mornings, sports practices, road trips and everyday errands much easier.
If maximum practicality matters more than pretending you don't secretly love sliding doors, don't cross a minivan off the list.
Shop used vans at Brad Deery Motors.
What Features Are Worth Having for Back-to-School Driving?
The exact equipment varies by model, trim and year, but there are several features we'd put on a family's shopping list.
Look for available features such as:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Forward collision alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keeping technology
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Backup camera
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- USB charging ports
- Remote start
- Heated seats
- AWD or 4x4
- Adaptive cruise control
For parents shopping for a teen, don't assume every used vehicle has the same safety technology. Compare the actual equipment on each vehicle you're considering.
What Are the Back-to-School Must-Haves to Keep in Your Car?
The vehicle itself is only part of being prepared.
Whether it's a teenager driving to school, a college student living away from home or the family vehicle handling the daily school run, we recommend keeping a basic emergency kit in the car.
Consider packing:
- Phone charging cable
- Portable phone charger
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables or portable jump pack
- Tire pressure gauge
- Ice scraper
- Small blanket
- Bottled water
- Basic snacks
- Umbrella
- Emergency contact information
And because we live in the Midwest, don't wait until the first snowstorm to add the winter gear.
Should You Buy New or Used for a Student?
There's no single answer.
A used vehicle may offer a lower purchase price and allow you to get more features for your budget.
A new vehicle can provide the latest technology, warranty coverage and available manufacturer incentives.
There's also a middle ground.
Brad Deery Motors also offers Deery Certified vehicles for shoppers looking for additional peace of mind.
The smartest approach is to compare several options instead of deciding "new" or "used" before you start shopping.
How Much Should You Spend on a First Car?
Start with what comfortably fits your household budget, not simply the maximum amount you can get approved for.
Remember that vehicle ownership can also include:
- Insurance
- Fuel
- Registration
- Routine maintenance
- Tires
- Unexpected repairs
If you're financing, our Brad Deery Motors finance team can help you explore your options. You can also use our What's My Buying Power? tool before you start narrowing down vehicles.
Can You Trade in Your Current Vehicle for a Student's Car?
Yes. If you're replacing a family vehicle, handing your current car down to a new driver, or simply trying to figure out the most affordable way to add another vehicle to the household, knowing what your current vehicle is worth is a good place to start.
You can value or sell your vehicle to Brad Deery Motors and use that information while planning your next purchase.
Where Can I Find a First Car or Family Vehicle Near the Quad Cities?
Brad Deery Motors is located in Maquoketa, Iowa, and helps drivers from throughout Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois find vehicles that fit their actual needs and budgets.
Whether you're shopping for a teenager's first car, sending a student off to college, replacing the family SUV or realizing that you've officially reached the minivan stage of life, we'll help you compare your options without trying to force you into something that doesn't make sense.
Browse our used inventory, explore our new vehicles, or visit Brad Deery Motors in Maquoketa to start your back-to-school vehicle search.
Because pencils, notebooks and backpacks may get them through the school year.
But first, you've got to get them there.
