Einspahr Auto Plaza

Jun 15, 2020
Updated 05/14/21

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Tips for buying a car as a recent college grad

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Hard work pays off. 

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After years of studying, a few too many late nights, and maybe a little crying, you finally have that diploma that says you’re (possibly) done with school forever. Congratulations and  welcome to adulthood!

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As our beloved SD State graduates and college grads all across the country take on new jobs and new cities, they may be wondering if their current vehicle is reliable enough to keep up with their busy lifestyle. 

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At Einspahr Auto, we’ve helped our fair share of college students purchase their first vehicle out of college, and we know it can be overwhelming for many. If you’re a current college student or a recent graduate, ask yourself these questions before you buy a vehicle.

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Can I Afford a New or Used Car?

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Affordable options for recent college grads

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College is expensive. Is it really a smart time to invest in a new or used vehicle? Yes

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While purchasing a new or used vehicle isn’t in everyone’s best interests, having peace of mind and driving a reliable vehicle that likely won’t need any type of major (and expensive) repairs for a number of years is hard to beat.  

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Recent graduates usually think that the most affordable option is a used vehicle, but keep in mind the vehicle needs to be able to keep up with you through moving, traveling, and work commutes, so it’s recommended that used car shoppers buy a vehicle no more than six years old

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When you choose to buy new instead of used, you not only get a brand new vehicle, but you can often get great deals when you purchase at the right time. Many brands offer low financing offers as well as requiring no down payment! (We’ll go over specific incentives available to new grads in a future blog post.)

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Should I Lease or Buy a New Vehicle? 

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Have your eyes on a new car? Decide whether you want to lease or to buy in Brookings.

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Leasing

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Leasing is a nice option for recent college grads who know their future plans. If you’re confident that you will be living in the same place for the next two to three years and don’t anticipate doing any major cross-country traveling by car in that time, leasing could be your best option.  

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When you lease, you get to drive a nice new car, truck, or SUV for a few years, and if anything goes wrong unexpectedly, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) covers the cost! 

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Buying

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Don’t like the mileage limitations of leasing and want to actually own the vehicle you drive? We don’t blame you! That’s why many new grads are choosing to buy their new vehicle with the intention of driving it for the better part of the decade.

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Which Vehicles are Best for New Graduates? 

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Shop savings on new Fords!

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There’s a good chance you’re only driving your current vehicle because it was the best option available to you at the time you purchased — not because you loved the vehicle. 

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When you buy or lease your first vehicle out of college, you have a lot of options and factors to consider. While everyone’s vehicle preferences are different, we’ve found the following vehicle options to be excellent choices for new graduates:

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Ford Fusion

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  • Great gas mileage: Up to 23 mpg city/34 highway
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  • Stylish and sleek design
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  • Advanced technology including blind spot monitoring, a smart navigation system, and voice-activated touchscreen. 
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Jeep Cherokee

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  • Trail Rated® badge gives it excellent traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording capabilities for your weekend adventures. 
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  • 8.4-inch touchscreen connects to your phone 
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  • Available heated front-seats and steering wheel (perfect for those frigid South Dakota winters)
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Ford F-150

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  • America’s best-selling truck
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  • Strong and capable with towing capabilities of up to 13,200 pounds
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  • Advanced backup assist and tow technology
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Drive into Post-Grad Life in a New Brookings Vehicle!

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After you decide you need a new vehicle, the fun of shopping for one begins! From reliable sedans, to roomy SUVs, to powerful trucks, we carry Brookings’ best selection of new Ford, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles — as well as a good variety of used inventory!

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Not sure which vehicle is best for you as a new college graduate? That’s where we can help! Our expert sales staff will ask you the right questions and help you find the vehicle that best matches your lifestyle and budget. 

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Shop New Vehicles Shop Used Inventory