Cars can easily become money pits if you don’t shop smart. As a student, it’s important to find a car that’s both affordable and reliable. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself paying more for repairs than the initial cost of the car.

This may sound a bit dramatic, but it just happened to me... twice. I recently owned an old 2000 Volkswagen Passat, worth around 2 grand on a good day, that needed a new timing belt and the AC stopped working. A buddy did both jobs for about 1000 bucks. With the new tires I had purchased, an alignment, and a few oil changes, I easily spent more than what I could have sold that thing for.

In the end, the car ended up having an oil leak so I had someone come haul it off for junk. Amidst this dilemma, I was starting a new job in Phoenix and really needed a car. So my aunt offered to sell me her 2004 Volkswagen Passat for around 4 grand and I was able to make payments on it.

At first, I hesitated, thinking another Passat? Really? But what choice did I have, I needed a car that week and she was willing to give me the keys right away. So I went for it.

A few weeks later the check engine light comes on, and apparently, my turbo needed to be serviced. It’s a diesel so finding a mechanic who would work on my model was the first nightmare, followed by a $700 repair. The driver's window fell off the track, both back wheel bearings were replaced, it still needs a timing belt and the heater core is broken.

Long story short(er than it could be), bring someone who knows what's up when you go car shopping and pick a reliable make and model.

If you can find one of these 10, that's been taken care of, you'll have it for years.

Cars

1. Toyota Corolla or Camry

Toyota Camry has a more modern look, but Corollas tend to get slightly better gas mileage. The models vary from front-wheel to AWD, making them decently maneuverable in the snow.

2. Honda Civic or Accord

Hondas are great first or college cars too. Nissan makes an affordable vehicle, and again, the maintenance is doable for students on a budget. Used Honda Civics usually go for a bit cheaper than the Accords do, and they get better gas mileage too. Unless you go for the Hybrid Accord, because at 50 mpg on the highway there’s no competition, of course. Although these cars only come in front-wheel drive, they have a decent variety of engine choices.

3. Ford Focus

Whether you go for an older Ford Focus with a gas engine or a newer electric Focus is you’ll get awesome gas mileage. Being able to efficiently drive long distances is a game changer for a student. You won’t feel as trapped in your college town knowing you can affordably drive a few states over. Or give your friends rides here and there without breaking the bank.

4. Dodge Challenger

Looking for something flashier? There are affordable muscle cars out there, the Dodge Challenger is a good example. Buy a classic, older model or get a newer one with AWD and mobb deep in the snow.

Trucks

5. Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma easily takes number one on my truck recommendation list, but I’ll respect any Toyota truck. Buying a truck is a such a big investment, and research is even more critical than with car shopping. If you can afford one, 2008 was a great year for these engines. The older ones are still reliable as ever.

6. Nissan Frontier

Another truck I’ll stand behind is the Nissan Frontier. My best friend growing up had one of these and we romped it in the mountains relentlessly with no problems. As a truck owner, there are several habits you can pick up so it runs well into old age. It will also protect the value of the car in case you ever need to sell.

SUVs

7. Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue gained popularity quickly, in my opinion, thanks to how well it handles. The steering is tight and the traction is incredible. Gas mileage is average for SUVs, better if you get a manual — and there’s actually a good number of them out there. According to crash tests, it holds up well in an accident, too.

8. Honda CR-V

If you’re looking for an SUV that gets optimal gas mileage, the Honda CR-V does about 34 on the highway and 28 in town. It’s perfect for anyone wanting an SUV that isn’t too bulky. They’re easy to park, cheap to drive, do well in the snow. And the best part is used Honda CR-Vs are very affordable.

9. Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5 is another compact sports utility vehicle. Maybe my Colorado background is influencing my SUV picks, but nonetheless, these Mazdas are reliable and the maintenance is affordable (as with most Japanese cars).

Van

10. Volkswagen Van

Or go for the classic college hippy vehicle and get yourself a used Volkswagen van. There will be plenty of room for all the homies, plus it’s the perfect campmobile.

* * *

Finding the right make and model is only the first step in buying a car. You’ll want to be sure to consider what year the car is and if it’s used how much midlife maintenance is coming up. Does it have a timing chain or a timing belt? If it’s a belt, how long until it needs to be changed? Before you start negotiating, be sure to ask your salesman these 10 questions.