Modern students are concerned about environmental issues more than ever. It is one reason why young people carry reusable shopping bags and coffee cups with them and opt for recycled clothes and give up plastic. Nonetheless, often, they have to adjust principles since eco-friendly products, and things may cost a pretty penny. Everybody knows that most students belong to the category of people who constantly lack money. Of course, many try to find an aside job or make some cash on the homework market, writing papers for other students. However, it is not the easiest task since many advanced writers are ready to do the same but at a more qualitative level. Thus, young people have to save every penny to stay on track, and when it comes to getting a car, an affordable price tag often tips the scale. If students cannot boast of impressive financial support from relatives, everything they can afford is a used vehicle. Many different things will affect their purchasing decision, and one should go deep down the question to understand whether their car choice will have anything to do with eco-friendliness.
What Does ‘Eco-friendly Car’ Mean?
Nowadays, many people talk about the high importance of going green, not realizing to the full extent what this concept means in fact. When it comes to purchasing a car, it doesn’t mean that you should opt only for an electric vehicle. The modern market is full of diesel- and petrol-powered options called eco-friendly compared to most other models. They can offer impressive fuel economy, helping you save a pretty penny in the long run and reduced emissions. Today, you can come across many worthy hybrid cars that combine the best qualities of electric and petrol (or diesel) vehicles. Some of them allow covering more than 25 miles before the engine starts working.
Old cars vs. new ones
This question always risks sparking a debate since people cannot agree with numerous studies. Some are sure that you go green when you purchase a used car and run it into the ground since the production of every new vehicle involves a huge emission of carbon dioxide. So, according to this theory, students who opt for old cars follow eco-friendliness. However, research has shown that a car with a petrol engine produces more than 26 tons of CO2 before it gets scrapped, not to mention 6 tons during production.
New models often go beyond an average student’s budget, but they can boast of fuel economy and reduced emission of CO2. Many young people reject electric vehicles because their battery capacity is not enough to cover a large distance without a recharge, and not all campuses are equipped with charging stations.
Small engine vs. medium/big
There is a common belief that engines which size doesn’t exceed 1,2 liters are more eco-friendly. However, it is not always the case. Even though they are equipped with turbochargers that reduce fuel consumption, they produce an increased amount of nitrogen oxide, which is quite toxic. It is one reason why some manufacturers reject the production of small engines and decide that increased fuel usage is less evil.
What Do Students Choose on a Budget?
Young people who live far away from their academic institution should hit the road to attend classes, especially if there is poor public transportation in their area. However, getting a car can be a challenge for students who live on a budget and cannot afford everything they want. In such a case, they have to search for the most affordable yet reliable options. Of course, when it comes to cheap cars, the petrol-powered option is the best one. If you don’t want to back down on your principles and turn a blind to eco-friendliness, you should search for a compromise. Some petrol cars can fall into the category of eco-friendly vehicles and will not cost you a fortune. For example, you can purchase a used Toyota Aygo for about $5,000, while Citroen C1 may cost you about $4,500. Students who can afford more expensive and ‘greener’ variants should pay attention to hybrids and electric cars.
Eco-Friendly Electric Cars
Considering that vehicles don’t obtain their energy out of the air, and you will hardly find cars that work on wind power only, it is worth opting for options that stand out with efficient electricity usage. If you don’t have to cover a long distance to reach your college, and you have a place where you can easily recharge your car, you should get the maximal cost-effective electric car at a great rate.
Hyundai IONIQ El
Some experts claim that it is one of the most efficient cars on the market so far that provides you with a chance to hit the road and cover more than 135 miles between charges. A used deal will cost you about $18,500. Thus, it is worth paying attention to this option if you can afford such a price tag.
Volkswagen e-Golf
Getting a used option for $17,000, you can count on covering about 125 miles. Even though this figure is lower compared to the one officially provided (186), it can become a great deal for a student.
BMW i3
If you have always dreamed of driving a BMW, but your budget is tight, and you want to adhere to eco-friendliness, it is worth considering this option. You will spend about $13,500 for a used deal. This model has a well-developed design and an improved battery pack, so you can cover about 180 miles between charges.
Eco-Friendly Plug-in Hybrids
They say it is the best solution for people who don’t want to choose between petrol and electric cars. You will be able to utilize electricity until it runs out. Thus, if your campus is within reach, you can charge your battery to get there, but you will not need to worry about charging stations when you decide to arrange a trip since you can switch to petrol. Pay attention to the following options since they stand out from the category.
BMW i3 Rex
It is another great option for BMW admirers, but bear in mind that its working principle somehow differs from other similar vehicles. The car recharges the battery with the help of a petrol engine. You can get a used option for about $ 13,500.
Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid
This option will cost you relatively less compared to similar options, about $11,500. However, you should bear in mind that the battery will allow you to cover no more than 35 miles, so if your campus is not far away, it can be great to get this car, considering low fuel consumption.