- What are the best new cars for university students in Saudi Arabia?
- What are the best used cars for university students?
- How can a student choose the right car for university needs?
As university life begins, many young people in Saudi Arabia look forward to owning a car that supports their daily commutes between campus, home, or part time jobs. Compact and economical cars are the preferred choice for this group due to their fuel efficiency, easy maintenance, and affordable price tags that fit limited budgets. Whether the goal is to buy a brand new car with dealer warranty or a reasonably priced used one, the Saudi market offers a wide selection of reliable models from trusted brands like Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, and Suzuki.
What are the best new cars for university students in Saudi Arabia?
The Saudi market offers a wide range of new cars that balance affordability, strong reliability, and modern features, with prices starting from just 54,000 SAR. This makes them ideal options for students looking for economical and dependable transportation.
Leading the list is the all new 2025 Suzuki Dzire, which arrives with a stylish redesign and compact size that makes city driving easy. It is available in two trims: the GL priced at 54,050 SAR and the GLX at 55,775 SAR. Notable features include a 9 inch touchscreen, electronic stability control (ESP), and automatic air conditioning with rear vents.
The 2025 Toyota Yaris stands out as one of the most fuel efficient and reliable options for daily driving. It is powered by a 1.3 liter engine paired with a CVT transmission and delivers a fuel economy of up to 22.4 km/l. The lineup includes three trims starting from 63,135 SAR for the Y, up to 75,670 SAR for the YX. Features include up to a 9 inch touchscreen, advanced safety systems, and adaptive cruise control on higher trims.
For those who prefer a higher driving position, the 2025 Toyota Raize offers a compact SUV experience with urban friendly dimensions and fuel efficiency. It comes in two trims: XLE at 67,045 SAR and Limited at 73,715 SAR. Key highlights include an 8 inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, and front and rear parking sensors.
The 2025 Kia K3 brings a youthful design and modern tech, measuring about 4.4 meters in length and ideal for city commutes. It runs on a fuel efficient 1.6 liter engine and is available in five trims ranging from 71,122 SAR for the LX1 to 89,517 SAR for the GT-Line. It offers features like an 8 inch infotainment display, automatic air conditioning, and sporty 17 inch alloy wheels.
Finally, the 2025 Hyundai Accent offers a compelling mix of price and features and is one of the most popular sedans in the budget category. Prices range from 69,600 SAR for the Fleet trim to 89,035 SAR for the Premium. Equipment includes an 8 inch touchscreen, rearview camera, and safety features like electronic stability control and hill start assist.
What are the best used cars for university students?
When the budget is tight, used cars stand out as a smart and cost effective option that allows students to move around daily without taking on heavy financial burdens. The Saudi market offers a wide variety of reliable pre-owned vehicles, with prices starting around 25,000 SAR, provided the car is thoroughly inspected at certified centers before purchase.
Popular and trusted options include the Hyundai Accent models from 2017 to 2019, priced between 24,000 and 27,000 SAR, known for being practical and easy to maintain. The Toyota Yaris models from 2016 to 2018 are also among the top picks for beginners, thanks to Toyota's solid reputation for reliability, with prices ranging from 27,000 to 33,000 SAR.
The 2019 Kia Rio is a stylish choice for young drivers, starting at 25,000 SAR, and offers a decent level of features. The 2018 Nissan Sunny is ideal for those seeking more interior space and low running costs, with a starting price of 27,000 SAR. For those aiming for a more premium experience, the 2017 Mazda 6 delivers a mix of comfort and performance, starting at 40,000 SAR.
To ensure a safe purchase, it is essential to have the vehicle inspected by an authorized center and obtain a full report on its condition, helping avoid any potential issues in the future.
How can a student choose the right car for university needs?
Choosing the right car mainly depends on the available budget, followed by the student’s driving style and daily requirements. For those aiming to get a brand new car with no prior usage issues, models like the Suzuki Dzire, Toyota Yaris, or the new Hyundai Accent stand out. These vehicles are known for their reliability and ease of use, making them ideal for students.
If the student prefers a higher-riding vehicle with a practical design that suits city driving and offers better road visibility, the Toyota Raize is a smart choice in the compact SUV segment.
For those with a tighter budget and a focus on minimizing running costs, used cars like the 2017 Yaris or 2018 Accent offer great value with prices starting around 25,000 SAR. Before making a purchase, it is essential to check the car’s mechanical condition, maintenance history, and the level of safety features provided.
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