Graduating from college is a major accomplishment. This milestone deserves to be celebrated, with perhaps a reliable set of wheels to drive you into your next journey in life. New graduates from Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State, and other institutions can visit Mark Jacobson Toyota in Durham, NC, to discover the best cars for college students. The Toyota vehicles at our dealership include everything you need, whether you start working or attend graduate school.
What Makes a Great Starter Car for Graduates?
Graduates encounter new financial obligations during their transition from student to professional life. Students choosing their first cars during or after college should evaluate the following characteristics when selecting their ideal vehicles:
- Affordability: Initial purchase price, fuel efficiency, and insurance costs
- Reliability: Minimal maintenance issues and strong warranty coverage
- Technology: Connectivity features that keep you safely in touch
- Safety: Advanced driver-assistance systems to protect you on Triangle roadways
- Versatility: Adapts to changing life circumstances, from job interviews to weekend getaways
Best Toyota Cars for Graduates
Toyota Corolla: The Affordable All-Rounder
The 2025 Toyota Corolla consistently ranks among the best starter cars for good reason. The compact Corolla sedan or hatchback provides a 2.0-liter engine with 169 HP while delivering up to 35 MPG combined. All Corolla models come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. An available 10.5-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility keep you entertained.
Toyota Camry: For the Graduate Who’s Moving Up
The 2025 Toyota Camry offers a sophisticated driving experience. The redesigned midsize sedan functions as a hybrid with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering up to 51 MPG combined. The 232 HP hybrid powertrain, combined with an available All-Wheel Drive (AWD), delivers excellent handling performance on North Carolina highways. The available 12.3-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 provide both technology and safety features.
Toyota Prius: The Statement Maker
The 2025 Toyota Prius provides hybrid functionality to environmentally focused Durham and Cary graduates. Its dual combination of up to 57 MPG combined and available AWD capabilities makes this model suitable for both efficiency and versatile use. The Prius stands out because of its new design as well as its 44-mile electric range in Prius Prime. It’s an excellent choice for driving around Apex and commuting to Raleigh for work. The vehicle provides affordable maintenance and excellent resale value, which appeals to new graduates.
Why Choose Mark Jacobson Toyota?
The team at Mark Jacobson Toyota can help new graduates acquire their ideal car. The Toyota College Grad Program gives graduates $500 off their new Toyota purchase to obtain the best Toyota models. You can also enjoy low or down payment, low interest-rate financing, and up to 90 deferred monthly payments on a retail installment contract.
Start Your Journey Today
The 2025 Corolla, Camry, and Prius represent the top options for college students who want to transition into professional life. You can test-drive the best starter cars at Mark Jacobson Toyota—Where We Say YES!
Visit our dealership and book your appointment to discover your ideal vehicle for Durham or Raleigh living
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