u/falsefreedom6509

I’m a doctoral student, and I need a reliable car that’ll get me through work, classes, and internship for at least the next 4–5 years. I’ve found a 2024 Nissan Kicks with about 10,000 miles (corporate vehicle) for $18,000.

I’m deciding between buying this used one or saving longer for a new 2026 Kicks, which starts around $23,000.

Before anyone asks why I don’t finance: I’m intentionally trying to avoid a car payment. As I get further into my doctoral program, I’ll be in practicum/internship and upper-year students have told me that working much beyond part-time becomes very difficult. I also have student loans and other bills, so taking on a monthly car payment isn’t something I’m comfortable with. I’ve saved enough to pay cash for the used one, but not for a new one.

For those of you who own a Kicks:

Has it been reliable?

Would you buy one again?

Is $18k for a 2024 with ~10k miles a good value?

If you were in my shoes, would you buy the used one now or wait and save for a new 2026?

I used private loaner Mefa (first gen, no one to teacher me about federal loan), for undergrad and part of my masters. I am in a doctoral program now. Since I am still in school, I wanted to get my loan deferred until I graduate. They said no. My program director actually got involved and wrote a letter. They agreed but only for the masters.

My undergrad loans were deferred for my masters because I was considered "in school" so I don't get why they won't do it now.