By Kean Huy Alado
In a city as big as Miami, a student’s method of transportation is critical. Although public transit is available, most opt for cars. Whether it be going from home to school, restaurants to hospitals, or banks to zoos, cars are used consistently throughout all journeys. Barry students supply their opinions on the topic of the car necessity and their preferred overall car makeups.
In an Instagram survey carried out by The Buccaneer with over 125 responses, a general preference on car properties is evident. About 57 percent of students own a car, indicating the importance of cars in the city, as well as the dependency of cars for the Barry students.
Specifically for car factors, an overwhelming 48.8 percent of respondents declared reliability as the determining factor for purchasing a car. A majority want a vehicle that will not break down erratically over a luxurious one. When it came to car price, 33.3 percent, which may reflect a college student’s economic strife. The least important car factors for Barry students appear to be gas consumption and simply liking the car. This indicates that if a car could promise a student that it will be consistently performing at a usable quality, then any other factors or concerns can be overlooked.
Elishama Celestin, a sophomore computer software engineering major, owns a 2021 Toyota Rav 4 allwheel-drive luxury edition which he has had for about 2 and a half years. Celestin also stated that he was gifted the car and is currently paying it off. On the other hand, Yarnelis Vargas, a sophomore pre-nursing major, is a commuter dropped off at school by her father in a 2018 Hyundai Sonata, while Erick Gutierrez, a computer science junior, drives a 2007 Hyundai Azera Limited which he got as a hand-me-down from his sister two years ago.
When both students were asked about their priorities when looking to purchase a car, both students indicated interest in cars that had rather similar responses.
Celestin said, “I look for maintenance accessibility, size, and engine performance.”
Vargas said, “I’m looking for a car that does not use too much fuel and that is reliable.”
Gutierrez said, “I always check for the fuel economy and reliability.”
In maintenance and reliability of the car, a similarity of interest in longevity is evident. Gutierrez said, “It’s better to have an older, more reliable car than a newer one that’ll break down as soon as you drive it off the lot.”
They have a consensus as students on a vehicle that will remain low maintenance over time and keep them out of trouble. They also agreed on the necessity of having a car as a Barry student to a certain extent.
“If you live 15+ minutes away from Barry then it would be smart to own a car,” said Celestin. Vargas added that, “There are other means of transportation such as the bus and train (Tri-Rail).”
In the end, what matters is that you get from point A to point B in your own style.