Car Talk Hosts Advise Freshman Against Buying New Car for College

Boston University student seeks advice on getting a vehicle for campus life.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:05am

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An abstract, colorful image with sweeping brushstrokes of motion, depicting the chaotic energy and transportation challenges of a busy college campus.The bustling energy of a college campus is captured in a blur of motion, reflecting the practical challenges students face in navigating urban transportation.Boston Today

A caller named Missy reached out to the Car Talk radio show hosts, known as Click and Clack, for advice. Missy's son is about to start as a freshman at Boston University, where the Car Talk show is produced, and he wants to buy a new car to improve his social status on campus. However, the hosts are hesitant to recommend that, as they are already facing challenges finding parking spots around the university.

Why it matters

The advice from the popular Car Talk hosts highlights the common dilemma many college students face - balancing the desire for independence and status that comes with having a personal vehicle, versus the practical realities of limited parking, traffic, and costs associated with car ownership, especially in dense urban campuses like Boston University.

The details

Missy's son is hoping a new car will boost his social standing as a college freshman, but the Car Talk hosts, who are based at BU, know firsthand the parking challenges students face on that campus. They are hesitant to encourage the purchase, as finding a spot for an additional vehicle would likely be very difficult.

  • Missy's son is about to start as a freshman at Boston University.

The players

Missy

A caller to the Car Talk radio show, whose son is starting as a freshman at Boston University.

Click and Clack

The hosts of the popular Car Talk radio show, which is produced at Boston University.

Boston University

The university where the Car Talk radio show is produced, and where Missy's son is about to start as a freshman.

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What they’re saying

“Can the boys come up with a non-automotive alternative?”

— Narrator

The takeaway

The Car Talk hosts' advice highlights the practical challenges college students face in owning a personal vehicle on a crowded urban campus, even if it means sacrificing some social status. Their guidance encourages finding alternative transportation options that don't contribute to parking and traffic congestion.