The Ultimate Summer Job Car: Why a Nissan Kicks Play is a Smart Buy for Waterloo Students

Waterloo Nissan
The Ultimate Summer Job Car: Why a Nissan Kicks Play is a Smart Buy for Waterloo Students

Landing a summer job in Waterloo means you need reliable transportation that won't drain your budget. The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play delivers exactly what students need: affordable upfront costs, excellent fuel economy, and the peace of mind that comes with a new vehicle warranty. Starting at $22,598, the Kicks Play offers serious value for students and their families.

This isn't about settling for less because you're a student. The Kicks Play provides genuine utility, modern technology, and comprehensive safety features that work whether you're commuting to your summer job or moving into residence. Every feature has been chosen to deliver maximum value for drivers who need to watch every dollar.

Budget-Friendly Purchase Price and Operating Costs

The Kicks Play S starts at $22,598, making it one of the most accessible new vehicles available in Canada. This price point puts new car ownership within reach for families who want the reliability and warranty protection of a new vehicle without the premium pricing of larger SUVs or luxury features they don't need.

Operating costs stay low thanks to best-in-class fuel economy of 7.7 L/100km city, 6.6 L/100km highway, and 7.2 L/100km combined. For a student working a summer job and commuting daily, this fuel efficiency translates into real savings at the gas pump.

Annual fuel cost comparison (based on 15,000 km/year):

Vehicle Type

Fuel Economy (L/100km)

Annual Fuel Cost*

Kicks Play

7.2 combined

$1,512

Typical compact car

8.5 combined

$1,785

Small SUV average

9.8 combined

$2,058

*Based on $1.40/litre average fuel price

New Car Warranty Protection You Can Count On

Starting your working life with a vehicle covered by Nissan's comprehensive warranty provides security that used cars simply cannot match. The Kicks Play includes a 3-year/60,000 km basic warranty plus a 5-year/100,000 km powertrain warranty that covers major mechanical components.

This warranty coverage means you can focus on work and studies instead of worrying about unexpected repair bills. Scheduled maintenance costs remain predictable, and any covered repairs happen at authorized Nissan dealerships with genuine parts and trained technicians.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 for New Driver Confidence


Every Kicks Play includes Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard equipment, providing advanced safety features that help prevent accidents before they happen. These systems work particularly well for newer drivers who are still building confidence behind the wheel.

Standard safety features include:

  • Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
  • Blind Spot Warning to catch vehicles in your peripheral vision
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert when backing out of parking spaces
  • Lane Departure Warning to help maintain proper road position
  • High Beam Assist for optimal nighttime visibility

These features provide an extra layer of protection during daily commutes and weekend trips, giving both students and parents confidence in the vehicle's safety capabilities.

Technology That Connects Without Complexity

The Kicks Play S includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing seamless connection with your smartphone. This system handles navigation, music streaming, hands-free calling, and text messaging through familiar interfaces.

Three USB ports (one front, two rear charge-only) keep devices powered throughout your commute and provide charging capability for passengers during group trips. The system supports both iPhone and Android devices without requiring additional adapters or cables.

Cargo Space for Campus Life and Weekend Adventures

The Kicks Play offers 716.4 litres of cargo space with the rear seats upright, expanding to 914.6 litres with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat down. This capacity easily handles move-in day at residence, weekend trips home with laundry, or camping gear for outdoor adventures with friends.

The cargo area features a flat loading floor and wide opening that makes it easy to load larger items. The shape and size work well for everything from textbooks and sports equipment to furniture and appliances for off-campus housing.

Practical Features for Student Life

The SV trim adds convenience features that prove valuable for busy students. Remote Engine Start lets you warm up the vehicle during winter months without leaving your apartment or residence room. The heated front seats and heated steering wheel provide comfort during cold Canadian mornings.

Automatic climate control maintains your preferred temperature automatically, while the electric parking brake frees up interior space and operates smoothly in all weather conditions. These features enhance daily comfort without adding complexity or maintenance concerns.

Reliability for the Long Haul

The Kicks Play uses a proven 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. This powertrain has been refined over multiple model years and provides reliable service with regular maintenance. The engine runs on regular unleaded fuel, keeping operating costs down.

The simple, naturally aspirated engine design means fewer complex components compared to turbocharged alternatives. This translates into lower maintenance costs and fewer potential problems over the vehicle's lifetime.

Smart Investment for Your Future

Buying a new Kicks Play provides reliable transportation throughout your university years and into your early career. The vehicle's warranty coverage and fuel efficiency make it practical for budget-conscious students, while its utility and features grow with your changing needs.

The Kicks Play holds its value well in the used car market, making it a smart financial choice when you're ready to upgrade in a few years. Starting with a new vehicle also means you know the complete maintenance history and can properly care for it from day one.

Visit Waterloo Nissan to explore Kicks Play financing options and see how this practical crossover can support your summer job and university plans.