[bahasad]

I drove my BMW to campus every day in center city Philadelphia - with all of the shitty drivers and shitty roads. I do admit that it does have it's toll on the car - suspension, wheels, and minor body scratches/damages. I felt I was lucky because I saw a lot of cars in worse condition.

At my college though, you would see a lot nicer cars than mine. I could never understand why someone would have an Aston Martin and drive it on campus in the streets of Philadelphia.

Since you are going to school in NC, which is hardly an urban area, I wouldn't worry too much about it. If you are, get a beater. That's the most financially wise decision rather than getting another new car.