Buying for 16 year old son... decisions...

[TXGrey]

Good morning fellow car-peoples. This is my first post on this topic, as the window of opportunity & judgement has finally opened (more or less). As the title suggests, I will soon be in the market for a used car for my son, who turns 16 next fall. I plan to buy something in June or July of this year so he can spend a few months leading up to the big day getting used to his ride. I've spent the better part of the last year watching the market, looking at options, and going completely back and forth on what makes sense... Here me out before letting me know your thoughts.

Originally, it was hey, let's get a nice used Tacoma and put a lift on it. I shopped that market for over half a year. Stupid/ridiculous pricing on the used market... and just not worth it.

Then I went to normal bland-mode... a nice used Civic or Accord perhaps. Still like this idea, BUT, as most know, they are also certainly proud in the used market (with good reason for reliability and low overall issues), and most are boring (again, it's a Honda).

Then for a bit, I went dead opposite... well, what about something fun to drive for a few years? I nice used 2 series with relatively low miles or something of the sort. Or what about a used Alfa Romeo Stelvio? Super depreciation and a helluva drivers car. We can tackle our own maintenance... no biggie. Then I thought about electrical gremlins... I'm not chasing that dragon.

Then I went back to Toyota stupidity... what about a high-mileage 4Runner? I've owned three of them... reliable dinosaurs. But in my price range (basically 20K), it'd have to over 100K on a basically 10 year old Runner. That seems totally nuts and is a really tough pill to swallow.

I'm literally all over the map... One day, I'm searching used Macans (the 4 cylinder base can be found really cheap with 70-80K miles)... then next, I'm back to trying to find a nice Civic.

Not afraid of DIY maintenance... I do half the maintenance on my cars (currently BMW and Porche SUVs). But we all know the price to play for used Lux German or Italian machinery. It can be steep. Fine for a few years while he's here in town for HS.... but not applicable for leaving off to college.

Life is too short to drive boring cars... I know, I did it for years. BUT, there also has to be some practicality and sensibility in this situation. We are blessed to be in a scenario where I can brainstorm different options. But I'm not blind to the fact he'll be a new driver and will most certainly have some mishaps early on.

For those who are parents with freshly-crowned drivers... what did you all choose and why?

[Burrcold]

Civic. Perfect balance for what any 16 year old could ever need. They may be expensive on the used market, but it'll still be worth something years later and likely get him through college and beyond. No brainer in my opinion.

[Three Stents]

a "boring" car is perfect for a teenager

[GoatedH2]

I’m not sure it means much but I am 17, first car I have is this F30 320D. Depends on sensibility I guess, I’d consider my self a safe driver. Cars automatic but already leant manual. It’s fun, looks cool and feels nice having a car like this at my age.

[keg97]

Originally Posted by Three Stents

a "boring" car is perfect for a teenager

If you haven't already done so, check out insurance rates on every car. you're considering. Get the VIN number for a possible car and send it to your agent. I have three kids, two driving- 21 YO girl, 17 YO boy, 15 YO girl. None of them have any demerits on their record, yet the boy's rates are significantly higher than my daughter. And he's driving a 2017 Camry while she's got a newer A5 cabrio.

The boy/girl delta on insurance is real and can take a car that is a better value at purchase and make it a real financial liability both initially and long-term.

Finally, and this shocked me. When we put the daughter in a newer car last Christmas, I ran multiple VINs of same year cars through my agent. I was trying to see if an Honda Accord was really cheaper to insure than an Audi or Jeep Wrangler. NOPE! The Accord was significantly more than all of them. The Jeep was actually the cheapest to insure while all 3 versions of the Audi A5 (cabrio/coupe/sportback) were all within a few dollars of each other and closer to the Wrangler than the Accord.

Point being- we typically focus on initial purchase and perceived reliability. But really the insurance rates are going to be the biggest cost year in and year out.

Good luck!

[TXGrey]

Originally Posted by keg97

If you haven't already done so, check out insurance rates on every car. you're considering. Get the VIN number for a possible car and send it to your agent. I have three kids, two driving- 21 YO girl, 17 YO boy, 15 YO girl. None of them have any demerits on their record, yet the boy's rates are significantly higher than my daughter. And he's driving a 2017 Camry while she's got a newer A5 cabrio.

The boy/girl delta on insurance is real and can take a car that is a better value at purchase and make it a real financial liability both initially and long-term.

Finally, and this shocked me. When we put the daughter in a newer car last Christmas, I ran multiple VINs of same year cars through my agent. I was trying to see if an Honda Accord was really cheaper to insure than an Audi or Jeep Wrangler. NOPE! The Accord was significantly more than all of them. The Jeep was actually the cheapest to insure while all 3 versions of the Audi A5 (cabrio/coupe/sportback) were all within a few dollars of each other and closer to the Wrangler than the Accord.

Point being- we typically focus on initial purchase and perceived reliability. But really the insurance rates are going to be the biggest cost year in and year out.

Good luck!

Great point; will certainly do just that. I believe I read somewhere in the past, that some of the insurance cost isn’t necessarily the price of replacement, but also has a lot to do with incurrence rates (both accident and theft). So, a Macan (rate) may not be as bad as say an Accord, because the incidence ratio of “Accords” are statistically much higher than that of a Macan. Who knows if there’s much truth to that theory.

[keg97]

Originally Posted by TXGrey

Great point; will certainly do just that. I believe I read somewhere in the past, that some of the insurance cost isn’t necessarily the price of replacement, but also has a lot to do with incurrence rates (both accident and theft). So, a Macan (rate) may not be as bad as say an Accord, because the incidence ratio of “Accords” are statistically much higher than that of a Macan. Who knows if there’s much truth to that theory.

My agent was hypothesizing just that when we were discussing the rate disparities- the fact that Accords are much more prone to being stolen.

I had a chuckle for a few weeks when you hear over and over how coupes are "more" than 4 doors. Well the A5 coupe was the same exact cost to insure as the A5 sportback (4 door). The cabrio was a wee bit more but nothing of consequence.

[pbonsalb]

In the past three years, I have bought two BMW X3 for nieces turning 16. Three years ago it was a 2012 X3 xdrive2.8i with 139k for $7000. I knew the seller and history of the car. A few months ago it was a 2020 X3 xdrive3.0i with 107k for $18k. I am a DIYer and do all the maintenance and repairs. 3 or 4 years ago, I did a lot of preventative maintenance on a 2010 Honda CRV that my elderly father wanted to give to one of my nephews.

My recommendation is a newer car with blind spot detection. Something with a decent size for protection in the event of an accident. AWD if you live in an area with snow. Decent reliability and parts availability — no Alfa. Something you can maintain and repair. Toyotas are fantastic cars and you seem to like them so maybe a RAV4 or 4Runner if you want to spend more.

I would skip the Macan unless you are an advanced DIYer. I have a 21 Cayenne S and do all the maintenance and repairs on it. Dealer prices are ridiculous. Like over $3k for a 40k mile service or $3-4k for a water pump or coolant valve.

I would have loved my parents to buy me a fun car when I was 16. Probably not a good idea for a beginner driver, but there are exceptions to every generality.

[DanG]

I would also look at a Mazda 3.

[TXGrey]

Originally Posted by DanG

I would also look at a Mazda 3.

Love that car… never driven one tho. It’s on the list. Well, the small CUV is anyhow.

[TXGrey]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

In the past three years, I have bought two BMW X3 for nieces turning 16. Three years ago it was a 2012 X3 xdrive2.8i with 139k for $7000. I knew the seller and history of the car. A few months ago is was a 2020 X3 xdrive3.0i with 107k for $18k. I am a DIYer and do all the maintenance and repairs. 3 or 4 years ago, I did a lot of preventative maintenance on a 2010 Honda CRV that my elderly father wanted to give to one of my nephews.

My recommendation is a newer car with blind spot detection. Something with a decent size for protection in the event if an accident. AWD if you live in an area with snow. Decent reliability and parts availability — no Alfa. Something you can maintain and repair. Toyotas are fantastic cars and you seem to like them so maybe a RAV4 or 4Runner if you want to spend more.

I would skip the Macan unless you are an advanced DIYer. I have a 21 Cayenne S and do all the maintenance and repairs on it. Dealer prices are ridiculous. Like over $3k for a 40k mile service or $3-4k for a water pump or coolant valve.

I would have loved my parents to buy me a fun car when I was 16. Probably not a good idea for a beginner driver, but there are exceptions to every generality.

Yep. I’m doing almost all the maintenance on our ‘21 Cayenne Coupe. It’s not too bad. I mix and match DIY and dealer/indy. I also owned a ‘17 Macan GTS… I’m very aware of the Porsche Tax. So long as the car doesn’t have the high end BS (air suspension, etc), they aren’t too bad. It’s the PDK and transfer case that scare me. That’s why a S-Drive older X1 or X3 is sort of appealing. No TC to worry about…

[MSH_]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

My recommendation is a newer car with blind spot detection. Something with a decent size for protection in the event if an accident. AWD if you live in an area with snow. Decent reliability and parts availability — no Alfa. Something you can maintain and repair. Toyotas are fantastic cars and you seem to like them so maybe a RAV4 or 4Runner if you want to spend more......

100% this and exactly what I just did for my 16 y/o daughter. I wanted reliable, safe small-mid size SUV (we are in Colorado) that had some of the safety stuff like BSM. Also cheap to insure was super important as rates for teens as everyone knows is crazy....2018 RAV4 was the answer. Also considered CX5 but we have other Toyotas and we have used same shop for 10+ yrs for repairs I dont do myself so wanted to just keep things consistent and easy on that front.

[Portimao Blue M440ix]

Honda Civic and Toyota Camry were my two kids first car. Nothing wrong with cars like that or the similar ones being mentioned for a first car. For fun you can let him drive your your once and awhile.

[XutvJet]

2019+ Mazda 3 hatchback. Drives like a BMW from 1980s-1990s, fun, high end interior materials for its price point, good power (0-60 in the low 7s), excellent mpgs, and very reliable. My 21 y/o son loves his 2020 3 hatchback. 2 years of ownership and not an issue. It drives and rides so good.

[Alfisti]

CX-30 is the first place my head goes. Old BMW's etc, asking for headaches.

[TXGrey]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

2019+ Mazda 3 hatchback. Drives like a BMW from 1980s-1990s, fun, high end interior materials for its price point, good power (0-60 in the low 7s), excellent mpgs, and very reliable. My 21 y/o son loves his 2020 3 hatchback. 2 years of ownership and not an issue. It drives and rides so good.

I love the crap out of these cars… I think they look great. Any reason why 2019 and above (just so I know)?

[DrewNewM2]

Get your kid the cheapest, slowest car with the best crash test ratings.

Wish my parents struggled with which awesome car
get me lol. I really can’t relate. I borrowed family car, Rode bicycles and took buses, put myself through college and bought my own first car, when I graduated college… a 10 year old Acura which I loved.

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by TXGrey

I love the crap out of these cars… I think they look great. Any reason why 2019 and above (just so I know)?

2019 was the year the current body style was introduced. The 2015-2018 models are very good too, I just prefer the 2019+, especially the hatchback.

Mazda poached a bunch of BMW designers back in 2010s and the 2019 3 has a ton of BMW elements and feel. The Mazdas don't have the heft and feel of BMW or Porsche materials, but the design and general quality are great especially when compared to chintzy, hard, and hollow plastics Toyota and Honda uses in its products of the same years.

The non-turbo 2.5 Skyactive motor and the 6 speed automatic are extremely reliable and easy to work on. The 6 speed auto is well geared and have sprinted acceleration. The ride quality and body control are very old school BMW and make the ride of my 2018 M2's laughable in terms of body control.

Mazda could make one hell of a performance hatch if they really wanted too.

[ppointer]

I would not call a Civic boring, even with an automatic.

Anyway, here are the cars the teenagers got in my family:

• oldest girl: 2002 Nissan Sentra, back in 2012. Made it to college with only a few accidents. Motor died due to jumped timing belt while she was a junior. I found her a nice 2002 325xi, which she traded in a couple years out of school
• youngest girl: 2006 Ford Fusion in 2014. Made it until two years after college, where she banged it up badly in a snow storm. I gave her a 2009 328i touring, which she kept about a year until my dad passed and I gave her his 2011 335i e90
• niece: she got my 2000 323it MT back in 2018. Blew a head gasket around 2019, and her dad got rid of it.

Like I said, a Civic is not boring. Maybe find one with a manual, and he'll have another life skill out of it.

Boring would be a Sentra or a Fusion, or anything from Hyundai or Kia.

[TXGrey]

Originally Posted by DrewNewM2

Get your kid the cheapest, slowest car with the best crash test ratings.

Wish my parents struggled with which awesome car
get me lol. I really can’t relate. I borrowed family car, Rode bicycles and took buses, put myself through college and bought my own first car, when I graduated college… a 10 year old Acura which I loved.

Trust me… I did much of the same growing up. I’m lucky to be in this position as a parent, and I don’t take it for granted at all. He’s a good kid; does fantastic in school and has some lofty goals in mind for himself. If any of these items becomes untrue, he will find himself in the Gen X method of life rather expeditiously…

[Efthreeoh]

The problem with buying an Audi, BMW, Porsche or Alfa is badge-induced false sense of bravery, which translates into young males taking driving risks far beyond their skill level.

Boring Honda, Toyota, or Mazda would be the best and safest choice. He's gonna crash it.

[silvermanor]

16 year olds having their parents buy cars for them seems to be common these days. Sad.