First Car for my 20 year old son

[forbs]

@wehave4kids

He is 20, and this would be his first car. We are thinking of leasing, but I am open to purchasing if it fits better.
He is on the larger size, so I need to take that into consideration.

First car? One that he can thrash while learning.
Big? Maybe an old Honda Element?

[Shellzj]

I’d add to your already good list:

• Mazda3
• Toyota Prius 2024
• Toyota Corolla

If I were still 20, I’d want the Mazda 3 or Honda Civic for the equipment and fun to drive factor.

I’m really impressed by the amount of standard and available equipment in the Corolla/ Civic/ Mazda3 range. I was just browsing their websites last night and noticed how the Civic comes standard with advanced safety and driver assist features like automatic collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring, and even adaptive cruise control—features that cost thousands extra on luxury brands.

The new Prius looks great, has good pickup, and amazing MPG. But availability may still be tight given how new it is = bad discounts.

If he doesn’t need to drive hundreds of miles away from an interstate, the best lease deals may very well be on an EV like a Nissan Ariya or Ford Mustang Mach E. The EV leases are often better because of the $7,500 fed rebate baked in. I’ve seen people on this forum posting sub $300 deals on the Ariya. I read a review on Autoblog titled, “It’s nicer than you think,” which pretty much sums up why it’s going to be a good lease deal.

My instinct is that the leases won’t be comparatively that good on $30k Civic or Corolla, in which case you might be better off financing if you go the popular, compact ICE route.

Finally, while I love new cars, I wouldn’t immediately discount a used EV or plug-in hybrid. Any used EV/ plug-in under $25k qualifies for a $4k fed rebate. This rebate combined with already quickly sinking used EV car values makes them the best value on the pre-owned lot. Just look for one with relatively low miles and lots of life left on the average 8-year battery warranty. My pick would be a 2016 or newer Chevrolet Volt.

[Harry_li]

what about EVs? Look at IONIQ 5/6 and Kia Niro EV, they’re pretty cheap and he can probably charge at the internship.

[paranoidgarliclover]

Is public transportation a viable option in whatever city he’s in and, if so, would he find that less overwhelming than driving?

If physically fitting is an issue, maybe have him test drive the various cars that have been mentioned here to see which one he likes best? The list of cars mentioned here seem pretty reasonable for a college student.

[forbs]

@Harry_li

what about EVs? Look at IONIQ 5/6 and Kia Niro EV, t

Three things wrong with that statement

• He’s under 25
• It’s an EV
• It has a high MSRP

All translates to >3k yr in insurance.

[soflacarguy]

The Jetta should accommodate a large person easily, as well most American or German “branded” cars.

[max_g]

@wehave4kids

Thank you, I will look at the jetta.

You can also look at the Elantra which has 0.99% APR financing IIRC.

Nowadays interest rates are so high, finding a low APR adds up to a nice chunk of change over time

Congrats on the internship

That being said I don’t know how long of a commitment you want to enter into for a fall semester internship, so I still believe there’s merit in looking to a cheaper used car that will have very little carrying cost (insurance + monthly payments) even when it’s not being used.

He was offered an internship for the fall semester at the last minute - he is very involved in government projects at his university so this was a sudden internship.

[max_g]

@Shellzj

• Mazda3
• Toyota Prius 2024
• Toyota Corolla

Mazda3 is quite expensive, and the Corolla is smaller inside than many of its competitors

[soflacarguy]

On this note:

[TheBigTuna]

@harrydogyo

Local dealer here in MA is at 319 a month plus drive offs

Which trim is that? Just curious . That’s really not bad .

Gonna be in the same boat in 3yrs when first kid gets licensed. Shit I’m getting old …

[Harry_li]

right… somehow forgot insurance was a thing

[harrydogyo]

EX trim

Ah I guess it’s more than drive offs. But still a solid deal.

[wehave4kids]

Yes, thanks! I’ll make a list with him and then we will go and have him sit in each car.
It’s so much leg work with him before the actual negotiating at the dealership. All of your ideas have been great, thank you everyone! I’ll show him everything and we will let you know how it goes.
Fingers crossed the dealerships can handle his 1,000,000 questions!

[Dima]

Had the same dilemma recently (new vs pre-owned for 18 year old). Grabbed 2013 Impreza from FB marketplace. Kid is happy with it.

[jgtennant75]

I have 4 kids; one had a new car lease, another had a new car purchase (we paid for the first year), and the other 2 got used BMW 3 series wagons with 4wheel drive. The 2 used Bimmers lasted forever and barely depreciated (we purchased them with around 80,000 miles). In fact, one is still going at 180k miles.