Give Teen 2019 Forester or Buy Something Else

[Anonymous]

We have a 2019 Forester that we really like. KBB is like $25k but it feels like a lot of the cars we'd look to buy used for him are $18 or $19k. It seems to make sense to just give him our car and buy something new for us. At least we know the condition of the Forester and it is a super safe car with all the bells and whistles.

But is that dumb? Do all kids just ruin their first car?

When all of this started, I thought we'd buy a used car for $10k but that no longer exists unless we want a much older car and I don't want to have to deal with him breaking down somewhere.

[Anonymous]

I don't think you have to give him a car at all - it could just be the family car - but no, not all kids ruin their first car and I think a relatively recent Forester is a good pick.

If it will actually belong to him, help him set up a savings plan for necessary maintenance especiin the higher mileage categories.

[Anonymous]

That sounds like a pretty ideal first car. I’m not sure what the issue is.

[Anonymous]

I (wife) always get the new car. DH gets my car -- kid gets DH car.

We like our kids to have a used car that we owned (new) as we know condition etc.

[Anonymous]

Off topic, but wanted to PSA since this just happened to us and this year and make of Subaru is affected:

https://www.classaction.org/news/lawsuit-says-subaru-thermo-control-valve-defect-can-cause-engine-overheating-failure

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a 2019 Forester that we really like. KBB is like $25k but it feels like a lot of the cars we'd look to buy used for him are $18 or $19k. It seems to make sense to just give him our car and buy something new for us. At least we know the condition of the Forester and it is a super safe car with all the bells and whistles.

But is that dumb? Do all kids just ruin their first car?

When all of this started, I thought we'd buy a used car for $10k but that no longer exists unless we want a much older car and I don't want to have to deal with him breaking down somewhere.

Kids do have trouble keeping their first car dent free. My manager's teen daughter had a fender bender within two months of getting a new car. Your 2019 car is a reasonable choice - not extravagant. Does the kid really need their own? It will raise your insurance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think you have to give him a car at all - it could just be the family car - but no, not all kids ruin their first car and I think a relatively recent Forester is a good pick.

If it will actually belong to him, help him set up a savings plan for necessary maintenance especiin the higher mileage categories.

This. Add him as a driver on your car. He gets the car when he graduates if he is a responsible driver.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That sounds like a pretty ideal first car. I’m not sure what the issue is.

+1 we got our kid a 2019 Honda Fit and it’s been perfect.

[Anonymous]

Great and safe car

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a 2019 Forester that we really like. KBB is like $25k but it feels like a lot of the cars we'd look to buy used for him are $18 or $19k. It seems to make sense to just give him our car and buy something new for us. At least we know the condition of the Forester and it is a super safe car with all the bells and whistles.

But is that dumb? Do all kids just ruin their first car?

When all of this started, I thought we'd buy a used car for $10k but that no longer exists unless we want a much older car and I don't want to have to deal with him breaking down somewhere.

There is no friggin’ way your 5 year old Subaru Forester is worth $25k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a 2019 Forester that we really like. KBB is like $25k but it feels like a lot of the cars we'd look to buy used for him are $18 or $19k. It seems to make sense to just give him our car and buy something new for us. At least we know the condition of the Forester and it is a super safe car with all the bells and whistles.

But is that dumb? Do all kids just ruin their first car?

When all of this started, I thought we'd buy a used car for $10k but that no longer exists unless we want a much older car and I don't want to have to deal with him breaking down somewhere.

There is no friggin’ way your 5 year old Subaru Forester is worth $25k.

Depends on the mileage and trim. You have issues.
https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/forester/2019/vin/JF2SKAUCXKH535517/?radius=25

[Anonymous]

I agree with the PPs. Keep current car as family car.

Your teen will use it until college when they can’t take car first year. Then reevaluate.

Solid and safe used cars for 10k are unicorns. You can’t find them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a 2019 Forester that we really like. KBB is like $25k but it feels like a lot of the cars we'd look to buy used for him are $18 or $19k. It seems to make sense to just give him our car and buy something new for us. At least we know the condition of the Forester and it is a super safe car with all the bells and whistles.

But is that dumb? Do all kids just ruin their first car?

When all of this started, I thought we'd buy a used car for $10k but that no longer exists unless we want a much older car and I don't want to have to deal with him breaking down somewhere.

There is no friggin’ way your 5 year old Subaru Forester is worth $25k.

Depends on the mileage and trim. You have issues.
https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/forester/2019/vin/JF2SKAUCXKH535517/?radius=25

yep, my 2020 forestor is in great condition, less than 20K miles because I wfh, and I bought it right before covid hit, so we didn't go anywhere.

We are going to give my forestor to our DC probably next year or the following. It's a great used first car. I had a different forestor for 14 years before I got this one.