Help Deciding Between Two Certified Used Cars for a Teen Driver

[Anonymous]

I'm considering two certified used cars for my teenager and could use your advice:

Car 1: Priced at $29,000, with two Carfax events from 2022 indicating damage and an accident, presumably repaired. It also has 16,000 more miles than Car 2.
Car 2: Costs $30,000, has a clean history, but would cost an additional $700 to ship.
Both cars are out of the manufacturer's warranty but covered by the certified program. I plan to have both cars inspected and driven by a mechanic before making a decision. I'm inclined to try negotiating down on both, but I feel that Car 1 could potentially be negotiated down more aggressively due to its history and higher mileage.

Given that this car is for a teen who might add their own wear and tear, do you think it's worth trying for a lower price on Car 1, or should I opt for the peace of mind with Car 2 despite the higher cost?

[Anonymous]

Get the lower mileage one that wasn’t wrecked. Be aware that since it is being shipped you’ll have to have it locally inspected. You might want to try for a guarantee it will pass.

[Anonymous]

What are the makes and models?

[Anonymous]

If this is the same make/model/year then I would expect car 1 to be 3-5k cheaper on the account of the accident and higher mileage. If not the same, it is hard to compare without additional info.

[Anonymous]

Only a 6% price bump for a car with 2 fewer accidents and 16k fewer miles seems reasonable. But also really depends on brand, model, trim, engine, etc.

My 17 year old would probably lose count before completing a list of her classmates who've already been in fender benders, fwiw.

[Anonymous]

"presumably repaired."

Go for 2.

[Anonymous]

What’s the return policy on these cars?

Used cars are so different from each other and price is very much up to demand and condition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If this is the same make/model/year then I would expect car 1 to be 3-5k cheaper on the account of the accident and higher mileage. If not the same, it is hard to compare without additional info.

same year, make and model

[Anonymous]

Get a new car for that money. CX-30.
Teen driver will be hard on tires and needs a wide car.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a new car for that money. CX-30.
Teen driver will be hard on tires and needs a wide car.

This. Don’t buy some old car that’s been in accidents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a new car for that money. CX-30.
Teen driver will be hard on tires and needs a wide car.

Np, but reading with interest because also considering a car for my teen driver (but 10k less). Curious about the comment about a wide car? I’m intentionally looking for a smaller car, thinking it will be easier and forgiving for my kid to maneuver and park. Is that a bad idea?

[Anonymous]

Spending 30k on a car for a teen is crazy unless you have money to throw away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get a new car for that money. CX-30.
Teen driver will be hard on tires and needs a wide car.

Np, but reading with interest because also considering a car for my teen driver (but 10k less). Curious about the comment about a wide car? I’m intentionally looking for a smaller car, thinking it will be easier and forgiving for my kid to maneuver and park. Is that a bad idea?

Yes, get the biggest car you can. Bigger is safer.

[Anonymous]

I guess you have college fully funded?

[Anonymous]

$29,000 for a used car for a teen. GTFO.