Rec for Boring Car - College Student

[Anonymous]

My son will start his second year of College and will need a car to take to college.

Looking for a nice but boring car, meaning a vehicle that discourages speeding. I see too many kids flying in their Civics, Mazdas and Altimas around.

Looking for something under 10K if possible as we want to pay cash.

[Anonymous]

Toyota Camry or Corolla

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Toyota Camry or Corolla

Also, Volvo's are super safe. My H had one and when it was time to trade it in he was only getting $5K for it and it was in perfect condition just lots of miles. We gave our younger son that car. But it's hard to find a Volvo for $5K in perfect condition.

[Anonymous]

Also, in the olden days the thought was to give them an old clunky car for safety but the new way of thinking is it is good to give them a car with some of the handsfree options and safety that has been added in the last few years, they have reduced accidents for teens.

[Anonymous]

Hyundai Elantra or Tucson (if he needs space for moving stuff)

[Anonymous]

I don't think you can get it under 10 - but if you can go up a little a 2019 Subaru might fit the bill.

I like them because they are all wheel drive and the older models have decent safety features.

The screen is basic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son will start his second year of College and will need a car to take to college.

Looking for a nice but boring car, meaning a vehicle that discourages speeding. I see too many kids flying in their Civics, Mazdas and Altimas around.

Looking for something under 10K if possible as we want to pay cash.

Had to laugh out loud at the thought of these cars as hotrods speeding around town.

OP, you need to go to a reputable used car lots/used car dealer and pick from among the available cars. Focus on reliability & safety as speed is a human control issue.

[Anonymous]

Looking for a boring yet quality used car for $10K is wishful thinking. At this price, you’ll get an older car with likely higher miles. The car may be fine now but its age may mean you might have upcoming repairs and maintenance.

I’d look at entry level Toyotas and Hondas. Maybe even look at older Lexus and Acuras as those are built a little better.

When you’re ready to buy, always get a pre-purchase inspection at the independent shop of your choosing.

[Anonymous]

Mazda3. Safe car. Just tell him to not speed. Any smaller car and he could get hurt. He needs Zoom-Zoom in highway.
I got rid of my Honda SUV as it had no power to catch up with highway speed.

[Anonymous]

Subaru.

[Anonymous]

Lots of options here for 10K.

https://www.preciseautomotivegroup.com/used-car-deals-between-5000-10000-chantilly-va?year=2014%2C&limit=29

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son will start his second year of College and will need a car to take to college.

Looking for a nice but boring car, meaning a vehicle that discourages speeding. I see too many kids flying in their Civics, Mazdas and Altimas around.

Looking for something under 10K if possible as we want to pay cash.

You can speed and drive crazy in any vehicle - ask me how I know... What you should consider is: how well does the vehicle handle - breaking, maneuvering, (even) acceleration; safety - what happens to the occupants if they get into an accident; creature comforts - realistically hands free features so the kid can concentrate on driving.

Getting a "boring" vehicle that has bad handling and acceleration can absolutely do the opposite of what you want - your kid might be in a situation where these are exactly the reasons they lose control.

Teaching you kid proper driving techniques (and maybe monitoring their driving) is a much better solution. Just find a "regular" vehicle that's reliable and safe.

[Anonymous]

I've been encouraging my kid to get a motorcycle to ride to VT and back. Easy to park and great gas mileage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've been encouraging my kid to get a motorcycle to ride to VT and back. Easy to park and great gas mileage.

On I-81? That’s nuts.