Car for new driver

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid just started driving. He is looking for a reliable used car about 3 to 5 years old to drive for a few years before he upgrades. Something like a Honda Civic or Mazda 3. Any advice on what other similar cars to look at? His budget is under $20k.

If he is looking at a Civic, he should be buying new, and not 3-5 years old. You will be able to negotiate a good deal on a new one, and sell it in 3 years for not much depreciation - I would estimate $100 a month, depending on how long he keeps it. Hondas go through a large depreciation curve in the 3-7 year range as many people believe these "slightly used" cars are as good as new and generally pay a premium for them thinking that they are saving a lot of money. This forum seems to have some examples of recent prices-paid for Civics:

https://www.civicx.com/threads/what-did-you-pay.617/page-268

Compare those prices to 3 year old Civics you can find on the market.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Brand New Civic

Not under 20k

Take a look at this:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/2019-Honda-Civic-Price-c28664

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What happened to getting a kid a 5k vehicle to drive for a couple years?

+1000 on this. Don't spend 20K for a new driver. Guarantee s/he will wreck the car in new and creative ways. Buy a reliable beater. Getting the driver's license does not mean they know how to drive. It's simply a license for independent practice.

4 kids. Been there, done that.