what used care ($20k or so) is cool for teens?

[Anonymous]

We have always had one car (currently a Subaru). My MIL is dying and wants to gift us a second (used) car before she passes. I know--this is odd--but she is fixated on it. We have declined and declined and she keeps bringing it up.

We have twins who will be driving in the next month or so and they will take the car to school and I imagine one will take it to college in a few years.
She wants to spend roughly $20k and the car should roughly have less than 50K miles. What brands or models would have any sort of cred for teens at this price point?
I know this sounds ridiculous but I thought I'd ask. Are there any budget cars that are more cool than others?
Or should I say, what model car would you buy for teens at this price point?
Of course safety is a concern but I imagine most cars these days are safe.


Thank you for any thoughts!

[Anonymous]

Definitely Tesla. You can probably find a used Model 3 for $30k

[Anonymous]

Jeep

[Anonymous]

Given the hazards of teen driving, I'd focus purely on safety not cred. And something reliable with very low miles that could last a decade or more:

https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/rav4/2018/vin/2T3ZFREV5JW458659/?radius=25

[Anonymous]

Don't worry about cred. Go for safety. Skip SUVs, and pick a Corolla or an Accord or something.

[Anonymous]

Take the teen and let them test drive and see what they like.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Take the teen and let them test drive and see what they like.

Where were you when I was growing up?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Take the teen and let them test drive and see what they like.

Where were you when I was growing up?

My parents got me a car at 21. They gave me a budget and told me to pick something reasonable. Plus, I did a better job negotiating. You want your kid comfortable in the car and one they drive well. I’d take mine shopping if I bought them one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't worry about cred. Go for safety. Skip SUVs, and pick a Corolla or an Accord or something.

I agree about safety but SUVs are definitely safer. I’d go with a Subaru personally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Given the hazards of teen driving, I'd focus purely on safety not cred. And something reliable with very low miles that could last a decade or more:

https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/rav4/2018/vin/2T3ZFREV5JW458659/?radius=25

I agree something like this. Unembarrassing but safe and reliable.

[Anonymous]

My nieces share a used Toyota Highlander and love it.

[Anonymous]

The last thing I want is my teen feeling “cool” in the car and driving with a bunch of other teens, getting ideas about racing, etc. I would shop for safety and reliability, and if anything avoid “cool.”

[Anonymous]

Mazda3 or CX3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given the hazards of teen driving, I'd focus purely on safety not cred. And something reliable with very low miles that could last a decade or more:

https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/rav4/2018/vin/2T3ZFREV5JW458659/?radius=25

I agree something like this. Unembarrassing but safe and reliable.

This. We just bought our dd a 2015 Honda Accord with 57k miles on it. It’s safe, will last forever, reliable, not fast, not “cool” but not embarrassing either. “Cool” was the last thing on my mind when we bought it - who thinks like that?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Take the teen and let them test drive and see what they like.

Where were you when I was growing up?

Seriously. And, my kids only wish you were their parent. We didn't get our kids cars, they bought their own used cars and none was more than $5k. We've had Jeeps, Volvos and mini coopers. We find that private sales through like Facebook Marketplace are where you find the best deals.