Anonymous wrote:We have similar approach to cars - and took a different approach for kids cars. My kids are not twins but 1 driving year apart.
I wanted something safe - but realized that my current car that was 6 years old had all the safety features really needed.

So I looked for used cars with a select list of safety features and purchased a used low mileage (under 30K) car that fit our requirements. (wanted AWD, higher up for better sight lines for new driver etc)

18 months in - could not be happier with decision to buy used. We looked at used Volvo XC40 and Subaru Cross Treks as the balance of features /price

We wanted all the safety features for our twins (one has ADHD and we were really nervous about her driving), so while we were open to a used car, it had to be newish. A couple years ago, a relative was looking to sell their 2020 Nissan Rogue. We knew it hadn’t been in any accidents and it had the safety features. It’s worked out well. The backup camera, in particular, has been immensely helpful. It features not only the view behind the car and somewhat to either side, but also has an aerial view, looking down on the entire car. That’s a game changer for new drivers trying to parallel park or reverse into a parking spot.

We have similar approach to cars - and took a different approach for kids cars. My kids are not twins but 1 driving year apart.
I wanted something safe - but realized that my current car that was 6 years old had all the safety features really needed.

So I looked for used cars with a select list of safety features and purchased a used low mileage (under 30K) car that fit our requirements. (wanted AWD, higher up for better sight lines for new driver etc)

18 months in - could not be happier with decision to buy used. We looked at used Volvo XC40 and Subaru Cross Treks as the balance of features /price

We did a 15y old CRV with 100k miles for my twins to share (this was 4y ago.) It is a workhorse, we added Apple Carplay and a backup camera ($600) and it has only depreciated about $3000 in the last 4 years.

I would never get a new/lease for a new driver. 50-75% of the teens I know had an accident within the first year of driving.

When I was a teenager, my wealthier friend's parents leased their cars. They didn't know what the college situation would be, so leasing was an easier, short term rout. No one had any issues. As far as what to get... too many options to choose from

I wouldn’t lease for a new teen driver.

Buy. Take the to look and see what they drive best.

I am looking for a car for my teen who will get permit in a few months. Looking at Bronco, CRV and Mazda.

Leases are convenient in the sense that you can just return the car in the end but you typically pay a premium for it, not worth it in my opinion. These days it is super easy to sell a car to carmax or such if you want to get rid of it. You are also paying a premium for a new car compared to used at least for knowing that it wasn’t traded in because of problems and because of warranty. An easy solution to that is to buy a slightly used car still under 36k/3 year warranty so if there are problems they will be covered by the warranty. And why not get a newer car for yourself and let the teens drive your older cars? They will get scratched and dented by new driver for sure

I recommend buying a used car that is fairly reliable and on the slower/small side. Toyota Corolla or Subaru Crosstrek are a couple decent ideas, although anything made in the past decade will be loads safer than a 1999 Civic or 1985 Buick. Leases are an option if simplicity is a priority and your not pinching nickels.

Don't worry about what you will do with it in a couple of years; plans change and maybe one of the kids will need it or maybe you will need it or maybe you just sell it when not needed anymore (15 minutes at Carmax).

OP here. Thanks so much for the replies so far.

To clarify:

-one (shared) car not two
-I’m not asking whether to get a car or not. I am definitely getting them a car because the logistics of school commute are currently cumbersome and would be solved if they could drive themselves
-I do think many people lease cars for new drivers. My SIL only leases cars. She’s a single mom with two car leases, one for herself and one for her teen. No other adult in the household
-Not asking for recommendations of specific cars
-No specific budget yet, just something safe

Reading back my post, I realize I was very unclear. We always buy cars and keep them forever (10 year or more). But it seems weird to buy a car that will only be used regularly for 1.5 years when we will suddenly become empty nesters who don’t need 3 cars. I don’t have a lot of friends with college kids or young adults so I’m trying to understand if it makes any sense to buy a third car when its use will be so limited or if they’re actually around a ton for breaks and whatnot and the car may end up getting used/being needed. Maybe it makes sense to lease and then reevaluate when we know where they are headed for college? But what happens if they damage a leased car? I know a lot of other people have different aged kids so the car gets passed down, but obviously that’s not the case with twins.

Anonymous wrote:Since you’re asking about buy v lease, I would buy. It may get banged up. Check out Subaru crosstrek. Pretty affordable, reliable, small.

That's a super interesting idea, do you know if Tariffs affect leasing vs. buying

I do agree with buying new since if your dealership has repair facilities they usually align with making your purchase right with regular maintenance because they want to keep you as a repeat customer

At least I think so

Since you’re asking about buy v lease, I would buy. It may get banged up. Check out Subaru crosstrek. Pretty affordable, reliable, small.

I think it would be hard to find anyplace that would lease to a new teen driver.

Are you asking what car to get or asking if to get one at all?

If you are planning to get a car, are you getting one or two? What’s the overall budget?

WWYD? Twins will be getting drivers licenses. They have a summer bday, so won’t be getting licenses until halfway through 11th grade. We don’t have an appropriate car to pass down to them (parents want to stick with existing cars), but they definitely need a vehicle to get to school/activities. No younger children and obviously no idea where they will each go to college and whether either would need or be able to have a car. But maybe they’d need the vehicle over school breaks?

I’d prefer a new car with safety features but nothing super flashy. Would you buy or lease?