Hi all,

My son is a senior in high school this year, and we're looking for his 1st car. We're hoping it could last him through 4 years of college too. He will likely be going to college close to home, and may possibly commute initially. I haven't purchased a used car since my very first vehicle back in 1996, and that was from a dealer who was a family friend.

My son has said he'd probably prefer a car rather than an SUV-type vehicle, but he's not choosy. We'd like to get something that's reliable, decent condition, fun, and have some longevity left in it. I'd like your thoughts on what makes/models you'd consider, and suggestions on how you search for, research and choose a used car to ensure you're getting a quality car at a fair price. Thanks for the help!

EDIT: I was really hoping to keep this car under $5000, but I'm just starting the process so I guess I'm a bit open.

Chris

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Chris17404,

Used 4cyl Camry, or Solara.

I bought my son an old Jeep Cherokee. LOL He wasn't initially commuting far so mileage didn't really matter, and the thing was built like a tank.

If I were buying a car, new, for a high school senior....I think I'd go with a Subaru Impreza. Decent mileage, holds value decently, reliable, safe, AWD.

Oh, just saw the used part. Well, a CPO Subaru Impreza.

quote:

We're hoping it could last him through 4 years of college too.

No auto known to man lasted my 2 stepsons. Four years? The best was a base model Nissan 4x4 which one stepson used most for hauling his motocross bikes & trailer.

Camry or Honda Civic. They both seem to go forever.

Some indication of your price range would be helpful. Some models of Honda and Toyota would be good choices. Jeep fuel efficiency and reliability-not so much. There are a lot of good choices out there and much depends on your price range.

I look at Off Lease cars.com--shows price, Carfax report and mileage. Gives you a prospective of what's out there... and usually why.

https://www.offleaseonly.com/

quote:

Originally posted by Chris17404:
Hi all,

My son is a senior in high school this year, and we're looking for his 1st car. We're hoping it could last him through 4 years of college too. He will likely be going to college close to home, and may possibly commute initially. I haven't purchased a used car since my very first vehicle back in 1996, and that was from a dealer who was a family friend.

My son has said he'd probably prefer a car rather than an SUV-type vehicle, but he's not choosy. We'd like to get something that's reliable, decent condition, fun, and have some longevity left in it. I'd like your thoughts on what makes/models you'd consider, and suggestions on how you search for, research and choose a used car to ensure you're getting a quality car at a fair price. Thanks for the help!

Chris

I'm right now selling a car perfect for your son. It's a 2012 Subaru Impreza, as ALlen mentions below. All wheel drive. Automatic. 107,000 miles. Meticulous upkeep and excellent shape. All weather package. Remote start for warming the car up in the winter. Runs GREAT. Asking $6,200. We just bought my wife a 2018 Forester XT, so I'm inheriting her Outback and my daily driver Impreza goes down the road. Maybe to you?

I'm in northern NJ, bought our Forester at Reedman in Langhorne. I attended the Army War College in Carlisle, to give you an idea that we are familiar with the general (York) area. Please do contact me and I'd be glad to show you the car. NMP IN NYC at YAHOO dot COM.

CPO Subaru Forrester:
- bullet proof reliability as long as they are maintained (see numerous threads)
- good for messy road conditions - This area of PA can be a mixed bag snow/rain/slush in winter
- great safety rating
- Space for a college student to haul stuff come time to move out/in.

Used Corolla or Camry

Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Get one with 100,000 to 150,000 miles on it, get a mechanic to verify the engine is in good shape, and they should last up to 250,000 easily. Upon buying one, I'd recommend changing all fluids/timing belt/water pump/etc immediately so you know the status of all maintenance work.

Update: The Impreza from NMPinNYC looks like a great option as well.

quote:

Originally posted by CQB60:
Used Corolla or Camry

Yep

Get a prepurchase inspection regardless of what you choose.

Civic or Corolla. Great mileage and they run for a long time with basic maintenance. Insurance should be reasonable, too.

There are two ways to look at this.

Most reliable, cheapest to run go Japanese.

Subaru, Honda,Nissan.

Put an iron cage around him.

Go American.

I picked the latter, when he slid into a guardrail visiting a friend in a snowstorm, he walked away. The car was totaled.

I knew the apple didn't fall far from the tree, so my decision was easy.

YMMV

Honda Civic or Accord, or comparable Toyota.

My son got a used Civic with 100K miles on it and is starting his 2nd year of college.

I tell him the car can take him places (figuratively), if he takes care of it and realizes it is an economy car with no frills - ie not a race car.

So far so good - we've had it going on a year now with no issues other than minor things that were fix by us and were wear and tear items (center console hinge broke and it needed new brakes & window seals.

quote:

Originally posted by bryan11:
Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Get one with 100,000 to 150,000 miles on it, get a mechanic to verify the engine is in good shape, and they should last up to 250,000 easily. Upon buying one, I'd recommend changing all fluids/timing belt/water pump/etc immediately so you know the status of all maintenance work.

Update: The Impreza from NMPinNYC looks like a great option as well.

+1 and I bet you can find one with less mileage as well. Either way do all the maintenance above plus new plugs, air filter, etc.

Thanks for the replies so far! I appreciate it. I was really hoping to keep this car under $5000, but I'm just starting the process so I guess I'm a bit open. The Subaru Impreza is an intriguing choice. NMPinNYC.. I may contact you in the future. Thanks for the offer!

Civic, Accord, Camry, Corolla. All 4 are quality cars.

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:
Civic, Accord, Camry, Corolla. All 4 are quality cars.

This. Absolutely this.

Honda, or a Honda