Chuck S

In that price range I'd look for a low mileage, maybe one or two year old decent car. Check the Consumer Reports used car data. We didn't find USAA car buying service all that helpful but did have them send an electronic check to the dealer the last couple of cars we bought.

Best used cars under $20,000 (source Consumer Reports).:

Small cars
- Chuck

MsPerky

Kinda figured that...

robb

NNY S2k

My wife has an 18 Subaru Impreza hatchback....she loves it and is great for hauling her lady friends around to all their quilting/sewing activities. The AWD comes in handy here too.
Levi

Legal Bill

I make no recommendation because if you buy what I recommend and it doesn't work out, I'll feel badly about it.

tof

Miata
Is
Always
The
Answer.

OK, Probably not this time. But they are super fun, very forgiving, have really good visibility even with the top up, are reasonably safe, almost bullet proof and get decent gas mileage. They are great for young drivers. They feel fast going slow. They can be taken to skill-honing autocross events and they are one of the best cars for learning how to drive a manual. Bonus safety feature: they only have two seats. That may not sound like a positive but it means the young driver can only haul one buddy around, not a car load of distracting friends. You can hoon away in a Miata and not get into any trouble or even get noticed. The only downside is size, in the Age of the SUV. But even that drawback has a silver lining. Driving one, you are VERY aware of your size disadvantage and become a much more defensive driver.

My first car was a Triumph Spitfire. It taught me a lot as a fairly inexperienced driver, and it didn't kill me in the process.

If the +1's son looks at cars as transportation pods, look elsewhere (Kia Soul). But if he is the type who likes cars and might at times drive with too much enthusiasm, think Miata. Or Mazda 3 maybe.

MsPerky

Well, I would not want you to feel badly LB. It's looking like the price may go lower...TBD. The +1 has taken your recommendations and is doing a lot of research today. His son, like many kids these days, doesn't care what he drives. So that should make the decision easier.

tof

Please disregard my Miata post.

Low mileage Volvo 240. Say under 250,000 miles. Spend the rest on replacing all the worn bushings and other wear and tear items.

MsPerky

Well, the +1 has done the background research. Now he is going to let his son do most of the work to get a car and financing. He needs the experience and responsibility. Dad will help him out.

MsPerky

FYI...his son's current car (200,000 miles), a Toyota Corolla, needs new brakes. So the +1 is waiting to see whether it makes sense to keep that one going or ditch it and go with a newer one.