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Some of you may remember when I, cavalierly it now turns out, said in another thread that I wouldn't buy my son a car while he was in college. Well my wife and I have changed our mind. He really can't get a job in LA off-campus without a car. We're planning for him to stay in LA next summer so he can find a film-related internship. One of the main reasons we sent him to school in LA is because that's where the film industry is. So it makes sense to protect the investment by getting him the car so he can take advantage of the available opportunities. This summer we're hoping he'll find some kind of internship here in the DC area and a car may be necessary.

I'm going to buy something new because I don't want to have to deal with constant breakdowns when he's 2000 miles away. It has to have get good gas mileage and be a decent city car but be able to go across the country at least once or twice a year. I don't want to spent more than $15,000.

I was thinking about a Toyota Corolla or is that too terminally uncool for a 19-year old male. Cars aren't really important to him except as transportation so he might be happy with anything.

Helpful advice appreciated.

By Jamimom (Jamimom) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 06:34 pm: Edit

My asian friends buy only Toyotas and Hondas because of their excellent repair records. I would look at safety statistics and the repair records. You don't want to be dealing with car repair issues.
I love the Toyota Matrix. My niece and nephew each bought one but they are in snow country where the 4 wheel drive is useful. I am also a Subaru fan. We are looking at both of those with S who will be graduating and moving to the Midwest for his first job (and first car). Can't believe he is getting a new car. We bought $1000 junkers, ran them till they died up until several years ago when I finally bought a decent used van and now a new subaru.

By Blossom (Blossom) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 06:55 pm: Edit

I switched to a Corolla several years ago after being a happy Honda owner.... traded the car in a year later, and went back to Honda. I tend to keep cars 10 years or more, and it was clear that the Toyota was not going to stay the course. I am in New England, however, and heavy salt takes its toll.
For what it's worth....

By Mom60 (Mom60) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 06:58 pm: Edit

The Honda Civic might be on the cooler side. You see alot of them tricked out. I have always driven Toyota's but my family swears by their Honda's. They don't seem to ever die. My sister just sold her first car from college a Honda Civic 20 years old for 200 dollars and it still ran great.
Another car that might be a bit more expensive but you see alot of young kids driving them is the VW Jetta.

By Hautbois (Hautbois) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 06:59 pm: Edit

Yep. Toyota or Honda all the way! (We have a Mazda and I can only say "never again!" Just isn't the quality of Toyota or Mazda.) We've had a Civic and we've had a Corrolla and loved them both. I know my son ... he'd just be happy to have a car and isn't into the image thing, so he'd be fine with either. (Our son is also very interested in film, but his major -- to be completed this June(!!!) -- is in design. I always thought he'd wind up in film school eventually, but he's just ready to get out of school at this point.)

Wish we could do the same for our kids. I, too, have always said we wouldn't buy our children cars, but now I just wish I had the income to go ahead and do it. Ah well ... maybe next year I'll strike it rich!?

By Mattmom (Mattmom) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 07:08 pm: Edit

Subaru or Jetta. Both reliable, and the Jetta is somewhat cool, at least in our area. Subaru is better if 4-wheel drive is an issue but doesn't seem as though it would be in LA. Decent gas mileage for both.

By Tsdad (Tsdad) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 07:24 pm: Edit

I took a look at the Toyota Matrix based on Jamimom's comments. Very cool and reasonably priced. Any of you know anything about them?

By Clipper (Clipper) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 07:25 pm: Edit

My older D drives a Honda Civic - silver with black pin stripes. She wanted a red one but they didn't have one and we were trying to make a deal. She gets great gas mileage and it can make the mountains in Charlottsville with no problem. My son got out of the Navy and bought the same Honda Civic only in black - looks cool. Lots of kids have them around here. Can't go wrong with a Honda.

By Kluge (Kluge) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 07:26 pm: Edit

Check out the Scion XA. (It's a Toyota but they sell it under the "Scion" name for some reason.)

By Momcat (Momcat) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 08:05 pm: Edit

With apologies to any car salesmen who may be here.. we have used Carmax for our last two car purchases because I pretty much refuse to deal with new car dealers anymore. My son's car is a sporty little Saturn bought 2 years ago from Carmax with around 15K miles on it. We got a good price, no haggling, and were also able to purchase a reasonably priced full warranty on it. My husband recently got a Jeep with very low mileage and all the bells and whistles he wanted for a very reasonable price. You can shop their site online even and have a car shipped in from another state if necessary. Some of the Carmax dealers also offer new car sales, btw.

I drive a Toyota, but have had many Hondas in the past. I'm a fan of both.

By Kathiep (Kathiep) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 08:13 pm: Edit

We are on our second Jetta and even talked my Mom into buying one. Ours is a standard shift so it's real fun to drive. It handles well, great around the curves and is real peppy on hills and highways. We bought it used (my dh drives it a total of 30 minutes to work each day) and have had minimal repairs. I would have LOVED to have one of these when I was a college student. Instead I had an old yellow vw bug.... no heat in the winter and no ac in the summer!

By Xiggi (Xiggi) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 08:14 pm: Edit

Tsdad~

I would also check the HYBRID cars made by Toyota and Honda. They are not toys. I think they have a great "cool factor" and should be a crowd pleaser in L.A. I also think that despite the sticker being a bit higher than your stated budget, there are rebates and tax advantages -not sure how much and how that works. Also, the gas mileage should yield substantial savings.

Just a thought!

Here's a link: Hybrid Cars

By Tsdad (Tsdad) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 08:39 pm: Edit

Lots of excellent advice.

The Scion coupe coming out this summer looks real good.

Xiggi:

The hybrid cars are too expensive and there's a waiting list.

BTW, my first car was a 1953 red chevy convertible, nosed and decked.

By Lamom (Lamom) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 08:40 pm: Edit

Thank you Tsdad, I had the same question but just put off asking. My husband has been thinking a Honda Civic we also want new $15K would be very fine. Son has no interest in the matter. He says his car is just fine, a 97 Honda Accord with 120k + miles on it. H is in sales (not car) and drove it to death. H does not want s to drive >65 mph in present car (doesn't like the feel) so s has to borrow my car sometimes. At first I thought just having s drive my SUV would work but the parking spaces at some schools seem so narrow. Also I get only 18.5 mpg and the tank holds only 13 or so gallons.
Xiggi, I wonder about Hybrid reliabililty..do you know.

Safety?? how is the Civic, I was willing to give up my car because it has side airbags.

By Iflyjets (Iflyjets) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 08:54 pm: Edit

Check out the Hyundais. Most come standard with side-impact airbags and 10 yr/100,000 mile warranties. A nice four door sedan is @14K.

By Tsdad (Tsdad) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 08:59 pm: Edit

Ifly--On the Hyundais, I thought the Sante Fe, the mini SUV, is really attractive. Does anyone know if it's any good.

By Pnyer (Pnyer) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 09:07 pm: Edit

My vote is for the Honda Civic. Great car, good gas mileage, very reliable and good safety ratings.

By Sauronone (Sauronone) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 09:37 pm: Edit

Coming from a 17-year old kid, I'll tell you that I don't want a Hyundai, Kia, Saturn, or Scion.

I would look at:

-- first and foremost, if you really love your son, get him an rx-8 (starts a 25k). personally, i would LOVE it.

-- Nissan Altima 2.5 S (18k standard)

-- Nissan Sentra (around 13k - not much worse than the slightly better but heavily overpriced SE-R)

-- Honda Accord Sedan (a little over your price range? bare minimum at 15.9k)

-- Acura RSX (20k - over your price range, but worth a look)

-- Toyota Celica

-- Honda Civic: best option for your price range if you're not willing to go higher.

By Tsdad (Tsdad) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 09:56 pm: Edit

OK 17-year old, what about the Toyota Matrix?

By Sauronone (Sauronone) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 10:27 pm: Edit

Aesthetically, the Toyota Matrix has always seemed like an awkward blend between soccer-mom van and teenage sportscar. Nonetheless, it's reliable and gets good mileage.

Another car to look at -- VW Jetta.

By Kamili (Kamili) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 10:39 pm: Edit

As another 17-year-old, I know that most of my friends worship my Toyota Prius. It's less visually cool, but the new one gets even better mileage and the touch screen inside makes techno-obsessed kids from this generation drool. It's initially pricey (I'm paying it off over time so I know), but he'll pay half the gas costs of any of the above cars.

By Reidmc (Reidmc) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 10:39 pm: Edit

Try a one-year old Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. Civic tends to be the most highly rated for dependability and safety, but any of these cars would be good. Let him pick what he thinks is a cool color.

Also, note that he may view cars as transportation now, but just wait until he has spent two years or so in L.A.

By Tro348a (Tro348a) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 11:00 pm: Edit

As another teenager freshman (at USC as well btw), I'd say go with the Matrix. Essentially it is a Corolla wagon, as it is built on Corolla's frame and shares the vast majority of its mechanical parts with the Corolla and is even (I believe) manufactured in the same plant as the Corolla. The great thing about the Matrix is that it has tons of space, which means no needing to cram all your belongings into the car for the trip back home. Add to that the fact that his friends (who will be in the car when he's driving quite often) will be a little less cramped, and you've got a winner. I'd also seriously look into a pre-owned/off-lease Jetta, as they can be a rather inexpensive alternative to higher market European counterparts.

By Silverfish (Silverfish) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 11:08 pm: Edit

Hyundai Accent is nice, too. Hyundai is a fast rising car maker, their cars are cheaper than Toyota's or Hunda's; but just as safe~ Not only Janpanese cars rule~~

By Coureur (Coureur) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 11:31 pm: Edit

PT Cruiser.

By Iflyjets (Iflyjets) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 11:39 pm: Edit

Silverfish, my husband likes the Accent with the spoiler for our D.

Sauronone, unless you are paying your own insurance rates, that also becomes part of the buying a car "package." D would love to have a Porsche 911 (so would most adults) or even an RX8, but the insurance premiums are almost as much as the car payments!! D doesn't want a Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra or anything in the Toyaota family. She does, however, really like the Hyundai for it's design and handling (drives really well) as well as safety and gas mileage.

And, Tsdad, while I love the look of the Santa Fe and the styling, the leg clearance in the driver's seat was not very good for someone of my height (5'9") with even longer proportioned legs. I found the steering wheel kept getting in my way (too close to my legs/thighs for comfort).

A car for D is a moot point: can't afford college and a car anyway!!

By Digmedia (Digmedia) on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 12:04 am: Edit

Tsdad -

My son has a list of "very uncool cars." But the 17-year olds here have pretty much given you what most kids think are cars they wouldn't mind being seen in.

BUT I do have one more thing for you to think about. My son - still in high school - has a lot of video equipment to haul around. When you start thinking about lots of lights, light stands, audio equipment, a boom and a jib, tripods, cables, homemade scrim, etc, etc, suddenly the Civic is starting to look very small. While a Civic would still hold what he has now, he might outgrow it with a little more experience and equipment.

He drives a Toyota T-100 with a topper on the back. He wasn't sure at first that it was a cool thing to be driving, but now that he's personalized it a bit and has gotten some good comments on it, he really likes it.

By Tsdad (Tsdad) on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 07:34 am: Edit

Thanks everybody for the suggestions.

I need to think about the truck recommendation. During parents weekend last fall, one of the speakers in the session on the film industry suggested that if you wanted to get ahead in LA in movies you should buy a truck. Everyone will want you on their shoot since they need someone to haul around the equipment. It's sort of like owning the baseball and bat when you're younger. You're guaranteed to be on someone's team.

By Matth (Matth) on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 08:55 am: Edit

From the teen perspective, there are a few which would be great: Civic, Focus, Corolla and if you want a truck-type, the Jeep Liberty is amazing. Oh, and I don't know any teen, boy or girl, who would want a PT Cruiser. Parents may think they're cool but seriously, they just look ridiculous to teens.

By Luxaeterna4 (Luxaeterna4) on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 10:19 am: Edit

yeah nix on the PT Cruiser. one of my friends had a Honda Accord which ran for 278,945 miles before he sold it. it should be noted, however, that the exhaust system went at about 100,000 miles. he actually drove it for 10,000 miles without a muffler. and yes, he did get pulled over multiple times.

By Jjsmom (Jjsmom) on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 10:55 am: Edit

Last year we purchased a 1994 Corolla with only 15,000 miles on it for about $6,000. Cool? Nah, but it does the job.

By Mom60 (Mom60) on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 11:26 am: Edit

Tsdad- I posed your question to my son and some older friends who he bikes with. Some of his friends have parents in the film business, one whose father is a director of photography in feature films. They are into making mountain bike jumping movies. Thru his friends they have some nice equipment to work with.
After that long intro- their list of desired vehicles included Ford F150, Toyota Tacoma, and oddly the Honda Oddessy(sp) minivan. With the Honda the back seats fold into the floor so you can fit 3 bikes plus your video equipment plus a few guys.
Another car I thought of was the Honda CRV. I don't think they are costly and you could fit your equipment in back and I think for a suv they have a good safety record.

By Kinshasa (Kinshasa) on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 11:26 am: Edit

I'll throw in my 2 cents--- Hertz Car Rental Sales has wonderful deals, all maintenance records. Last year we bought a 2001 Mazda Protege with 30,000 miles K for less than $9000. No price haggling. We bought a service contract for 4 years---anything goes wrong (ANYTHING-- radio, radiator, you name it), FREE repair or replacement anywhere in U.S. Evenetually my daughter may be using this car at college so this was a good peace of mind purchase. At the time this car was for two new drivers (16 year old son and 18 year old daughter). Great mileage. I know Hondas and Toyotas have great reliability records, but they're also the "most stolen" brands and I bet insurance costs more as well.

By Perry (Perry) on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 11:32 am: Edit

Suburu Imprezza -- sporty little car with great acceleration, small so parking is not difficult, runs forever with minimum repairs, not too expensive as cars go. Hard to beat. Look at Consumers Reports to see what it says.

By Ariesathena (Ariesathena) on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 01:11 pm: Edit

The Toyota Matrix is great, in that the extra cargo room is a huge plus for anyone of college age.

As a recent grad, I'll throw my $0.02 in regarding car choices. Hondas would be great for the gas mileage, durability (they could make the east coast/west coast trip easily), and general long life. Slightly used Volvos might not be a bad idea - they last forever, and you know that your kid will be safe. Toyota Camrys are good as well - and the body is cute, so they are not terminally uncool.

There are times when I would have done nearly anything to have a station wagon, or at least a car with rear fold-down seats. Honda makes a wagon I think - small (so it's not soccer-mom) and actually somewhat cute. My parents were looking at getting a used Volvo wagon for me a few years back. I hated the idea at the time, but now wish dearly that I had one.

By Camom (Camom) on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 02:00 pm: Edit

My high school senior drives my old 1992 BMW 325i (128,000 miles). Maintenance/insurance a bit expensive but a great car to drive. My friend bought her daughter a 1994 BMW 318i for under $10,000 last summer from a private party (relatively low mileage). When I lived in L.A., BMWs were everywhere!

By Tsdad (Tsdad) on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 02:03 pm: Edit

Obviously I struck a cord here. I'd be interested in what Thedad has to say as an LA resident and parent of a teenager.

By Digmedia (Digmedia) on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 02:19 pm: Edit

I still push for a pick-up (for hauling equipment). A new Toyota Tacoma xtracab has a base MSRP of about 14,900. Air conditioning (essential) is another 900 or so. You can also probably still find - if you move fast - a NEW 2003 at a big discount.

- digi

By Mom60 (Mom60) on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 02:30 pm: Edit

I grew up in an area not far from USC, slightly better neighborhood but not by much. You might talk to your insurance agent about the cost to insure different cars in that neighborhood. As someone pointed out some cars have an higher chance of being stolen.

By Tsdad (Tsdad) on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 02:42 pm: Edit

Mom60:

I did talk to my agent. As long as my son is in college, the car will be registered and licensed in in Virginia. We will be charged for insurance based on Virginia rates but with my son as the primary driver attending college more than 150-miles away from home. If he were to drop out of school and stay in LA, he would have to register the car in CA and switch insurance companies immediately since our company isn't licensed to do business in CA.

As for parking, USC has a large parking garage a block off S. Figureoa that's patrolled by the campus police.

By S17 (S17) on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 06:38 pm: Edit

Another idea is a used Toyota Camry. The 2003 Camry's are ugly in my opinion, but if you buy a 2000, it will satisfy your son. They are surprisingly powerful, economical, and roomy. Relatively expensive but you should be able to find a good deal on one that is 2-4 years old.

By Kyle8744 (Kyle8744) on Monday, May 10, 2004 - 04:18 pm: Edit

get a used lexus or acura or infiniti.

1997 acura TL or 1996 lexus Es300 (i own one) will run about $8k.


and acura and lexus are the two most reliable, long lasting brands on the market.