Favorites for a 16 year old girl driver

3,191 Views | 33 Replies | Last: 1 mo ago by Tim Weaver
JDCAG (NOT Colin)
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11:27a, 9/10/24
AG
My daughter will be turning 16 in January, so sometime between now and next spring we'll probably try to add a car. Definitely used.

Wondering what some recommendations are from folks on this board - my current checklist:

* Trying to stay $10-12k or less
* Would like something with a little size - nothing "big", but something like a smaller truck - tacoma (probably too much $$$), frontier, or older small SUV...even a crossover would be okay. Just don't want her in a super tiny car (but this isn't an absolute deal breaker if such a car fits the other checkboxes)
* Don't mind mileage - for our price range we'll probably need something with miles, but want to make sure I'm getting something that isn't a known problem child if it is older
* I can do basic maintenance, but am out on bigger things

Would love to try and start putting together a list of some models/year ranges to look at, as well as some to avoid.

Thanks all!
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vmiaptetr
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11:38a, 9/10/24
AG
Jeep Wrangler
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BiggiesLX
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11:55a, 9/10/24
Honda passport or Toyota Highlander
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mm98
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12:29p, 9/10/24
AG
Older CX9s are a good value.
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Furlock Bones
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12:52p, 9/10/24
AG
used range rover
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HollywoodBQ
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1:21p, 9/10/24
AG
A small SUV is probably a good choice. Flexible enough for most situations.
I'd prefer all wheel drive over front wheel drive or rear wheel drive or part-time 4x4.

I bought a 2012 Jeep Compass when my oldest started driving and both daughters took my 1999 Ford Expedition to college.

I'd buy something now that will take her through college plus a year for her to get established after college.
Based on a recent experience I had with a mechanic who said he wouldn't work on anything older than 20 years, I'd buy her something that is not more than 13 years old so I'd set your oldest year model search around 2012.

Something like a VW Tiguan 4MOTION or a Jeep Compass 4x4 would meet your needs and can be found in your budget range.

Full disclosure - I did sell my Jeep Compass for $500 for scrap after 7 years of ownership because some of the drivers destroyed the clutch and the transmission. In Australia, it was going to cost me $12,000 for a new gearbox (only $3,000 USD in the USA). I suspect you're not going to be buying a manual transmission and probably don't live in a hilly area.

Also, my daily driver is a 2020 Jeep Wrangler JLUR. I'd avoid a Jeep Wrangler for a new driver.
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Dr. Nefario
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1:29p, 9/10/24
RCSB half ton truck, manual transmission. Big enough to provide protection in an accident but small enough to park easily. Also not enough seats for her to be carting all her friends around all the time.
“You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.” -Abraham Lincoln

“Veganism is like communism. They’re both fine… unless you like food.”
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P.H. Dexippus
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In reply to Dr. Nefario • 2:19p, 9/10/24
AG
Bingo. Phones and distracting friends are the biggest danger to a teen driver. Used single cab F-150 v6 with short wheel base is the sweet spot.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?zip=77008&distance=200&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d337#listing=391634221/NONE/DEFAULT
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mefoghorn
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3:41p, 9/10/24
AG
Mazda CX-5 or Volvo XC-60
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Corps_Ag12
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In reply to Dr. Nefario • 7:44a, 9/11/24
AG
Dr. Nefario said:
RCSB half ton truck, manual transmission. Big enough to provide protection in an accident but small enough to park easily. Also not enough seats for her to be carting all her friends around all the time.

Another plus is her friend's probably won't be able to drive it.

I will say, it doesn't take long to get the hang of texting in between shifting gears while holding your phone.
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Complete Idiot
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In reply to mefoghorn • 10:16a, 9/11/24
mefoghorn said:
Mazda CX-5 or Volvo XC-60
Mazda CX-5 worked great for my 16 year old daughter, driving at college now. No issues and easy to change oil and spark plugs on that car. Did brake pads as well, typical brake pad experience.

Edit: I should add that I think the naturally aspirated 2.5L is still the way to go from a reliability and serviceability standpoint. I am not sure if they still offer the naturally aspirated 2.5L if you are looking to buy new (don't!).
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water turkey
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1:33p, 9/11/24
Rav 4 or Highlander
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2ndChanceAg96
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2:57p, 9/11/24
AG
I would go with Rav4. Just don't do what my ex-wife did and go out and get a 20 year old POS that barely runs. My daughter drives a 10 year old Lexus ES300 now. Great sedan.
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drumboy
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3:15p, 9/11/24
AG
My daughter started w/ a TJ but it's not good on the highway. She's now in an FX37 that's much nicer, quick enough, and no CVT.
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agracer
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In reply to BiggiesLX • 8:20a, 9/12/24
AG
BiggiesLX said:
Honda passport or Toyota Highlander
Honda CRV also.

The V6 Highlander is pretty bullet proof though.
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rme
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In reply to vmiaptetr • 8:30a, 9/12/24
AG
vmiaptetr said:
Jeep Wrangler
My daughter got hooked at a young age and is still driving a Jeep.

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woodyhayes
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8:31a, 9/12/24
Mustangs are pretty much girls cars. Can probably find one in decent shape thats fits or close to your price points.
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mefoghorn
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10:29a, 9/12/24
AG
Also, a 20-year old Lexus RX is still a nice, reliable ride.
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Canyon99
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In reply to mefoghorn • 10:36a, 9/12/24
AG
mefoghorn said:
Also, a 20-year old Lexus RX is still a nice, reliable ride.


Agree. My daughter's first car was a 10 year old RX350. Totaled it just over three weeks ago as some lady from Honduras made an unprotected left turn. Head on at about 35 mph and no injuries. Just came home with another RX for her yesterday.
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JDCAG (NOT Colin)
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11:32a, 9/12/24
AG
Thanks all - definitely have thought about older Lexus RX models. I'm going to take all of these and do some research on repair costs, since I'm sure things will go sideways at some point.

She'd love a jeep wrangler, but I think I'd like to see her get used to driving a bit before I give her something that fun. Also, they seem to be expensive comparatively because they're so popular.
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Scruffy
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11:46a, 9/12/24
AG
Sienna.

Easy to drive.
Holds up well.
Can last into college and beyond.
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91_Aggie
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11:58a, 9/12/24
AG
Rav4 or CRv would be best.

I'd stay away from Jeep unless you don't mind constant repair bills.
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Iowaggie
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12:26p, 9/12/24
AG
I'd say whatever car you were driving about half or full decade ago, if you still have it. Pass that to her if you took care of it.
Get yourself a new ride.
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WoMD
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12:52p, 9/12/24
I remember hearing a discussion like this between my parents and a guy we knew at church when I was around 17. He decided to get the biggest toughest vehicle possible so that when his daughter plowed through someone that she would be fine. Not if. When. And I'm thinking, "umm...so you basically know she's gonna be a horrible driver (like all kids are), accepted that she would be responsible for hitting other people, likely significantly, and have decided that you're ok if she kills or badly hurts someone as long as your little princess comes out unscathed...wow."

Don't be that guy.
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Ag for Life
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In reply to Canyon99 • 3:28p, 9/12/24
AG
Canyon99 said:
mefoghorn said:
Also, a 20-year old Lexus RX is still a nice, reliable ride.


Agree. My daughter's first car was a 10 year old RX350. Totaled it just over three weeks ago as some lady from Honduras made an unprotected left turn. Head on at about 35 mph and no injuries. Just came home with another RX for her yesterday.

Hopefully all is well with your daughter! Let me guess, no insurance, paper plates and no ingles? It's sickening that we let all these illegals drive with basically no consequences. Yay for progress!!!
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HalifaxAg
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11:32p, 9/15/24
AG
bought my daughter a 10yr old VW passat, diesel too, great car, miles yes but diesel. needed some repairs but she has a great car that should last for a while if she takes care of it.
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Naveronski
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10:31a, 9/16/24
AG
Though it might be smaller than you'd like, a used Altima would certainly fit your budget.

...and because she's 16, when she eventually hits something, it won't affect the resale.
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Complete Idiot
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In reply to Ag for Life • 11:11a, 9/16/24
Ag for Life said:
Canyon99 said:
mefoghorn said:
Also, a 20-year old Lexus RX is still a nice, reliable ride.


Agree. My daughter's first car was a 10 year old RX350. Totaled it just over three weeks ago as some lady from Honduras made an unprotected left turn. Head on at about 35 mph and no injuries. Just came home with another RX for her yesterday.

Hopefully all is well with your daughter! Let me guess, no insurance, paper plates and no ingles? It's sickening that we let all these illegals drive with basically no consequences. Yay for progress!!!
Made a lot of assumptions there based on "Honduras" - I'd be curious if CanyonAg could confirm there was no insurance in place and driver was illegally in country.

I hope the paper plate legislation helps - but it was almost 1.5 years ago and I still see paper plates fluttering around on cars:

https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/inside-the-fight-to-eliminate-paper-license-plates-in-texas/
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theJonatron
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2:15p, 9/16/24
AG
I'm getting my kid a used Bronco Sport. You can find those under $18K, but add $3K more and you can get mileage under 45K.

realize thats more than what you are looking for, but maybe she can work during the summers to pay you back for more car.
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Canyon99
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In reply to Complete Idiot • 2:34p, 9/16/24
AG
Sorry for the delayed response. Driver does have insurance, but I am unaware of the exact limits. No English for sure and the lady was trying to play it off as if it wasn't her fault. Fortunately for us, there were multiple witnesses that willingly talked with the police and she was issued a citation.
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Complete Idiot
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In reply to Canyon99 • 3:40p, 9/16/24
Canyon99 said:
Sorry for the delayed response. Driver does have insurance, but I am unaware of the exact limits. No English for sure and the lady was trying to play it off as if it wasn't her fault. Fortunately for us, there were multiple witnesses that willingly talked with the police and she was issued a citation.
Thanks for the follow up. Language barrier on site post accident doesn't help but that's where police and insurance agents come in. Glad they have insurance, that's a relief. At fault drivers acting like it wasn't their fault is nothing new. I'm guessing no paper plates? I'm assuming they are legally in the country, or is that not required to get insurance? It's amazing how many services you can avail yourself of if you are "illegally" in the country. I guess I'm hoping they are a citizen or at least legally in the country so people can stop assuming everyone from another country is here illegally or trying to avoid insurance and registration.
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Ag for Life
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In reply to Complete Idiot • 4:17p, 9/16/24
AG
Complete Idiot said:
Canyon99 said:
Sorry for the delayed response. Driver does have insurance, but I am unaware of the exact limits. No English for sure and the lady was trying to play it off as if it wasn't her fault. Fortunately for us, there were multiple witnesses that willingly talked with the police and she was issued a citation.
Thanks for the follow up. Language barrier on site post accident doesn't help but that's where police and insurance agents come in. Glad they have insurance, that's a relief. At fault drivers acting like it wasn't their fault is nothing new. I'm guessing no paper plates? I'm assuming they are legally in the country, or is that not required to get insurance? It's amazing how many services you can avail yourself of if you are "illegally" in the country. I guess I'm hoping they are a citizen or at least legally in the country so people can stop assuming everyone from another country is here illegally or trying to avoid insurance and registration.

I mean you can hope all you want, but the fact remains that there are a metric **** ton of illegals in the US and especially Texas. They didn't bother entering the country the proper way so why would they care about license, registration or insurance? Most of the time they don't even get deported for wrecks, DWIs/DUIs, or even killing innocent Americans. It pisses me off to no end as a law abiding American citizen that gets to fund their lifestyle that will potentially end my life or one of my loved ones someday.
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kb2001
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In reply to Scruffy • 8:59p, 9/16/24
AG
Scruffy said:
Sienna.

Easy to drive.
Holds up well.
Can last into college and beyond.
That's a hard no from me. I remember high school, no way I'd give my daughter a minivan
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Tim Weaver
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In reply to 2ndChanceAg96 • 11:46a, 9/17/24
2ndChanceAg96 said:
I would go with Rav4. Just don't do what my ex-wife did and go out and get a 20 year old POS that barely runs. My daughter drives a 10 year old Lexus ES300 now. Great sedan.
20 year old cars build character.

My daily driver is a 2005 that I bought for 800 bucks 6 months ago. You gotta know how to pick 'em is all.




My vote is the best manual trans 2008-2011 Ford Focus you can find. Don't get the automatic. They are all dying. The Manual cars are solid though. The value of this generation of Focus is in the toilet due to the transmission issues the Autos have.

Now, after she puts that one in the ditch you take the insurance money and buy one of those nocer SUV's mentioned above.

This method gets that first wreck out of the way in a disposable car AND you teach her how to drive a stick which helps keep her hands off the phone while driving through the school zone.
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