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What vehicles to avoid buying, teenager style.

jeeper

jeeper

I live my life 1 dumpster at a time
Location
So Jo, Ut
I've got a set of twin girls that will be driving by years end, and I'd like to get an idea of what I should or should not be on the look out for, so when the under priced vehicle comes along I can snag it.

I think I am looking sub $6,000. I want all wheel or 4 wheel drive. Less than maybe 150k miles. 2005ish and newer. But those are not all set in stone.

I already have an extensive hate relationship with anything VW and Nissan. I've worked on too many to ever willingly own one.

I know Subaru used to have a lot of issues, especially head gaskets.. what years/engines did that get solved for?

I am partial to large vehicles (trucks, SUV's) for the crash protection.. but understand that fuel economy might be important for kids.

I've looked at some car prices, and specifically a few Subarus that compare to what Stratton and Stephen both sold a couple years ago.. similar cars with more miles, in worse condition, are selling at about 175% of what they got out of theirs. Is this typical among all car prices? I know the truck market went insane, but I don't follow car markets at all.

I kind of believe that just about any vehicle is sufficient.. but I know there are a few major no-no's, so please educate me...
 
Spork

Spork

Tin Foil Hat Equipped
Location
Saratoga Springs, UT
As someone with 3 daughters with learners permits I feel your pain. Currently they are set to drive a 2004 Toyota Sequoia just so I don't have to buy something. However there are 3 of them and one of them is moving down to Snow College next fall. I've been looking at a Rav4 but most under $6k seem to have over 200k miles. It's kind of strange but a Corolla isn't cheap enough to save $ over a Rav4. If you give into the VW hate the Jetta/Tiguan seem to be cheaper but I worry about a kid with one.
 
N-Smooth

N-Smooth

Smooth Gang Founding Member
Location
UT
I agree with the no-no list of VW and Nissan but would personally add Hyundai, Kia and Subaru to that list but that’s just personal preference. I remain a Honda or Toyota fan boy for a dependable ride but they’re expensive.

If my kids were old enough I actually think it’d get them a YJ. You can find a decent one for like $6k and they’re pretty simple. The manual transmission is a perk too.
 
Stephen

Stephen

Who Dares Wins
Moderator
Location
Never Far From Nowhere
jeeper said:
I've got a set of twin girls that will be driving by years end, and I'd like to get an idea of what I should or should not be on the look out for, so when the under priced vehicle comes along I can snag it.

I think I am looking sub $6,000. I want all wheel or 4 wheel drive. Less than maybe 150k miles. 2005ish and newer. But those are not all set in stone.

I already have an extensive hate relationship with anything VW and Nissan. I've worked on too many to ever willingly own one.

I know Subaru used to have a lot of issues, especially head gaskets.. what years/engines did that get solved for?

I am partial to large vehicles (trucks, SUV's) for the crash protection.. but understand that fuel economy might be important for kids.

I've looked at some car prices, and specifically a few Subarus that compare to what Stratton and Stephen both sold a couple years ago.. similar cars with more miles, in worse condition, are selling at about 175% of what they got out of theirs. Is this typical among all car prices? I know the truck market went insane, but I don't follow car markets at all.

I kind of believe that just about any vehicle is sufficient.. but I know there are a few major no-no's, so please educate me...
Click to expand...
The 2003-2009 Legacy is a real sweet spot for Subaru. I think if you found a solid example, you'd be happy with it for many more years.
There are days I miss ours, but at the time we just didn't need two sedans in the family and the Kizashi was newer with far less miles. But with two kids in car seats now, the Legacy would be better than the Kizashi size wise.
 
TurboMinivan

TurboMinivan

Still plays with cars
Location
Lehi, UT
jeeper said:
I know Subaru used to have a lot of issues, especially head gaskets.. what years/engines did that get solved for?
Click to expand...

The all-new Subaru FB engine debuted in 2011 on the Forester (2.5L n/a only). For 2012, a 2.0L version was introduced for the redesigned Impreza, and that same 2.0L engine was also used in the new-for-2013 Crosstrek. In 2013, the same 2.5L engine from the Forester was installed in the Legacy and Outback.

jeeper said:
I am partial to large vehicles (trucks, SUV's) for the crash protection.. but understand that fuel economy might be important for kids.
Click to expand...

It is easy for me to point out how Subarus tend to be at the top of their category as far as crash test results are concerned. Nevertheless, you do bring up a good point that, in car-to-car crashes, the heavier vehicle's occupants often fare better than those in the smaller vehicle. Not all crashes are car-to-car, however, and smaller (read: lower) vehicles roll over less frequently in single car crashes (and multi-car crashes, for that matter) than larger, higher vehicles. It all comes down to the classic response--if someone asks me, "what is the safest vehicle I can buy?" I must respond with, "well, tell me exactly what sort of crash you're going to have."

You'll have to make your own judgement call here. I will say this, though: due to rapid safety advancements made during the 2000-2020 period, I would recommend you buy the newest vehicle you can find that fits your budget.
 
Jesser04

Jesser04

Well-Known Member
Location
Kaysville Utah
glockman said:
My suggestion fits none of your criteria. 4 cylinder standard cab 2wd mini truck. No power, can't go off-road, can't haul more than one friend teaches you how to drive in the snow.
Click to expand...
The get the right or wrong kid depending on how you look behind the wheel you’d be surprised.
 
Houndoc

Houndoc

Registered User
Location
Grantsville
Not sure the reason for the anti-Nissan feelings, but my 2006 Xterra has given me roughly 240,000 miles with minimal repairs needed. Remains a great little SUV. And my be up for sale in the coming months.
My kids basically took over what I was ready to hand down to them, Montero Sport, Chevy 1500 extended cab and then bought a Grand Cherokee for the last one (worst choice of the lot, thanks death wobble.)
 
johngottfredson

johngottfredson

Threat Level Midnight
Location
Alpine
Honda crv’s and rav4’s are awesome high school cars. I had a 2001 Silverado, standard cab long bed 4x4 ready to go for my 16 yo daughter, but it was too long for her to figure out how to park, bless her heart. But those 99-03 gm trucks seem to go forever and they can be had cheap. Prolly get one for my 14 year old boy in a couple years.
 
DaveB

DaveB

Long Jeep Fan
Location
Holladay, Utah
I found a good one for my granddaughter. I have a neighbor that had a 2001 XJ that he towed behind his motor home. On a trip back from the Swell he lost the left front wheel and dragged it a ways. He ground through a good chunk of the rotor and steering knuckle, and bent the front fender. The bid to fix it was more than he wanted to deal with so he asked me if I wanted it. He sold it to me for $500 and with parts from my Jeep parts house in the basement and around $50 from the parts suppliers it was back on the road. It has worked out great for her.
 
shortstraw8

shortstraw8

Well-Known Member
ford escape
highlander
honda crv
And I just worked on my nieces tuscon that is not too bad with awd, was actually thinking one might be able to lift a little and make a fun desert cruiser out of it.

Edit: Reading is hard, I would recommend the above.
 
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RustEoldtrux

RustEoldtrux

RustEoldtrux
Location
Evanston, WY
Our 2006 Mazda Tribute has endured 4 teenage drivers and will soon be burdened with number 5. This is the FWD one with the 2.3 liter engine and automatic transmission. It currently has 289K with no major problems during its lifetime. I'm always amazed at how great this little SUV has been. It's a handy little wagon and goes surprisingly well in snow.
 
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