My son is turning 17 in March and I am wondering what used crossover to get him. It will be his first car and he prefers the compact size of the Mazda CX-5. Personally, I would like to see him in something a little larger like the size of an Audi Q5 but that's just me. Any suggestions? I am not a fan of the CVTs but we should probably check out the Honda CR-V anyway since it's supposed to be a good car. My son prefers a sportier ride to a truck ride. Thanks in advance for your help.
1st car?
Something you won't miss when he totals it.
My son prefers a sportier ride to a truck ride.
Find him a good used Civic Si.
It depends on your budget,
Generally, the safest bed as always is a big Toyota SUV like a RAV4, 4Runner and Highlander.
Although the Mazda CX-5 is also a great choice - they are very dependable and easy to drive.
New drivers usually wear out CVT and DCT or complex transmission designs in general quite fast, so I wouldn't advise Honda CVTs nor any VW products - something simple like Mazdas SkyDrive transmission would be perfect for him.
Thanks, Dan! I appreciate the confirmation! PS. We test drove the Tiguan and I thought it was garbage. I hated it before we left the lot.
I know you asked for an suv but yeah bigger doesn't always mean safer. I started to drive and drove a 1981 Mercedes 280e for a couple of years before getting a different car. It's not an suv but it's a pretty sturdy car and also you won't be losing a lot of money if your son ends up totaling it.
I learned to drive in a Buick Century so I get you. I think it's easier to drive sitting up higher (crossover/SUV) than in a sedan. My son agrees.
Sitting up higher and in a bigger car for a new driver also means more possibility of hitting places/other cars without even noticing it. For a first car I think it also needs to be something that he won't cause a lot of damage to others either; so both his safety and not causing too much damage.
Dan pretty much answered your question. I wouldn't advise your son/daughter to bring their vehicle to college because there are people who would always beg to borrow someone's vehicle. If the vehicle is totaled, you're gonna be in a bad situation.
Thanks but I want him to have a car to get back and forth. He probably will end up at Clemson, 3 hrs away. My son is very responsible and I doubt he will loan it out. He will be making his car payment so he likely will be protective of it. We will discuss your word of caution though. Thank you!
That was my dad's advice. You're welcome. I'm actually gonna be the same situation as your son. Good luck finding your first car.
I’d stick with Toyota or Honda. But it’s a first car, it’s not supposed to be lavish.
Also, bigger doesn’t mean safer. In all likelihood he’ll probably run into more stuff in a larger vehicle.
Thanks for your comment, Robzilla. We haven't made it to the Honda and Toyota dealerships yet. I think we should check the CR-V and the Rav4. My son is attracted to a sporty compact crossover SUV. He doesn't want an unnecessarily oversized SUV. It's probably for the best since smaller cars are generally more fuel-efficient. As long as it has the necessary safety features and he's comfortable driving it I'm good with that.
PS. His Dad has a big Dodge Ram with a dent in the bumper so I agree. It's unnerving to park.
I guess its all about your budget and how well you take care of your cars. If your not a car enthusiast and want the least amount of problems, I would stick to Honda/Toyota/Mazda. Bought a used Mazda for my daughter and it never let her or me down.
Thanks. Good to know. Those are the brands that I am most interested in and I am leaning towards the CX-5. I'm tempted to get him the new '22 CX-5 Signature with the new transmission, suspension, and lights. I want that car! My ex says my son shouldn't be allowed to have a new car. 😭
Your wife is right. You don't want to risk it in case of an accident happening.
Looks fun but he wants the higher seating of a crossover.