Need quality used car for my Son.
 

I know this isn't the right forum to ask this question, but I would like to hear any suggestions on what sites offer the best option when looking for a used car for your son in college to drive. The last time I bought a used car for my first son,
believe it or not, was purchased from oury Porsche Dealer that has a separate lot for used cars. It was the worst mistake and purchase that I have ever made. It leaked oil so bad that I finally bought him a brand new Mazda SUV that has been great.
There is a Car Max about 11 miles away. What is everyone's opinion about that dealership? Any thoughts would be great.

Again thanks for your thoughts.

Jay

If you feel like spoiling him, I have a CPO 2015 Turbo S I am about to list. Also in guards red, so you could have near matching cars.

I have never been to carmax but have heard decent things about them online. Mostly relating to the fact that you can buy a warranty on any car and they honor it.

I am terrified of the day my daughters start to drive. Good luck.

Not easy buying a used car for our kids. It's a gamble. But I found a dealership close by that buys quality cars at auction. I'll try there first and see were it takes me. PS. My son loved the idea of matching cars. I told him to study
hard.

Jay

Bought #2 a new RAV4 LTD and #1 new Honda Civic...each went through our older family MDX then my parents used Honda Accord until I was tired of repairs and they became unreliable to I just bit the bullet for new, safe reliable cars....winter up here is a time reliable vehicles are necessary

Thanks guys you've got me going in a good direction. And yes kids should earn their dream cars.

Jay

I split the car payment with my kids and let them choose the car. Worked well as all are out of the house and off the payroll. The kids all opted for new cars with warranties. Son got a VW GTI, daughters each got Ford Escapes. I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee that is a great vehicle, does a nice job with everything.
Eric

"Quality used cars at the action"....

You kidding, right???

CF

I would stay away from BMW - Mercedes - Audi. When you have a check engine light come on, its a nightmare. I would get either a Toyota or Lexus. Best cars on the road.

Safety first. Buy a Certified Pre-Owned (for warranty and piece of mind) VW Golf GTI. 6 years warranty 72k miles, find a low miles one at any VW dealer. When 1 year left of warranty or 10k miles, trade it and move to the next GTi.

What sort of budget are you looking to stay in? Another good option is the Lexus CT Hybrid. Its a re-bodied prius, but Lexus has an unlimited miles warranty which if your kid plans to drive a ton while in college or on road trips could prove to be handy.

Jeep Wrangler with the wider wheel base (post 2008, IIRC). Can handle all weather, the chics love convertibles, and it's cheap to replace the bumpers (trust me I know). lol

This is his first car. So 20K seems reasonable for something of good quality. We are going to start the hunt this week. I may just resign to start with something new right out of the gate so I don't have to worry about endless repairs.
BTW all of the suggestions have been great and helpful. Thanks again.

Jay