Please, please help...

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I'm looking for a good used car for my son. Any suggestions on make, year and model?? I rely on public transportation and don't know a lick about cars. I just want a SAFE car for my kid.

Volvo's are safe, perhaps cberg can help with a suggestion.

Worry less about how "safe" the car is

Worry more about your son's driving skill

Consumer reports is a good start, but the best tip is probably to have a trusted mechanic look over the vehicle before you purchase it.

Yeah, it's generally a good idea to find a car you can both enjoy, if you run some ideas by us there should be some gearheads around here to respond.
The right cars to consider really depend on where you are & how much you expect from said cars.

_________________
"Standing on a well-chilled cinder, we see the fading of the suns, and try to recall the vanished brilliance of the origin of the worlds."
-Georges Lemaitre
"I fly through hyperspace, in my green computer interface"
-Gem Tos

Look around for a used Volvo. They're basically tractors in car form: boring, safe, practical, unsexy and nigh-indestructible.

Secondary option: a Toyota or a SAAB.

If you're looking for an inexpensive reliable used car go with a Toyota Corolla or Camry.

Camrys & Corollas are very expensive in general due to their perceived reliability. Plenty of other Toyota would probably be better deals for you. Japanese cars lately go for a premium because their designs have moved upmarket. Swedish cars are great if either of you are inclined to appreciate their engineering. It pays to be picky about engine designs no matter what you want to buy.

In my opinion, a good mix of reliability & cheapness can be found in lots of Hondas or Nissans, the latter being the cheaper of the two in most cases.

_________________
"Standing on a well-chilled cinder, we see the fading of the suns, and try to recall the vanished brilliance of the origin of the worlds."
-Georges Lemaitre
"I fly through hyperspace, in my green computer interface"
-Gem Tos

I would say a good place to start your search is Consumers Report.
Here is a link: Guide to Car Reliability for reliability.
Guide to Car Safety for safety.

Used 3.2 liter Volvo XC90s can be had in running shape for around $5000, those were the safest car in the world for at least a decade.

_________________
"Standing on a well-chilled cinder, we see the fading of the suns, and try to recall the vanished brilliance of the origin of the worlds."
-Georges Lemaitre
"I fly through hyperspace, in my green computer interface"
-Gem Tos

Thanks to absolutely everyone!! !

I'm always happy to answer car questions.

I drive one of these, it's been incredibly safe & forgiving towards my juvenile inclinations. Ultimately there's $15k into the car but I bought it cheap with a lot of hard miles. One thing about newer Volvos: THEY AREN'T SLOW. They make the safest cars but they're also fairly quick; it would be wise to teach your kid about car control & the risks of speed before deciding on one.

_________________
"Standing on a well-chilled cinder, we see the fading of the suns, and try to recall the vanished brilliance of the origin of the worlds."
-Georges Lemaitre
"I fly through hyperspace, in my green computer interface"
-Gem Tos