Best new first car under $20,000?

I'm a 16 year old guy and my parents want me to get a new car (they have less problems/repairs). The only catch is that it must be under $20k and I have to pay 25-50% of the price. I really want a 2014 v6 mustang, but my dad thinks fords are trash. Don't say anything about insurance, I know it will be high for a 16 year old boy on any new car.

Well, your dad is an idiot first off. Not many cars on the road (none from Japan) will last as long.

Now, with that said, you're 16. Find a different car for a first car. I haven't met anyone yet who received a 300+hp car for their first car that didn't wreck it within 6 months.

Also, your parents are financial idiots. A $20,000 new car, as soon as you sign the paperwork, is worth about $15,000. You instantly lose about 20-25% of the value like that. Then, consider something else.
If you buy a 5 year old car for $10,000 that was $20,000 new, your payments are cut in half, your insurance is cheaper, and you aren't likely to spend another $10,000 in repairs before you get a new car. Besides, your first car statistically doesn't last longer than a year anyways.

Get a used car and save some money.

The Kia Forte Koup would be a great match for you. It is compact, gets great gas mileage and has a modern and sporty design. Kia's warranty is an added benefit as it will give you peace of mind if anything goes wrong with it.

Raul T.
Kia Social Team

You might want to check out the Subaru Impreza. It's a great car that comes with the Subaru status and reputation. I've never met a Subaru owner who didn't like their car.

Buy a Civic. Your dad is right about the V6 Mustang.

Volkswagen Jetta, honestly the best built car for the money. I'm 19 and looked at all sorts of used mustangs and typical teen cars. But the Jetta is built exceptionally well and has the same German driving dynamics (not power) as an Audi or a BMW.

Get an SE with the connectivity package. You even get push button start and a 1.8 turbo engine.