First, he’s an enlisted MAN.
The military doesn’t take kindly to the “my car broke down” excuse, so a $1000 beater isn’t a good idea unless he lives on base.
The used car market right now is such that a car that’s a couple years old costs almost the same as a new one. I just bought a new car and was amazed at how a 2 year old Camry sells for the same as a new one. And they wanted more for low mileage 2 year old F-150’s than Ford is selling them new! (Are the auto manufacturers manipulating the used car market to steer people towards buying new?? Perhaps.)
If he gets a 3-5 year old car with low miles, it will still cost quite a bit and require a loan and then he owes money on a car with high mileage and that could mean payments PLUS repairs. If he has the $10k to pay cash, then that would make a good down payment on new or slightly used.
If he doesn’t fall into the “trade every two years” trap, then starting out with a quality new car or truck while he has a good dependable paycheck (a rare thing in today’s economy) and keeping it until its paid for is not a bad idea.
He lives on base. Single/no dependents.
“The used car market right now is such that a car that’s a couple years old costs almost the same as a new one. I just bought a new car and was amazed at how a 2 year old Camry sells for the same as a new one. And they wanted more for low mileage 2 year old F-150’s than Ford is selling them new! (Are the auto manufacturers manipulating the used car market to steer people towards buying new?? Perhaps.”
Working in the car business for 22 years now. Used toyota’s have always been high. Hondas too. It’s a pain in the ass to wait on someone on the used car lot looking for a “late model, low mile Camry or Corolla” or most especially a Tacoma. They always want to save $10,000 bucks on a two year old vehicle. When you tell them the price it’s “you’re crazy!” Or, “I can buy a new one for that” Well, almost.
When GM and Dodge closed all those stores many didn’t go out of business. They kept the doors open and sell used cars. There’s a lot more competition for the vehicles wholesale and consequently prices go up. Supply and demand.
So anyway, please go easy on the poor salesmen. It ain’t my fault!
BTW the new Corolla is a great car. Thinking about leasing a new Corolla S myself.