Used car for 16 year old son.
 

First son turns 16 in a month, and can then drive on his own a month after that. I am looking for a used car in the $3,000-$4,000 range for him. Any thoughts on a safe, reliable model that I might be able to find in that range would be appreciated. Thanks all!

Honda Civic - I've owned one and so has my wife. Good little cars...not very sporty but good cars and great on gas.

What's his preference?

He really does not have any preference. I was thinking of giving him my 98 Lexus GS 300, but it is just too nice a car. I would literally cry if he wrecked it, and, knock on wood, 16-18 year old boys have a pretty good track record of wrecking cars!

VW Jetta/Golf 2.0L (No 1.8T or VR6) 95 - 98 are good cars.
Jeep Cherokee 4.0L
Honda Civic

Make him do all the work . . . brakes, oil changes, etc.

I agree on the Cherokee, mine has held up well under my right foot. Just make sure to get 2 wheel drive so he won't feel like he needs to get mud on the tires.

Cherokee, he's gonna tear it up but at least you can work on it and have a chance of repairing it.
Definitely the 4.0 engine.

I like the idea of a car he can work on/has to work on. Teaches him to repect what he owns and drives. Naturally he must have the desire to wrench but it should come. My dad bought me my first car when I was fourteen 1980 from a boneyard and my '68 camaro convertible was my baby. Even with the plywood floorboards.
Civics, Corollas, Altimas are great cars and easy for him to do the brakes, oil changes...maintenance.
A little two seat pickup truck like a reg cab ranger may helppost pone you from becoming a grandfather for a little bit.
Lots out there right now good luck

i agree on the vw jetta/golf 2.0, but stay 1996-1998. obd 2 engine are much better than obd1 found in 1994-1995..plus i work on vw's for a living. these cars are cheap to buy, parts are cheap and they get great mileage and you can't kill the engine as long as you keep oil in it..OH, also stay away from the auto transmissions, they are JUNK..manual transmission all the way

Oh, one more thing about the Cherokee, remember, it can be a tow vehicle(primary or back up) for the V if needed

Like you said, he will crash, I suggest something with airbags.