test drove some new cars today

My oldest son was in the same boat recently. He graduated 2 yrs ago and got a good job (computer science grad). We loaned him our 96 Voyager until he saved up for a new car. I suggested he buy new since he knows nothing of cars and doesn't care to learn. He bought a Chevy Cruze a few months ago, 1 yr old but dealer warranty and he thought the better options was worth it. His is the Eco version w/ turbo.

I recommended the Cruze or Focus from my readings. I saw nothing comparable in the Mopar stable. I had to hold my nose, since long ago I bought a new 82 Chevy S-10 that was crap. Chevy sold ~1M Cruzes world-wide last year, so I imagine spare parts will be easy to find years from now. The Cruze Eco gets 40 mpg hwy. Even though a compact, I recall it is roomier inside than a Camry.

My recommendation is to loan her a car from your fleet, if you have a spare. Give her time to mature, gain more driving experience, and appreciate a new car. I read that in the next few years, ~45 mpg non-hybrid cars will be coming out. Even if you don't buy one of those, that will lower the price of used cars like the Cruze.