[CarsAndGuitars]

The newest / best condition Honda or Hyundai you can find in your budget. Can't go wrong with a later model Civic, CRV, Sonata, or Elantra. Model is mostly subjective at this point to your likes and needs.

Someone mentioned the CVT transmission, which I also despise. That said, two of my kids (young adults) drive civics and are very happy with them. So beyond gentle suggestions, I've learned not to project my fairly strong car preferences / opinions onto my kids. I just limit my advice to guiding them towards quality and reliability, but of their liking.