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Car shopping for a teenager? You probably want something safe, dependable and affordable. Your son, however, wants something fast, cool and expensive-looking. Can you please everyone?
Miraculously, the Toyota Yaris checks the boxes. Sharing DNA with the delightfully zippy Mazda2, the 106-hp Yaris feels fast without being fast. Boasting chrome, leather and intricate stitching, it looks expensive without surpassing $19k. Plus, it comes in manual, forcing your teen to drop his phone to focus on shifting gears.
Best of all, as a Toyota/Mazda mutt, the Yaris will last a decade, easily withstanding the abuse of teen ownership.