[Otter74]

If you're going to maintain it rather than your kid, I think it would be OK if you are careful to find a well-maintained example. If he is maintaining it, a Japanese car would probably be better. Anecdotally, they're a bit all over, but I don't think I know anyone who has owned a Mk IV or Mk V VW who has not had a steady dose of stupid electrical stuff happen to it. My GF has an 04 Golf with a manual that she bought new, and she certainly would not buy a VW again based on all the stuff that it's needed. Based on data, which is worth more, they're not very reliable one. You can find a car that is reliable, but it's more difficult to find than with a Japanese car and a bigger risk to take for the money. This risk might or might not be within your threshold.