[MRM]

Mazda is updating the Mazda6 model for 2018 and it has been heavily discounting its new 2017 models. We were shopping for a car for our son in October and with the factory incentive (I think it was $3,500 cash back) the new cars were cheaper than the CPOs on the used car lot They were comfortably under $20,000. The sales manager grimaced and admitted that the used car prices were going to have to be adjusted. You might be able to snag a great deal on a new or late model used Mazda6. It doesn't have a lot of power, but it's a great mid sized car with known reliability and it's a little bit fun to drive for an appliance car.

The Mazda3 is a fantastic option too. In my experience Mazda is every bit as good as Toyota and Honda but is usually quite a bit cheaper and has a little more personality.

Edit: It looks like Mazda is offering $2,000 cash back on the 2017 Mazda3 and $2,500 cash back on the Mazda6. You might be able to get a new Mazda3 within his budget range.