I would recommend a Toyota or Honda, they may be boring, but when you turn the key they start. In addition they get you from A to B and back. I would also suggest something that got good mileage, when Dear Leader took over he said he did not mind higher gas prices and we have been there ever since. Going forward I can’t see it getting much cheaper anytime soon.
Lastly, some have spoken of USAA, I would encourage him to check out Navy Federal Credit Union(NFCU), I have been associated with both of these organizations for a long time and have nothing but good things to say about them.
“when you turn the key they start. In addition they get you from A to B and back”
My two primary criteria in an automobile.
Also, I want it to do those two things for a large number of years with little fuss other than gas, oil, lube, brake pads, tires every 50,000 miles and starter battery every 5 years.
Can’t beat Hondas and Toyotas for those criteria.