18yr old son's 1st car??

[Charliewool]

Posted similar 2yrs ago when my daughter got her license and had her heart set on a 10yr old 318 BMW. With the advice received here, she finally saw the light and bought a brand new Astra coupe (though, not a Ford, it's been a great little car).
Now my latest AND more depressing dilemma!!
My son got his license today. For the last 6 months or so, it's been.. "I want a HQ".. His mum and myself have convinced him that a 35, 36yr old HQ, with his VERY limited mechanically minded skills (He's doing IT at Uni), plus not having a garage at his mum's was just crazy.
Now he's gone Commodore mad.. "I want a VX, VY or VZ" He has around 25k saved, and as you can imagine, is itching to get his own wheels.
I've tried the tack.. "spend 5 or 6k on a reasonable 2nd hand jap car for your 1st, and build your kitty" Or seeing he is determined to spend the bucks, maybe a 2yr old Focus, or Mazda 3, or even another Astra... But NO, he insists it's his money!
He also insists that he doesn't want "rice" or a "girl's car"...
I've also pointed out that any Commodore with P plates is like a moth to a flame with cops, with thieves, is expensive on fuel, and statistically not a real safe bet all round.
Now, come on you younger guys on here... HELP!!.. Just what "smaller" car isn't classed as girlie or rice?.. Is there something besides a commie (or Falcon, for that matter) that is practical, that's not a magnet to the constabulary, and yet STILL has a bit of class and "street credo"
Advice appreciated!!