10-yr old inexpensive car for teenager; Compact but not too small

You are easy because you know cars really well. Throwing out Subaru for what you state, you list all the cars I would consider for what you are trying to do. Anything else means taking more chances on quality at 10 years old. You might get lucky and find a Camry or Accord in that price range with the four cylinder engine which also could work and be reliablie (for that age) but that is pretty much the extent of it on average.

There are exceptions that are more by luck than by rule. For example, I owned a 2006 Saab 9-3 for 12 years and 190,000 miles until a tree fell on it and never really had any issues - but I was more the exception and not the rule (although that year in particular along with 2007 were really reliable cars), but I wiould never recommend such a car for you in this situation as it is too risky.

Best of luck, you seem to know what you are doing.

You'll get a lot more for your money if you go with a Corolla or Civic over the Elantra or Forte. I would only go back to 2010 with the Mazda3, though the older ones were not that bad.

The older Elantra and Forte usually don't have the longevity of the Honda or Toyota. Despite the Toyota and Honda being a few grand $$$ more typically, they are still the better value in my opinion. The old Elantras usually start falling apart at 150k miles and the Corollas and Civics usually don't until 250k miles or more. All of this is if you maintain the car as recommended of course.

If your budget is $5000 you should start deciding what to buy based on Craigslist and Autotrader. You would be lucky to find the car you want for the price you want. That is why I usually ask for your zip code when the budget is that low and selection is very limited. Yes, a Corolla, Civic, or Mazda3 would be ideal. But, if there is another car that is a good deal, then forget the 3 go-to cars.

The 2008-2011 Ford Focus was surprisingly reliable, but bare-bones. Don't go with any newer ones unless it is a manual.

I agree with AcuraT, you seem like you'll make a good decision with the car you choose.