Driving across the US, hire or buy a car?

[jaydee]

My son who is 21 and a mate same age are going to the US in a few months.
They plan on driving from LA to New York and take a week or so doing it checking out what ever looks worthwhile.

Has anyone had any experience in something similar, should he hire a car or buy a cheapie and sell in New York.

He's not very mechanical so they will be buying something reliable like a Mazda or Corolla for a few grand.
Problem is on selling hit when you get to your destination.

The pitfalls with hiring can be bad too, getting ripped off for damage you didn't do, travelling too many kays, cash deposit's for insurance excess that may or may not be refunded at the end of the line.

So for a few grand is it better to buy or hire? I'm guessing hiring would be a couple of grand for a week to 10 days.

Oh yeah, and I hate him, because I can't go, and it's a trip I would love to do. Kids have got it made these days.