Lots of advantages to an older car that still has parts support and is simpler/cheaper to repair, and finding the nicest one you can for the money.
FWD or RWD depends on where you live; my FWD car was simply better in snow when I was commuting 126/day on mixed roads.
Best safety feature is a good high-performance driving school so they learn control, dynamics, paying attention, and to not panic.
Not to mention firmly establishing a "no phone when driving" rule.
To learn the value of money & material things, a used car is better IMO. As in "want better? earn it" life lesson.
There's also something to be said for depreciating assets, meaning minimizing them, which is also a valid and useful life lesson.