For people starting with Linux I am more comfortable to recommend them second hand/used laptops. And Thinkpads are prime examples for repairability and upgradability so you find a loot more Thinkpads that go for cheaper.
Besides that. My next Laptop is either gonna be a framework or something from Tuxedo.
PS: I know that newer Thinkpads lack in repairability. I have a X1 Carbon with soldered-on RAM… Suffice to say I wouldn’t buy that again…