What Car Should I Buy? - A Weekly Megathread
Posted by AutoModerator@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 37 comments
Any posts pertaining to car buying suggestions or advice belong in this weekly megathread; do not post car-choosing questions in the main queue. A fresh thread will be posted every Monday and posts auto sorted by new. A few other subreddits worth checking out that will help your car buying experience are /r/WhatCarShouldIBuy, /r/UsedCars and /r/AskCarSales. www.everydaydriver.com may also be helpful.
Make/Model-specific questions should be asked on Make/Model-specific subreddits. Check the AutosNetwork for a complete list of those subreddits. Also check out our community-sourced Ultimate car buying wiki.
For those posting:
Please use the following template in your post.
Location: (Specify your country or region)
Price range: (Minimum-Maximum in your local currency)
Lease or Buy:
New or used:
Type of vehicle: (Truck, Car, Sports Car, Sedan, Crossover, SUV, Racecar, Luxury etc.)
Must haves: (4x4, AWD, Fuel efficient, Navigation, Turbo, V8, V6, Trunk space, Smooth ride, Leather etc.)
Desired transmission (auto/manual, etc):
Intended use: (Daily Driver, Family Car, Weekend Car, Track Toy, Project Car, Work Truck, Off-roading etc.)
Vehicles you've already considered:
Is this your 1st vehicle:
Do you need a Warranty:
Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: (fluids, alternator, battery, brake pads etc)
Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: (engine and transmission, timing belt/chains, body work, suspension etc )
Additional Notes:
For those providing suggestions: Facts are ideal in this thread, especially when trying to help out a new car buyer. Please help out buyers with sources and reasoning for your suggestions.
For those asking for help, be sure to thank those who take the time to offer you advice (especially those who lead you to a purchase.) A follow up thank you and the knowledge that their advice led to a purchase is a very warm fuzzy feeling.
jdenkins42@reddit
Location: Kentucky, US
Price range: 0-$5,000
Lease or Buy: Buy
New or used: Used
Type of vehicle: Car
Must haves: Fuel Efficient, reliable
Desired transmission (auto/manual, etc): doesn't matter
Intended use: Daily driver for work
Vehicles you've already considered: VW GTI, Jetta, Beetle, a few different Kia models
Is this your 1st vehicle: No
Do you need a Warranty: No
Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: Yes
Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: Possibly, but I have no desire to
Additional Notes: Recently had to junk my 2010 Kia Soul after hitting a deer. Just looking for a decent dependable daily driver that is a lot more fuel efficient than my Ram 1500 I am using right now. Mechanically sound would be nice as I don't really care about how it looks. I don't remember prices for used cars being this crazy, but I haven't been in the market for a long time.
bobtheboy0@reddit
its prius time
jdenkins42@reddit
I have definitely been looking at them. The few I have found said they need the battery swapped, but wasn't sure how big of a deal that was on the hybrids.
bobtheboy0@reddit
sorry for the late response but prius battery swaps are pretty simple, chrisfix has a video on it
trail-g62Bim@reddit
I feel ya. Used cars are nuts where I live and have been for a while. Whenever I see someone say "don't buy new -- get a good, cheap used car" I think "where are these good, cheap used cars?"
Most things $15k and under are super old and/or very high mileage and/or have major issues or are cars that were expensive originally (which means they will be expensive to maintain, which probably isn't what you want when you are buying a cheap used car). It's anecdotal, but everyone I know in the last few years that have shopped for a car very quickly concluded used didn't make sense (maybe that will change with increases in tariffs and car loan defaults).
The good news is you have a vehicle you can drive so you aren't desperate. If you can take some time and keep looking, you give yourself a better chance of finding the rare affordable good one.
jdenkins42@reddit
Yeah, I am definitely fortunate to be in the position right now that I don't absolutely need something to drive. I kind of just take a look for a little bit every day for something that catches my eye.
dsonger20@reddit
The GTI and Jetta under 5K won’t be reliable or cheap to maintain.
jdenkins42@reddit
Awesome this is the kind of information that is super helpful. Thank you.
CreepySea116@reddit
I want a summer car (convertible) that I can put in the garage in the winter.
I don’t know manual willing to learn.
Don’t care brand. Preferably 70s-80s aesthetic. Preferably Italian or German.
5-10k willing to put money in once I get it.
OverviewEffect@reddit
Mercedes 450 sl. Or if you.want later 80s, go with the 560 sl. Avoid the 380 sl.
scycron@reddit
Alfa Romeo Spyder
PrizeButterscotch722@reddit
Hello! I need to guidance on buying my first car (sedan or hatchback). I am confused between Honda Civic/Accord, Toyota Camry/Corolla and Mazda 3/CX-30. Would really appreciate your suggestions and guidance. Thanks in advance.
scycron@reddit
This is a very competitive segment and all the cars you listed are so similar that there is not a wrong answer. Its going to come down to which car you like the look of more and which seats fit you better.
jfk2127@reddit
Location: Southeast USA
Price range: $60-130K (could stretch it further if there's a great option)
Lease or Buy: Either option
New or used: New or very recently used (e.g., 2023+)
Type of vehicle: Sedan (GT or muscley sedan)
Must haves: Evocative engine - something that will make me smile when I rev it out. Doesn't necessarily have to be the fastest, but would be nice. Need wireless Apple Carplay / Android Auto.
Desired transmission (auto/manual, etc): Auto, for driving in traffic
Intended use: Fun family car / daily use
Vehicles you've already considered: Cadilalc CT5-V Blackwing, BMW M8 / Alpina B8, Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrofoglio, BMW M4, Audi RS5, Mercedes AMG E53/63
Is this your 1st vehicle: No
Do you need a Warranty: yes
Can you do work on your own vehicle: Only minor things like batteries, wipers, etc.
Additional Notes: I am looking to get a second car for the family and want something that will make me smile every time I get into it. I have 2 young kids so need cars that can fit 2x car seats if needed (although we have another car to use most of the time), and preferably 4 doors. I won't be taking the car to a track, but want it to be fun around town, such as merging on a highway and being able to rev it out. And ideally, I want the car to be a bit special in that you don't see it everywhere around town.
From my list, CT5-V Blackwing is top of the list with Alpina B8 and Audi RS5 following, but I'd love any thoughts if there's something else I should look at.
Some_Insurance_363@reddit
High end mustang, like a gt350 for a weekend car.
erbot@reddit
Might be on the high side of your budget but have you looked at an Audi RS6 Avant?
jfk2127@reddit
Oh that's a good idea! I know everyone loves the RS6 avant, but is it the practicality of the wagon that's the biggest draw? I'll be honest, I hadn't given wagons much thought (preferred the sportback look), but the RS6 does check a lot of boxes...
erbot@reddit
Yeah idk but as you said, everyone seems to love them. Plus it'd definitely be a special car. I see a ton of 911s and Mcars where I live (South USA) but hardly see Avants.
dbcanuck@reddit
Considering a medium pickup, mainly for camping and hauling a trailer (under 3000 lbs) + kayaks. Might switch to a camper in the near future. Will also be doing lots of moving / home renos / hauling for the next few years.
Narrowed down choices to Ford Ranger XLT or a new Tacoma. Am I crazy in that the Ford Ranger seems to be a better choice?
Aside from Toyota reputation for quality and durability, am I missing something the Tacoma would bring me over a Ranger?
Dazzling-Seat-1782@reddit
Looking to replace an ancient tou
OneAboveAll3@reddit
Is there a good 2 door sporty EV coupe on the market right now? and also what do you recommend for a mini SUV's or a 2 door on general
bobtheboy0@reddit
Buy a miata it's probably the best 2 door and gets like 30 mpg
cheesenotyours@reddit
How to minimize pollutants and emissions inside the car in traffic? I heard that sitting in traffic can expose you to emissions and lingering pollutants.
Besides closing the windows obviously, what car or features would minimize this? A car with great build quality, sealing, and an after market hepa filter? Tesla's bio defense mode? Something else?
Dependent_Breath_193@reddit
Location: Southeast US
Price range: max 25k? Willing to stretch
Lease or Buy: Buy
New or used: either!
Type of vehicle: Car, hatchback/sedan
Must haves: fuel efficiency, space (want enough to transport small furniture and art supplies that may be somewhat large/medium
Desired transmission: auto
Intended use: Daily Driver
Vehicles you've already considered: Corolla, prius, civic hatchback
Is this your 1st vehicle: No
Do you need a Warranty: No?
Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: yes
Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: maybe
Additional Notes: Currently have a kia forte and i really like the trunk space but she’s getting old and i miss having a hatchback where I can fold the seats down a bit for some extra room. I had a VW rabbit and i loved the shape/size but it had so many mechanical issues. Very interested in a hybrid but not necessary.
Infinite_Minute_9435@reddit
I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this,but I just impulse bought a 97 Camaro with a blown motor. I'm currently going to a mechanic school and thought it'd be a good learning experience. I'm just looking for advice on what I should be looking for as far as the new motor, any advice whatsoever is appreciated
trail-g62Bim@reddit
Not sure if you mean new or new to you, but if you meant new and this is for learning...see if you can find one in a junk yard.
Infinite_Minute_9435@reddit
New to me I meant. Thanks for the advice
Redwolf458@reddit
Location: UK (England)
Price range: £10k-£15k
Lease or Buy: Buy
New or used: Used
Type of vehicle: Saloon
Must haves: ULEZ compliant, cruise control, leather seats (half leather is totally fine)
Desired transmission (auto/manual, etc): automatic but manual is also fine if the car is right
Intended use: Daily Driver, I commute about 2 hours a day
Vehicles you've already considered: Audi A4/5/6, BMW 3/4/5 series, Mercedes C/E class
Is this your 1st vehicle: nope
Do you need a Warranty: no but it would put a big bonus on any prospect
Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: ashamed to say no but I’m trying to learn
Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: no
Additional Notes: I’m reasonably tall at 6ft 5in (1.95m ish of Europeans) and I’m looking for a car that I don’t have to squeeze in and out of. I’ve currently got a 2016 1 series and if I look right (driver side window) I’m looking strait at a pillar… which for obvious reasons is not ideal. I know a nice saloon car on that budget isn’t giving me loads of options but I’m happy to take on a higher mileage car that I can spend a bit of maintenance money on to keep going.
Size4Siren@reddit
Currently drive a 2010 plate Hyundai i20 at 100k miles. It's done be proud for 10 years but now starting to get aesthetic things going wrong, e.g body work that, door handle came off, leak in boot. I'm ready for something a bit more comfortable.
Location: UK Buy, used Auto or manual Use: commute daily 70 miles through fast B roads with potholes, intersected by Cotswold villages. Miles per year: roughly 18000 ULEZ compliant: yes Considered: I like GLAs, Mazda cx30 and newer Kias Size: not too bothered by engine size but something a bit more substantial than an i20. Size: perhaps compact SUV Can do minor stuff myself like battery change. Nothing more serious. Looking to spend around £15k
Currently spending £50 a week in petrol in my 1.4 i20. Feeling a bit baffled as to what to go for and would like something to last me another 10 years. Please help!
Azumath@reddit
Location: Croatia
Price range: 20k Euro
Lease or Buy: Both
New or used: Used
Type of vehicle: Sedan, Corssover, Sport
Must haves: Fuel efficient, Navigation, Smooth ride, Parking camera/sensors
Desired transmission Automatic
Intended use: Daily Driver, Weekend Car
Vehicles you've already considered: Mazda 3/6, Kia Ceed/Xceed
Is this your 1st vehicle: No
Do you need a Warranty: No
Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: Yes
Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: No
Additional Notes:
I like traveling, so a car that is comfortable during the long drives is a must. My "most wanted" right now is either Mazda 6 or Kia XCeed, however, since I won't be buying a car for at least another 6 months, I am open to other suggestions. Thank you.
AbsoluteBreaker@reddit
Location: California
Price range: <$20k
Lease or Buy: buy
New or used: New
Type of vehicle: Nissan Versa Manual
Must haves: Nissan Versa Manual
Desired transmission Manual
Intended use: Daily Driver
Vehicles you've already considered: Gen 2 Honda CR-V
Is this your 1st vehicle: No
Do you need a Warranty: No
Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: Yes
Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: No
Additional Notes: My current car is a paid-for Gen 2 Honda CR-V that is beginning to fall apart.
Due to all those issues, I have been considering getting another car. I can only afford the cheapest cars, but I want a brand new one because I don't want the headache of dealing with these figurative old car gremlins again for a long time. I have set my eyes on the Nissan Versa Manual because its outdated dashboard is my jam, and because I heard all the horror stories about their CVTs.
On the other hand, the CR-V is completely paid for, so I have a difficult time justifying a large purchase, especially since new cars are apparently not as high quality as the old ones anymore. Also that drivetrain-wise the Versa is kind of a downgrade, when the Gen 2 CR-V has all wheel drive, and from what I understand a bigger engine.
AUsernameAnswering42@reddit
Location: Southern US (MS/TN/KY/AL/GA region)
Price range: 40k-80k U.S. [30-35k Loan + possibly 8k trade in value + rest up front]
Lease or Buy: Buy only
New or used: New preferred
Type of vehicle: Car preferred (luxury or sport), would not rule out smaller SUV/jeep but probably not (too big)
Must haves: Nothing too large (parking space size and convenience is a factor), AWD and possibly V6 preferred
Desired transmission: Auto only
Intended use: Daily vehicle, first "nice" vehicle owned
Vehicles you've already considered: See Below, Lexus IS series current front runner
Is this your 1st vehicle: 5th but first of any real value (others used or <25k)
Do you need a Warranty: Not beyond what comes w/ it new, have good insurance.
Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: Only if needed, prefer paying others.
Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: No in every language humans have invented.
Additional Notes:
Caught two big wins in terms of financial success over the last few years. Always been extremely practical with cars (Dodge Calibur and Kia Forte last two, liked the Calibur, loved the Kia to the point debating keeping it not trading in). I'd finally like to treat myself to something nicer, something that shows some level of the success, but not too flashy because end of day there's a level of practical about my vehicle I'll always be.
I first checked out a Porshe Cayman but realized that was too much car and lacked some luxury comfort I'd like when I have 3-8 hour drives.
I consulted with two car friends, one pointed me at drift and rally racing styles of cars and refurbished classic cars and getting after market work done, I acknowledge those are cool but I'm not sure they're for me (see not working on my own car above).
The other pointed me at Lexus and that's where I've focused lately.
- Currently the Lexus IS model is my front runner, with the ES also in consideration. Specifically, there are three types of IS 300 with AWD I'm looking at.
- I've also looked at the Genesis equivalents, as my friend explained they're the luxury cars from the same larger company Kia is under and that Kia has been an incredible vehicle and gotten some brand loyalty from me.
- I looked at the Jaguar XF as well.
I'm open to any suggestions though. Not going to crazy splurge but this is the first real treat I've ever been able to give myself.
NoNoQuinone@reddit
Have you considered the m340i? Probably the best sedan on the market. Sporty and moderately luxurious. Its AWD but RWD biased. The b58 engine has been in production for a while and is very solid.
AUsernameAnswering42@reddit
BMW's right? I wasn't a fan of their website originally so I had not looked further at those but I'll take a second look.
superep1@reddit
Look at a CT4-V Blackwing, good mix of luxury and sport, plus optional manual. Only issue with your must haves is that its rear wheel drive, but otherwise solid and fun.
AUsernameAnswering42@reddit
I've added the CT4 and CT5 models to what I'm looking at, thanks for the recommend.
sosigkerb@reddit
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Price range: $15k - $25k
Lease or Buy: prefer to buy, open to both
New or used: prefer used but open to both
Type of vehicle: hybrid or electric Full-size sedan, mid-size SUV, wagon
Must haves: Apple CarPlay, premium sound options, leather/heated seats
Desired transmission (auto/manual, etc): auto, NO CVT!
Intended use: Family car (a 2 y/o, another baby in the next couple years, and an 80lb dog)
Vehicles you've already considered: RAV4, CR-V, Santa Fe, Ioniq 5/6
Is this your 1st vehicle: No
Do you need a Warranty: Preferably but not necessary
Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: basically fluids and battery only
Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: No
additional info: I presently own a 2013 Prius (Five) that I cannot get rid of fast enough. It is the easiest car I’ve ever owned but the worst I’ve ever had to drive. Couldn’t beat the price, my father in law sold it to me for $1. We have outgrown it and need something suitable for 3-4 hour trips. We don’t drive regularly, maybe 2 or 3 times a month. Most of our trips are short range in the city or nearby, so hybrid or plug in would be preferred.