What Car Should I Buy? - A Weekly Megathread

Posted by AutoModerator@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 18 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.

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stratys3@reddit

I travel for work, up to 5 hours/day, during the day but often at night, winter and summer. Mostly highway. Comfort is the top priority, so ventilated seats, dimming side-mirrors, quiet and smooth/soft ride, comfortable seats, are at the top of my priority list. Occasionally I need to drive business guests, so the back needs to be big enough for 2 full-sized adults to sit comfortably for up to 2-3 hours.

I drive family around on weekends sometimes, and their knees don't work anymore, so a sedan (too low) or a really tall SUV (too high) won't work for them. No kids, no pets.

I want to keep the car for ~10 years, so I want to avoid anything that has poor reliability after the warranty runs out.

I'll drive a minimum of 30,000km/year, so good fuel economy on the highway would be nice.

I'm going to do test drives this coming week/weekend of the 5 cars mentioned below - and was wondering if there's any obvious vehicles I'm missing or overlooking?

Thanks!

Location: Canada

Price range: Up to 75k Canadian

Lease or Buy: Buy

New or used: New

Type of vehicle: Doesn't Matter

Must haves: Dimming side mirror(s), ventilated seats, fits 4x 6-foot adults, ride: smooth & quiet, reliability (~10 years), AWD strongly preferred for snow.

Desired transmission (auto/manual, etc): Auto

Intended use: Long work drives, up to 5h/day

Vehicles you've already considered: Lexus RX, Honda Passport, Toyota Crown Signia, Buick Envision, Lincoln Nautilus

Is this your 1st vehicle: No

Do you need a Warranty: Yes

Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: No

Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: No

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niftyjack@reddit

Your budget gives you a lot of flexibility and you've picked some good options, so we can run through them with some additions.

I'd skip the Honda and Lincoln. Hondas can be loud which is unsatisfying for highway cruising, and Lincoln's long-term reliability is hit or miss.

The Buick is okay, but it wouldn't be my first choice for long-term ownership at this point. I'm American, and things are different for you guys up north, but the Envision is built in China and I'd be concerned about long-term parts supply pending trade disorder.

Regarding the Lexus and Toyota, if you're spending up to $75k CAD, I'd go Lexus over Toyota. There's a noticeable difference between premium and mass market brands when it comes to things like noise, isolation, and seat design that's worth paying for. A hybrid's fuel economy mostly benefits in slower, urban driving so if you're mostly highway cruising you could save the headache of sourcing a hybrid (which I've heard can be tough in Canada) and go for a traditional gas model—the hybrid RX is only rated for 20% better on the highway, and that's under perfect test conditions.

For some additions, frankly German cars are going to be better highway cruisers than anything else. BMW's and Audi's four-cylinder drivetrain has proven extremely reliable, so I'd take a look at a BMW X3 30 or Audi Q5 as well. They have a habit of beating their highway fuel economy ratings, too.

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stratys3@reddit

Thanks for the feedback! I'll look into the Germans and will take a closer look at those two.

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scycron@reddit

German cars definitely drive better and have more tech than Lexus and Toyota but the difference is they don't hold up as well 10 years down the line and they are more maintenance sensitive. The Lexus/Toyota will have cheaper lifetime running costs if that's an important factor to you.

kirst_ey@reddit

Location: (Canada

Price range: up to 30k

New or used: used

Type of vehicle: Convertible Must haves: seating for 4

Intended use: Summer car

Do you need a Warranty: No

Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: Yes

Additional Notes: My Mom has always wanted a convertible and is rapidly approaching the age where driving might no longer be possible for her. She wants a second row so she can fit all her grandkids in the car. She's not a speedster, just really loves the wind in her hair.

Ok-Economist-9466@reddit

Location: Rural Pennsylvania

Price range: up to 80k

New or used: Either

Type of vehicle: Large SUV (would consider van if 4x4 is an option, not familiar with vans)

Must haves: 4x4, ability to fit 3 child sets + 2 adults at minimum, large cargo capacity.

Intended use: Backup family vehicle in rural area. Gravel roads/offroad on a regular basis. Very snowy winters.

Vehicles you've already considered: Chevy Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia, Ford Expedition

Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: (fluids, alternator, battery, brake pads etc) Yes

Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: (engine and transmission, timing belt/chains, body work, suspension etc ) Yes except transmission

Additional Notes: This will primarily be a car for my wife to drive. I have a 2500 suburban that's been an ideal big family vehicle but she would prefer the more modern safety features like cameras, lane/blind spot assist, etc. She would also prefer something a little shorter than a 'burb for when she has to go into town.

IAlsoKnowNewCars@reddit

The current batch of GM full-size SUVs are excellent, so the Tahoe and Yukon are my first recommendations. The current gen models swap the old live rear axle for independent rear suspension, which added more room for passengers and cargo and improved ride quality without giving up its ruggedness. I prefer the 6.2L V8 but the 5.3L is more than enough for most. Chevy and GMC are so similar these days, it's really about which design and trim levels work best for you, they're nearly identical otherwise. I'd also recommend checking out the 2025 Nissan Armada, which was redesigned and is much better than it used to be. Better interior, better driving experience, I'd honestly pick it over the Expedition and Sequoia for most folks, though they're also great vehicles.

It does sound you're the right buyer for a body-on-frame 4x4 like a Tahoe, but on the off chance that you're open to a unibody design and an on-demand AWD system (you'd be surprised how capable they can be on gravel and in snow with the right tires), I'm going to also recommend checking out the Lexus TX500h. This is based on the new Toyota Grand Highlander, with a great hybrid powertrain, an excellent interior, and more space than you'd expect while having a smaller footprint than a Tahoe. You'll want to make sure it can fit the child seats you need, and see if the cargo space is big enough with the third row folded down. Plus you get Lexus Reliability. Also, the the difference between 16 combined MPG in a Tahoe and 27 combined MPG in the TX500h is huge. That's $1500/year in savings for the average US driver. If it meets your needs, I'd go for it.

SnoopDogAce007@reddit

Truck

snowlovesnow@reddit

Location: Michigan

Price range: up to $35k

Type of vehicle: SUV or Wagon

Must haves: 4x4, AWD, Fuel efficient, Turbo, Trunk space, Heated Steering Wheel

Desired transmission (auto/manual, etc): Any

Intended use: Daily Driver, Road Trip, Camping, Snow adventures in the Yoop.

Vehicles you've already considered: Outback XT, Forester Hybrid, Bronco Sport

Do you need a Warranty: Not really

Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: A bit

Additional Notes: Current Car is 2016 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring. I enjoy driving a 6.5s-to-60 car. Around as fast preferred.

Unfortunately you're not going to get that level of acceleration with overall fuel efficiency, but you can get in the ballpark. A Forester hybrid/Rav4 hybrid is going to be mid 7s but the initial electric punch from the hybrid system makes them feel quick.

Frankly I'd throw efficiency to the wind a bit since it seems like you'll be doing a lot of highway driving where hybrid benefits don't really apply. If you can swing the extra cost for a Bronco Sport Badlands (or find a lightly used one, like this), they have a trick AWD system that'll get you through deep snow and the bigger engine rips—Car and Driver got 0-60 in 5.9. You could also look at the Mazda CX-50 with the turbo engine that has a good amount of power, but I don't think the AWD system is as good as the Bronco Badland's. The rest of the crossover segment are weeniemobiles in comparison, nobody puts more powerful engines in them anymore.

H20WaterPoloGod@reddit

Location: Southern California

Price range: ~$17k, maybe $20k if it’s worth it.

New or used: Used

Type of vehicle: Sedan or Coupe

Must haves: Automatic transmission, decent fuel economy (≥21 mpg), sporty/torquey performance

Desired transmission: Automatic

Intended use: “Sporty” Daily Driver that isn’t boring, and has some actual power compared to most commuter cars; needs to be responsive and quick enough to enjoy. Will drive about 150-250 miles/week.

Vehicles you've already considered: Currently considering - Honda Civic EX-T
- Honda Civic EX-L
- Honda Accord V6 (2013–2017)
- Acura ILX (2016+)
- Infiniti G37
- Mazda 3 2.5L

Do you need a Warranty: Not required, but would consider if worth it.

Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: Yes

Additional Notes: Open to light mods down the line. Needs to be practical enough for LA driving, but with some punch for short bursts. Open to suggestions beyond what I’m considering if a better value or performance car exists, basically something fun to hold me off while I save for an actual sports car. Insurance cost is not an issue.

I'd look at a Volkswagen GTI 2013+ with 2017-2020 being the sweet spot if you can find one. Retains their value well and they tune extremely well. If you want short burst of power, the turbo engine should be well suited as all the torque is down low. The engines die out at the top end but since its LA, you will never get a chance to go fast enough where that's a problem. Interior is decent with the 2017+ having the better infotainment.

Ok_Sail_12@reddit

Location: USA

Price Range: up to $40k

New or Used: Used

Type of Vehicle: SUV or Mini Van

Must haves: high safety ratings

Desired Transmission: Auto

Intended use: Daily/ Family

Considered: Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chevrolet SUVs

1st car? No but first big vehicle

Minor work? Yeah

Major work? No

Additional notes: I’m looking for a future family of 5 vehicle that will have all kids in car seats at some point but my two main concerns are safety for back passengers and space. I have never driven anything larger than a Jeep Compass so a little afraid of super big SUVs but I want the safest option for my children in every scenario. Mad anxiety lol

Minivans are made for this, and nearly all modern minivans are about as safe as it gets for 2nd and 3rd row passengers. My current favorites are the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival. The Sienna was redesigned for 2020 and is hybrid only, and it's been the most reliable of the segment as well, so aim for any 2020+ model that's in your budget. Kia Carnival reliability has been pretty good too, and you may find them for cheaper than the Toyota, but only with the non-hybrid powertrain (the Carnival Hybrid was released for 2025).

The Sienna received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award starting in 2021, so it get a safety nod as well. The Carnival received the normal Top Safety Pick award for 2022, but only with the improved headlights in the Prestige trim, so that may be a consideration.

Solomoncjy@reddit

Location: (Malaysia

Price range: 60K OTR

New or used: both

Type of vehicle: Car

Must haves: no bullshit (need to pay for features after purchase to "activate them", no subscriptions where they don't belong, etc)

Desired transmission (auto/manual, etc): both

Intended use: Daily driver

Vehicles you've already considered: Proton Persona

Is this your 1st vehicle: Yup

Do you need a Warranty: don't all new cars come with it? if used, eh

Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: ok with changing battery, replenising/checking coolant and other fluids, but cant do thing that need specials tools, eg A/C or break pads

Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: no way

boofoodoo@reddit

Location: US, mid Atlantic

Price range: up to $38k USD

Lease or Buy: buy

New or used: either

Type of vehicle: sedan, SUV, etc

Must haves: QUIET, four doors, not too small, Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control

Desired transmission (auto/manual, etc): auto

Intended use: daily driver, 60 miles a day round trip to work and back. Small family hauler

Vehicles you've already considered: ‘23+ Accord, ‘23 Lexus ES 350 (id go earlier but they massively updated the infotainment this year), various SUVs

Is this your 1st vehicle: no

Do you need a Warranty: yes

Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: no

Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: no

I have a 30 mile each-way drive that is mostly highway. MPG, utility would also be a plus but I’d just love a quiet highway cruiser.

Jogk@reddit

Get the Lexus ES if you want a quiet and reliable ride. The hybrid model is super quiet. Do not bother with the Lexus warranty unless you can negotiate to get the 10yr/125,000 mile one for \~$2k. The '24 model has a bigger screen (14inch) than then '23, but less physical controls. Iridium Silver is an amazing color in person, please consider if you do get the ES350.

Get the Accord if you care about fuel economy, new tech, and want a punchy ride. I would avoid the '23 model since that was the 1st year of the new generation (many issues). Get the HondaCare warranty regardless of the year since Honda reliability is not great right now. It is cheaper to get Honda Care online than at the dealer, so keep that in mind.

New-Requirement-4095@reddit

VW if you want to have fun. Any hatchback that is not a polo and you will enjoy it