Help us get a second car?

Posted by Ok_Government1644@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 17 comments

We have a 2019 Subaru Forester we got brand new. We are not car people. We take it to the cheapest shop that’s open when an issue arises. We love the car.

With kids getting older and having more activities we need a second car. Would like a third row but not required.

We loved the Volvo XC90 but expensive and would stretch it. The Volvo XC60 felt cramped to me in the back. The Subaru Forester 2026 we also loved (spouse one prefers the XC60 spouse two prefers the Subaru Forester). We liked the look of the Range Rovers Discovery but heard they’re unreliable. We looked at BMW but don’t like the premium gas requirement.

We have only looked at new cars because we are not car people (it helps protect us in a way? not sure how to describe it). What should we look at? What brands? There are so many options. Should we consider used too? A certain year or a certain mileage? Any tips would be appreciated!

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shadracko@reddit

If it were me, I'd definitely get an EV. For a 2-car household, range really shouldn't be an issue. You say you aren't car people. Just buy an EV. Lower maintenance, no gas. You're helping the environment. And they have amazing acceleration.

Volvo XC60 felt cramped to me in the back

Why is this important? How often are you going to need TWO big cars? How often will you need to put adults in the back of your smaller car?

Ok_Government1644@reddit (OP)

We’re on east coast where cost of electricity every winter is like 500$ at least so haven’t considered an EV. I have tall boys in car seats that’s why o was frustrated about the cramped xc60 back seat.

wow. You're on electric heat in the northeast? I definitely didn't think that was common. Good luck with you decision.

Peds12@reddit

A used EV....gestures to news....

Yep! The BMW i3 is available really, really cheap. If you don't need big range in your second car, that's what I'd get. But there are many other reasonable options.

m4a785m@reddit

Omg literally THIS

Gunk_Olgidar@reddit

Stick with Subaru or go for a Mazda.

Volvos, Rovers and everything German out of warranty are money pits.

TypeToSnipe@reddit

Palisade or Telluride

Temporary-Chest-3111@reddit

What about certified preowned vehicles? Would one of those XC90s then fit under your budget? The VW Atlas in my opinion is also a good choice, but if you are not used to paying for service and maintenance for German (and to an extent Swedish) vehicles they can be a bit more costly than Subarus.

gmingucci@reddit

Toyota Highlander

Aberration1111@reddit

assuming you like boxy suvs, honda pilot? to mix it up a bit, try a ford transit connect (the 2.5L engine, long wheelbase)

ev options start off with a Mustang Mach E

the Toyota Highlander or Rav4 PHEV are great plug in hybrids

xone2three@reddit

What's your budget?

Exciting_Ground55@reddit

I totally recommend before you purchase any vehicle to get a pre-purchase inspection before hand so that the mechanic can go ahead and look over the car and tell you if any upcoming issues that you may need to be aware of. This is a cost that you would pay out-of-pocket, but totally worth it. And then after you gotten that inspection, you can decide right then and there if you feel comfortable proceeding on purchasing that vehicle and that could save you a lot a headache because if there’s problems on that car that the inspection picked up, you might say you know what it ain’t worth it let me go find something else.

Winstonoil@reddit

$4000 or less should be able to buy you a seventh generation Honda Civic. If it’s got the timing belt done and decent brakes that’s what you’re looking for. I happen to like the manual transmission, but that’s just me. If it is under 200,000 km you are good to go.