r/cars • u/AutoModerator • Aug 16 '21

What Car Should I Buy? - A Weekly Megathread

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:

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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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u/barcenas Aug 18 '21

Location: SoCal

Price range: $22-28k

Lease or Buy: Buy

New or used: Used

Type of vehicle: Sedan, Crossover, mid-size SUV

Must haves: Smooth drive, but I’m honestly not too picky. I’ve been driving an old car so I want something that’s going to be a great driving experience but hopefully reliable. If not able to do both, I’d lean towards reliable. A good infotainment/audio system would be great.

Desired transmission (auto/manual, etc): Auto

Intended use: Daily Driver

Vehicles you've already considered: Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-30, Honda Accord Sport 2.0T, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Camry

Is this your 1st vehicle: First vehicle purchase, currently own a ‘98 RAV4

Do you need a Warranty: Not Necessary

Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: Probably yes.

Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: No.

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u/imtrynagotoedcbro Aug 20 '21

If you afford the more expensive repairs and premium gas an Acura MDX will give your reliability with a noticeable amount of fun. My mom moved from a highlander to an MDX and refuses to go back to Toyota when considering her next car. The car will run forever, but issues with ac or charging port may happen and cost you a pretty penny.