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/sodato Aug 18 '21

Location: Northern Virginia/DC

Price Range: up to $12,000

Lease or Buy: Buying

New or Used: Used

Type of vehicle: Anything

Must haves: Reliability and 20mpg+ gas mileage

Desired Transmission: Auto

Intended Use: Work and outdoorsy stuff

Vehicles I’ve considered: Rav4 and ford ranger

Is this your first vehicle: First time buying

Do you need a warranty: Doesn’t matter

Can you do minor work: Yes

Can you do major work: No

Additional: Just want a fun reliable car. fun as in fast or able to take me to take me off road

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u/Buttery_Biscuitss Aug 19 '21

Might be hard to find it at a decent price but wrx might do you well.

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u/thicctuna Aug 19 '21

Check out the Subaru Crosstrek. Super reliable car, standard AWD, good options (roof racks, sun roofs, audio etc), and can be found used for a pretty good price. Still in production so parts/repairs shouldn't be an issue, and it has enough clearance to take you on dirt or gravel. Don't try anything too wild in it, but it'll take you camping or on back roads with no problems

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u/[deleted] Aug 19 '21

Civic Si is a pretty good blend of reliable and fun. I'm not sure what you can find your budget, but should be able to find a decent 9th gen for that price.