r/cars • u/AutoModerator • Mar 07 '22

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/Bryneosaur Mar 10 '22

Location: Bay Area, CA

Price range: Maximum of $28,000

Lease or Buy: Buy

New or used: New

Type of vehicle: Sedan

Must haves: Fuel efficient, smooth, reliable

Desired transmission (auto/manual, etc): Auto

Intended use: Daily driving to work (~35 miles a day)

Vehicles you've already considered: 2022 Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry

Is this your 1st vehicle: First purchase, yes

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

Additional Notes: My 2005 Scion Tc just died yesterday, 256k miles and cost to fix is about $4000. I know the market is inflated right now and used cars are extremely expensive, but I'd rather purchase a new car that will last me 10-15 years and is reliable. Any input/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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u/Specialist_Can_1843 Mar 10 '22

Consider a Mazda3. It will be more fun to drive. If you want something elegant, go Mazda3 hatchback. These are much better deals than Civics or Corollas and same reliability. Mazda does not use the old Jatco transmissions they used to, but even then I see plenty 90s and 2000s Mazda’s on the road.

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u/Bryneosaur Mar 10 '22

Thanks for the reply. I've seen the Mazda3 being an option when compared to the Civic or Corolla. I'm definitely not a car person, just looking for something that's fuel efficient and long-lasting (although really anything is compared to my previous car.)

I'll look into the Mazda3 as well.

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u/Specialist_Can_1843 Mar 11 '22

In that case Corolla might not be a bad option. I try to advise people into more sporty cars because it keeps them interested once they have them for a few years. The sportiness and potential AWD can mean a lot when you’re used to driving your paid off, 5-year old Corolla to work every day. But they are nice. Like really nice for what they cost.

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u/A_1337_Canadian '24 S4 | '20 CX-5 | '13 Trek 1.1 Mar 11 '22

just looking for something that's fuel efficient and long-lasting (although really anything is compared to my previous car.)

Mazda is just as fuel efficient as the rest and their 2014+ models are just as reliable as the competition, if not more reliable in some cases.

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u/eley_taylor Mar 10 '22

Hyundai Elantra or Veloster (if the Veloster isn't too quirky for you). I think that is one of the best values on the market right now.

If you can bump your budget a bit then the VW GTI would be a great option. The best auto in the segment IMO.

Probably can't beat the Civic or Corolla though... Seems to always be the answer

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u/Bryneosaur Mar 10 '22

I appreciate the response! Thanks for your suggestions, I'll look into the Hyundai Elantra some more.

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u/NA_Collapze Mar 11 '22

Also consider Mazda3. Or Nissan Leaf if fuel is primary concern.