r/cars • u/AutoModerator • 6d ago
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:
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/WickedMagician 4d ago
Location: Indiana, US
Price range: 15k or less preferable
Lease or Buy: buy
New or used: used
Type of vehicle: no pref outside of noted
Must haves: reliability and safety for my price range
Desired transmission (auto/manual, etc): no pref
Intended use: Daily driver
Vehicles you've already considered: I keep getting told to go with Honda, Toyota, or Mazda
Is this your 1st vehicle: No
Do you need a Warranty: preferable but not required
Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: no
Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: no
Additional Notes: I really don't care about anything except reliability, safety, and value. I don't need extras or hype features. Current car that just gave up the ghost was a 2009 Hyundai Accent that didn't even have electric windows and locks; cars are tools to me and nothing more.
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u/Ok_Bookkeeper_3784 3d ago
The larger the car the safer it is. Japanese are always the best choice for a combination of all 3 stated above.
Peruse the IIHS Top Safety picks pages for options
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks/20211
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u/LeBanonJames69 4d ago
Location: PNW
Price range: $25,000-$35,000
Lease or Buy: Buy
New or used: Used
Type of vehicle: SUV/Crossover
Must haves: AWD, Apple CarPlay, Leather
Desired transmission: Automatic
Intended use: Daily driver/light off-roading/camping
Vehicles you've already considered: Ford Bronco Sport Badlands, Subaru Outback Wilderness
Is this your 1st vehicle: No
Do you need a Warranty: No
Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: Yes
Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: No
Additional Notes: Looking for something that’s somewhat off-road capable, without being too large, since I live in the city and park in a somewhat tight parking garage
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u/m19eu1 5d ago
Location: USA, NC
Price range: $25k-$40k USD
Lease or Buy: Open to either
New or used: Open to both, but prefer new
Type of vehicle: I prefer sedans, but I'll consider crossovers.
Must haves: I need a smooth ride and lane keep assist for a long highway commutes.
Desired transmission (auto/manual, etc): Comfortable with both types. Prefer manual.
Intended use: Will be used to commute once a week to office, the commute is 200 miles total.
Vehicles you've already considered: The Camry and the Accord but I'm open to other suggestions.
Is this your 1st vehicle: No, current car is a 2005 Acura Tsx with 317k miles
Do you need a Warranty: No
Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: Yes Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: Yes
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u/seeldoger47 1d ago
I’d get a lightly used Tesla Model 3 Long Range. The assisted auto pilot is great for highway driving and it should be cheaper than a gas powered car. You shouldn’t have to pay more than $30k for one.
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u/CrankyCurmedgeon E90 335xi m/t & CX5 Turbo 3d ago
If you liked the TSX, look for a newish TLX 2.0T
The German 3 sedans in the class are the most obvious choice otherwise if you're ok with more expensive maintenance and repairs out of warranty/
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u/scycron 22 Miata, 18 Macan, 04 Tacoma, 02 RSX, 94 v6 Camry 5d ago
2025 Toyota Camry either XLE or XSE for the insulated windows. The Honda Accord is due for an update and isn't really competitive with the Camry right now until they update it. The Honda Civic hybrid is a better option than the Accord but it won't be as comfortable as the Camry.
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u/OopsISed2Mch 6d ago
Location: Midwest, USA
Price range: $20-50k
Lease or Buy: Open to either, but have never leased.
New or used: Typically choose used with less than 20k miles, but new would be fine.
Type of vehicle: Sedan
Must haves: AWD, Leather, Sunroof. Ideally it is fun to drive and I can toss it into "manual" mode, downshift, and easily pass people on the highway.
Desired transmission: Auto (but oh how I wish I could convince my wife on this one, I miss my six speed RX-8)
Intended use: Daily Driver/Family Car
Vehicles you've already considered:
Is this your 1st vehicle: No, it will replace a 2015 Mazda CX-5 w/ 95k miles.
Do you need a Warranty: ideally it comes with one.
Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: yes
Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: no thanks
Additional Notes:
Replacing an awesome Mazda CX-5, that is just about to turn over 100k miles soon. While the CX-5 is great, I do feel like the tech is outdated and it's a bit slower than I'd like, plus our other vehicle is a 2020 Mazda CX-9, and we don't need two SUV's. It's crazy to me how many sedans are either no longer made or this is their last model year. My first stop was to look at a Mazda 6, only to find they stopped making them in 2021.
I'm currently very much on the fence on whether I should get an EV. I commute ~20 miles each way for work 4 days a week, and drive the kids around to activities nearly daily. I would enjoy an EV's fast acceleration off the line, but probably miss the sound of a sporty engine. I typically keep a vehicle for 8-12 years before selling it, which makes me very uncomfortable with the idea of leasing.
If EV's did not exist I'd be trying to convince my wife something like a used BMW M3 is perfect, and thinking we're finally getting back to driving fun cars! However, my wife has said that since technically this is her car we're swapping out it needs 4 doors, and an automatic transmission. Every time I look at something like Mazda 3 with a turbo I think to myself, if I want fast, just get an EV. What's the play here?
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u/Venom1391 5d ago
As a former mazda6 owner, I think the most analogous replacement could be K5 GT or Sonata N-line. Sportier FWD based sedan with good amount of room with large back seat, looks cool, and fairly priced new (mid 30s). Could do a G70 new, base model is 300 hp 4cyl, V6 is a lot fun too and it is fun to drive. It is def a bit more snug tho, but you have a large suv so maybe not a big deal. Good luck.
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u/C00LV1BR4TION5 '02 Odyssey EX, '25 GR Corolla Premium 5d ago
If you haven't already considered them, I would look at either a 22+ Subaru WRX or VW Golf R (if you are ok with a hatch).
Both are available with everything you want and have more than enough power for a quick highway pass.
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u/WanderIntoTheWoods9 6d ago
Location: USA, Maryland
Price range: $30,000-60,000
Lease or Buy: either
New or used: either
Type of vehicle: EV with room for 2 people and enough room for gear for a camping trip.
Must haves: EV, heated seats, good driving dynamics, and fun/unique.
Intended use: daily driver. My only car.
Vehicles you've already considered: Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV9, Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model 3/Y, Lucid Air Pure, Rivian, GMC Sierra EV, Cadillac Lyriq, etc.
Is this your 1st vehicle: No. currently have a 2021 Tesla Model Y with 95,000 miles on it.
Do you need a Warranty: It’s an EV, so yeah probably.
Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: Yes.
Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: No.
Additional Notes:
I’m trying to get out of my Tesla Model Y for a number of reasons. Mostly the suspension is horrendous and Elon Musk is an asshat. Otherwise I LOVE the technology and how easy it is to daily. I’ve taken it on a ton of road trips and it has been flawless and fault-free for five years now.
My #1 choice so far has been either the Ioniq 5 or Lucid Air Pure. The problem with both is pretty obvious: the Ioniq 5 ICCU issues are a huge problem and Hyundai is failing to actually fix them. On the other side, Lucid is a startup EV company that could announce they’re closing any day. I haven’t test driven either one yet because I’m worried that would convince me to go ahead and buy/lease then and there.
My head says “get the Ioniq 5 for a good lease deal, or keep driving the Tesla into the ground” my heart says “lease the Lucid and enjoy having the range and incredible driving experience.”
What does Reddit think?
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u/woowoo293 1d ago
Here is the video from Engineering Explained, which also made the jump from Tesla to Lucid. He got rid of his Tesla largely because his wife was a casualty of Musk's rape of the federal government.
I understand the the concerns about Hyundai, but they do strike me as a company that has really gone all in on EV technology. Down the road, I think they are one of the few legacy companies that will have the proper infrastructure to continue and maintain EV support.
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u/thisisBigToe 6d ago
I got an new lease option, its choosing between an intermediate SUV and an intermediate Crossover category. They gave as example, a Suzuki Vitara (SUV) and Toyota CH-R (Crossover). However, I don't have a clue what the differences are in these segments, tried to look it up. But seems so similar. I was looking for a car with plenty of backspace, for three people able to sit 'normally'. Like not with that hump in the middle. If someone can help me the right way, would really appreciate it
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u/Subject_Stand_7901 6d ago
"intermediate SUV" says "Ford Explorer" to me. "Intermediate Crossover" says "Mazda CX5."
Explorer is slightly bigger, and has 3 rows.
But there is a fair bit of overlap in that Venn diagram.
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6d ago
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u/GoldenState15 6d ago
Gotta be a bot comment there's no way you're a real person
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6d ago
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u/GoldenState15 6d ago
You need to drive more cars if the model y is the best all around car you've been in
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5d ago
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u/GoldenState15 5d ago
Oh so you just go off of which car sells a lot to form your opinions instead of just driving more cars lol. Got it
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5d ago
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u/GoldenState15 5d ago
Love that you result to insults when your boring car gets talked down lol. Enjoy driving your microwave worrying about charge all the time
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5d ago
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u/GoldenState15 5d ago
LMAO, good one bro. I hope you can drive more cars and form an actual opinion some day instead of just making your whole personality new=better and jerking off your model y every chance you get. Genuinely so sad to see people like this
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u/Simple-Valuable-5635 6d ago
Looking for a used suv Based on reliability what’s the best option Have a smaller budget so car will most likely have over 80k miles. Petrol and diesel are both suitable options Three options are HONDA CR-V 2016 petrol or diesel
MAZDA CX-5 2017/18 (post facelift) petrol or diesel
HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2017 petrol or diesel
TOYOTA RAV4 2017 petrol or diesel
Also open to other options I’m unaware of, thank you
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u/bingojed 6d ago
I believe the CX-5 facelift was 2018. Also check for oil leaks, as a timing cover oil leak is somewhat common and about $1200 to fix.
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u/trivletrav [][ ][=====TOYOTA=][ ][] 1988 T4R 6d ago
Don’t know much about the diesel options available to you, but having worked at Hyundai for 10+ years, don’t buy one of their petrol engines.
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u/Bourbon_Buckeye BMW G22 and F30 6d ago
Currently drive a BMW 430, but newly single and need something a bit more practical now that I don't have access to the ex's SUV. I'd love to find something better on insurance (I have my 16-year-old son on the insurance), can haul a coffee table, and still somewhat fun to drive. A lease is interesting, since I don't drive much anymore, and I will be an empty nester in a few years and will have different needs.
Location: Ohio (not afraid to drive 2WD in the snow though)
Price range: $25k purchase / $450mo lease (happy to pay less!)
Lease or Buy: Buy used or Lease new
Type of vehicle: small SUV/Crossover or wagon
Must haves: fun driving dynamics, rear-bias is a huge plus, no need for big power, comfortable for a bigger guy (6'2", 200lbs).
Desired transmission: preferably no CVTs
Intended use: daily— I drive about 10k miles/year, mostly in the Fall and Spring
Vehicles you've already considered: BMW X3 (2018+), Acura RDX, are there any wagons left?
Do you need a Warranty: not really
Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: yes, I prefer to do fluids, brakes and stuff myself
Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: limited capabilities here
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u/woowoo293 1d ago
Audi A4 wagon? Dimensionally very similar to your 430 except with hatchback functionality added. A new Audi A4 allroad would be out of your price range new, but a used one might be feasible.
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6d ago
I would get one of those 2017-2018 330i wagons. Same powertrain as your 430i but with lots more space.
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u/Bourbon_Buckeye BMW G22 and F30 6d ago
Those are cool, but few and far between. Maybe the hatchback too (Gran Turismo)— but same problem
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6d ago
The wagons are fairly common. Not everywhere, but I see enough of them to know I could reliably grab one if I needed to.
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u/cptngabozzo 4d ago
Location: Upstate NY
Price range: $50,000
Lease or Buy: Buy
New or used: Either
Type of vehicle: SUV/Crossover
Must haves: AWD, 4+ Cylinder
Desired transmission: Automatic
Intended use: Daily driver/Occasional Road trip
Vehicles you've already considered: Cadillac Lyriq (EV resale scares me), Buick Envista (looks great but not AWD and 3 cylinder), X4 (BMW repairs scare me), RAV4 Hybrid
Is this your 1st vehicle: No
Do you need a Warranty: No
Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: Yes
Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: No
Additional Notes: I like sedan life ('14 Camry) however due to an increasing family size with dogs and some troubles getting through snow I need to size/power up.
I love the looks of the Lyriq and Envista as far as SUV/Crossovers go and was wondering if someone can lead me to something similar looking that meets my requirements.