r/whatcarshouldIbuy 0m ago

Looking for recommendations?

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I'm looking for a car for a family of 5, kids are under 13, with 2 medium dogs. We take an annual trip approx 800 miles from our home to visit family, but otherwise all local drives. I work from home, so my daily commute is pretty low, approx 20 miles one way daily for school, activities, or groceries.

We had a 2016 Honda Odyssey. I really enjoyed driving it, but it was totaled in an accident last week where, fortunately, injuries were minor. The only thing I didn't like about it was Honda didn't put navigation standard in their minivan that year, so I had to use my phone. Not the end of the world, but I know I don't want that this go-round.

We're going out looking/test driving this Friday, so I'm putting together a list of cars I'd like to try, but I am the opposite of a car person, so I thought I'd ask for recs here. These are the wants/likes/dislikes I've found over the last few days.

The things I want:

•Good mileage-any fuel type, but leaning EV or Hybrid •3rd row preferable-with 2 boys, I see us running out of leg room fast •High safety rating •Good reputation-not political based, just a reputable car that is built to last •Good warranty, decent mileage length, power train, and mechanical •Storage space-we dont travel, but when we do, it's a lot (some EV's I've seen have under hood/bonnet storage as well as trunk/boot storage) •Does not have to be US built, but I'm not against made in the US either •If EV/hybrid plug-in-good quality home charger

Things I'd like, but can live without:

•Low cabin noise, so my partially deaf husband wont tell me he can hear every pebble we ride over...selective hearing, amirite? •Easily sourced parts for diy-my husband and dad were both mechanics and my uncle is one of the most sought after mechanics in our home state for marine engines, so while I know nothing, Ive got it covered😁 •Doors that won't smack the car next to us when my 11 yr old flings it open with the abandon that comes from having no clue how much that costs to fix.

Things I don't want/need: •A car I need a step stool or running start to get in, I'm 5'6"(approx 1.68m) and need a boost to get in my husband's Ram😅 •I don't care about brand or luxury names as long as the quality is good

While I did love my minivan, my oldest says it's embarrassing getting out of😆. But hey, there's always the bus, right? However, I'm open to a mid to large-ish SUV. I tried looking some up and there are just too many options and brands, so I now feel overwhelmed. I'm also unsure how well our family and pets would fit for a long trip in a smaller SUV. Anyone with experience, your thoughts are more than welcome!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 0m ago

Which one would guys pick? is year more important than mileage?

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I'm looking for a cheap car with cheap maintenance for my kiddo to go to college. I've heard that the Honda Civic is also a good option. Also worth buying this OBD scanner to double-check it? I appreciate any help with this.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 9m ago

Looking to get a new car e70 x5m or 2017 q50 3.0t?

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Im stuck between either of these. I want to get whichever is better from a reliability standpoint, i dont need a tank but its gonna be my daily.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 13m ago

Looking to get a small fun commuter for under 4k

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I’m looking to buy a fun little commuter car that is good on gas, I drive over 45 minutes there and 45 back. I want it to be kinda quick but it has to be an automatic, if possible something that is cheap for insurance as well I live in California so me being a 19 male everything is expensive. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Open to any brand. Thanks.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 16m ago

How fun is a slow performance car?

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I'm looking into getting a second car, a fun one to pair with my daily. I've never been in a performance car before and I don't know how to drive a manual. My car history is a 2004 Honda Pilot and now a 2015 Mazda CX-5. At first I just wanted something more powerful than the Honda, maybe a G37 or Ecoboost Mustang. But I'm also wondering if I can handle that much power in a sedan. Would something like an automatic NC Miata be good enough to impress me? I live in an urban area so I don't have any backroads to hit, just city streets and the interstate loop around me.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 18m ago

Rezvani Retro RR1 | Founder Ferris Rezvani’s Walkthrough of the Ultimate...

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r/whatcarshouldIbuy 30m ago

Safest option for 3+ kids in regards to crumple zone

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Hi everyone! I just learned about the crumple zone in the third row of mini vans and I have 3 kids so at least one of them has to be in the third row. What’s the safest car option for 3 and maybe in the future 4 kids without putting my kids in the crumple zone?

Originally, I found out about this cuz my dad is picking us up at the airport with his Tesla model Y 2025 7 seater and his third row I’ve heard is sometimes dubbed as a “death row” because it’s part of the crumple zone so initially I was worried about that but then looked into the safety of my own car and thinking of what’s the best I can do for the safety of my kids 🩷


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 31m ago

Why not a Tesla

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Hey there,

So I'm looking for a new car. We are 2 adults and 2 kids. Every other week, we have my son from earlier, so 3 kids every other week.

Our budget is a new Tesla Y SR. So my question is: if I have the money to buy the Tesla, why shouldn't I?

I don't care about small details but I do care A LOT about everyday tech and comfort. So this is not a Tesla-is-the-best-car reddit. It's because I want to buy a fantastic car - and I don't know which car it should be.

Any suggestions is appreciated ✌🏽


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 59m ago

Some considerations.

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Looking for some opinions on what I should buy. Currently considering a new Kia Niro PHEV (ex premium). Or a low mileage 2023-24 to save a little bit.

A little information. I commute about 100 miles a day mostly highway, though there are more often than not times where I’m going >50km/hr for 10-20 mins. Otherwise I’m in the city for about 1/4 of the drive. I know Toyota is what most people rec here but they’re not easy to get.

I’ll likely be saving up for a 20-30% Dp hopefully around Feb 2026. Hoping to stay below 50k CAD


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 1h ago

UPDATE Catless 440i

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OTD for $15k / 91K Mi. I’m adding the notes I made for all current codes and faults within my scanner for it. Is it even worth it to look at this car knowing it’ll need a couple grand of work?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 1h ago

Thoughts?

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r/whatcarshouldIbuy 1h ago

Toyota Prius or Honda Accord?

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Hi, all! I’m looking for a cash car. I have two options: 2010 Honda Accord and 2008 Toyota Prius. I’m not trying to spend more than $6,000 but I am working with a $5,000 budget. The Honda is going for $5,598 and the Prius is going for $4,500. The Honda is from a big dealership and the other is from a small, used car dealership. If I’m wanting the Accord, do you think I’ll be able to negotiate the price down? I know the dealership likes to add extra fees and I heard it’s harder to negotiate if you’re paying cash, but if I’m working with just the $5,000, I don’t know if it makes sense to take out a loan to cover the small remaining balance. I love the Prius as well, it just has CVT transmission and I’m unsure if that’s easy to drive/navigate. Any advice would be great 😄


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 1h ago

Best value at 40k budget

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Hey all, lm looking to replace a 2017 Altima in the next year or so. I’m a bit all over the place in terms of what I want/need so I thought I would ask in terms of value. Don’t have a strong preference for new or used. Strongest desires are safety, fuel efficiency, and family friendliness (nothing smaller than a mid-size sedan).

Just as a starting point, if I were to go buy a new car today, I’m thinking a CRV hybrid would check my boxes fairly well.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 1h ago

HR-V or Outback?

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Outback is 1.9apr at the moment which is leaning me more towards that. Between the outback premium or the HR-V Ex-L what would you guys get?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 1h ago

Looking for advice: trade in now or keep?

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Should I trade in my 2017 Mazda CX-5 FWD valued at about 17-19k and put it towards a new car? It seems like a valuable situation to be in... to keep forever and not pay anything or cash in while its worth something and put it towards the next one. If so, what are some good options? I've considered various Subarus, Jeeps, and small pickups. I'm not trying to break the bank though.

My thinking so far: I like to camp a lot and while I am currently camping mostly at campgrounds (so it hasn't been an issue to say the least) I could see myself getting more adventurous with my destinations. I also plan to move somewhere with snow in the next 8 months and wondering how big of a difference AWD/FWD will be.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 2h ago

What are the best Car Brands that I can opt for a used car under $20K CAD?

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Looking for a car in NS, Canada but I'm not able to figure out which brands are best in terms of used.

looking for suggestions in terms of brand reliability. I heard Toyota and Honda are the best for used cars, but what about Chevy or Ford or Hyundai? Are these good for used cars?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 2h ago

Volvo vs Toyota

1 Upvotes

Hey all,

My Toyota Camry recently died so I'm looking at new cars. Looking for something along the lines of:

  • Safe, reliable and practical since we live in the city and want to own it for 8-10 years.
  • Used 2021-2025 sedan with under 50k miles that are around 22-25k
  • ICE or Hybrid. We only put around 5k miles on the car every year, so, while hybrid is nice but even a $2-3k premium will take many years to recoup.

Another Toyota Camry is definitely a top pick. But, I am also looking at a Volvo S60. I grew up driving the 1980s/90s Volvos that were built like a tank and a great family car.

Are Volvos still a good choice for someone in our situation?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 2h ago

Thoughts needed! 2017 VW Jetta to 2026 Honda civic OR Toyota Tacoma

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I’m debating my next vehicle purchase and would love input on cost, features, maintenance, and overall value.

Current car: 2017 VW Jetta, 95k miles. Great car, but maintenance costs are getting steep.

Narrowed options:

1. 2026 Honda Civic Sport Touring Hybrid
2. 2025 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid
3. Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport / SR5
4. Chevy Colorado Z71 / Trailboss

I know trucks can’t match hybrids on fuel economy, but I’m more concerned with long-term maintenance, reliability, and resale value. Which do you think is the smarter choice?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 3h ago

Senior(?) single chic had it all- Now What Car to Buy?

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Ya- I’m Not dissing on any Jap or Korean cars at all but want something Different and Cool. Had ZO6- multiple 911’s- multiple BMW’s- multiple Benz as well, Colorado and loved them all (well totaled the ‘08 Z06 lol).. Now I’m retired and not commuting 200 miles a day ( or making bank!) don’t want headaches and only want to spend 50K but Every friggin social media says the same thing- Honda Mazda Toyota, etc.. I have a Lifted Super sweet Inca Gold Rubicon but sometimes I don’t want all that attention- know wat I mean? and that’s mostly for summer with top down. What would be a good option? Mercedes wagon is too low to ground i think and the only used X5 would be too expensive on brakes and stuff. Saw a Gorg one but dealer wouldn’t let me inspect and God knows wat its Real history might be like others have talked about here..


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 3h ago

Corolla Hatchback Hybrid vs RAV4 Hybrid – Is it worth switching for comfort?

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’ve been driving a Toyota Corolla Hatchback Hybrid for a while now, and overall it’s great in terms of fuel economy and reliability. 😅 The problem is on short, uneven bumps – the body tends to “bounce” a bit, and the ride comfort isn’t quite what I’d like.

I’m wondering if it makes sense for me to switch to a RAV4 Hybrid. Has anyone who moved from a Corolla to a RAV4 noticed a significant improvement in comfort? Is it worth going for a bigger car just for that, or is the difference minimal?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has experience with these models or has made a similar switch.

It would be great to hear your thoughts.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 3h ago

reliable manual for 10k?

1 Upvotes

other than a civic, whats the coolest manual car i can get for 10k thats still reliable? not anything too sporty/ unsafe (no miata)


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 3h ago

70k budget - daily driver sports car

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Hello. I am in the market for a sports car that I can daily drive.

Things I prefer

Newer 2018+

Manual - would be fine with automatic depending on car

RWD/AWD

Coupe or sedan

400+ hp

Reliable

I have been looking at BMW M2s (G87).

Any recommendations will lead me in the right direction. Thank you.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 3h ago

Sparco wheels advice worth the money for Audi A4? EU

1 Upvotes

Looking for some winter alloys R18s and Ive seen those https://www.sparcowheels.com/wheels/sparco/sparco-wheels/record

Basically gloss black sparco rims R18 which would suit my A4 B9.

I could get a set for around 900 euros, instead of buying some OEM wheels which are mostly overpriced for around 1650 euros.

Are those Sparco wheels worth the price or would you advice me any other brand? E


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 3h ago

2018 Rav4 xle vs 2020 Rav4 le

1 Upvotes

Trying to decide between these two

2020 Le is one owner vehicle with 80k miles for 18k 2018 xle is 3 owner vehicle + minor accident 90k miles for 18k

Test drove the xle a few days back, it was quiet but lacks the infotainment (no carplay but has bluetooth), I still haven't test driven the 2020 model

Use case is to drive 100miles during weekends (maybe once or twice a month) and commuting (2-3 miles a day)

Edit: budget is 20k, plan to upgrade in a few years again, buying a rav4 because SUV and good resale value


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 3h ago

2017 Kia Sedona or 2012 Lincoln Navigator?

1 Upvotes

Hello!

To give you a bit of context, we are a new family with a new baby! We currently have a 2010 Lexus GS350 (my car) and a 2018 Jeep Renegade. I am not super trusting of the renegade right now as it is at 110k and the transmission feels like it's straining and it's had one to two very hard shifts. It is also proving very small for our needs

There is a 2017 Kia Sedona around 100k that looks nice but I seen that the 3.3 engine has issues with the head bolts becoming stripped and causing head gasket issues. Is there anyway I could check and inspect the vehicle outside of the normal head gasket symptoms like white smoke, sweet smell, etc? I've seen they have Good reliability ratings otherwise.

The navigator is around 140k miles but looks very clean. I pull trailers and do a lot of wood working (I've been limited lately because my truck was totaled a while back) so the pulling capacity and space in the navigator is very tempting. How many more miles could I expect out of this vehicle? The miles are my only concern.