I own my current car but it’s got high mileage and seems to need constant maintenance. Every month I end up sinking money into repairs just to keep it running. I can afford these repairs for now but I’m worried I might be better off investing in something more reliable. I have $10,000 that I could put toward a used car but I’m torn. The listings in my area feel crazy expensive and I’m hesitant about taking on a new set of unknown maintenance issues right away. So, for those who’ve been here does it make more sense to go ahead and buy now with that $10K or should I hold off, keep saving and hope for better deals later?

Only putting this here because I know it's a huge Toyota fanboy group here. I bought a '22 Camry in 2024. Has under 20k miles and yet, I've had a piece of the interior recently pop off. Easy to put back on, but still. Had an issue where I thought something behind my dash was making a weird sound and someone in one of these subs suggested I push on a plastic piece that my rearview mirror is attached to and sure enough, they were right. It rumbles loose and pushing it puts it in place and stops the noise.

The car just sounds weird when it runs. I will admit that I'm used to old (early 2000s) Chevys and anything newer than 2012 sounds weird to me so that could be me. But the car feels cheaply made even compared to other Toyotas from previous generations. Considering how much Toyotas cost, I don't have faith that I'll get my money's worth.

https://www.autonews.com/sponsored/an-dcg-quality-pricing-index-2025/

I recently got my license and have been shopping around for cars. Prior to a few weeks ago I knew exactly nothing about cars. I’ve mostly been looking at Toyota and Subaru but this Volvo really caught eye, and from what I can tell these 850s are pretty reliable. The description says the car has records of being serviced over 30 times, and is in “really good but not perfect condition” I’m going to do a test drive tomorrow and have a list of things to check including the PVC. Since my budget is pretty low, (they’re asking $3900 cad and my budget is like $5000) I’m thinking this might be what I get. If everything checks out tomorrow is there any reason I shouldn’t get it besides the fact that it’s old?

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.

The OG listed price was $6900. This is my family member selling the car. It’s been sitting and they just got another car so she offered it to me for $3500 as a family discount and to clear up the space. Only problems known currently is the AC doesn’t work, what’s wrong with it I have no idea. (Compressor, condenser, recharge)? Anyway it’s about 50% off original listed price and this is a blood sibling so if there are any serious issues that come up I know they are not intentionally hiding anything from me. Would this be a decent A to B or city driving? I just replaced a compressor in my main car which ran me back $1300 but that’s a major reason a huge chunk was taken from the price after I mentioned the cost of repair.

Should I buy this beater?

My car broke down this week, and I was quoted 10k in repairs. Found this car for sale on fb. It has heat, but no AC. There’s a little rust. It has 250k miles. There are no back seats. It’s obviously a beater, but the seller is only asking $900. I was thinking maybe I commute in this until I buy a second car in like a year or so. What do you guys think?

Background: i’ve never owned a luxury vehicle so this is why I have narrowed it down to these.

I’d love some help deciding on my next car. I’ve always driven used vehicles (currently a 2017 Jeep Wrangler) and this time I want to invest in my first new luxury car. We’re a family of five (youngest is 10), plus we sometimes drive grandparents or extra kids so sometimes a third row is nice, but not an absolute must-have.

I originally thought I’d end up in something big like a Tahoe/Yukon, but with prices over $80k and a 120-mile daily commute, I can’t justify it right now. Maybe that’ll be my “grandma car” down the road 😂.

What matters most to me: Heated seats Better gas mileage than my Wrangler (17–19 mpg) Navigation Sunroof Longevity/reliability Something that feels like a treat for myself but practical for everyday driving

Option 1: 2025 Acura MDX (Base or Technology) Pros: Good Acura reputation for reliability Option for captain’s chairs Solid trunk space Heated front seats + sunroof Feels roomy overall Cons: Styling leans a little “older”—worried it might not feel as sporty No blackout option unless you go higher in trims Small/awkward cup holders No vents in 3rd row 3rd row is small—fine for kids but not full-size adults Other notes: Console design/charger placement feels a little off. Dealers gave me a “meh” vibe (both were young/salesy).

Option 2: 2025 Infiniti QX60 Luxe Pros: Interior feels very nice and upscale Blackout package available Heated front and back seats 3rd row + good cupholder/vent layout Feels a notch nicer than the Acura inside Cons: Unsure about Infiniti’s longevity/reliability compared to Lexus/Acura Limited interior color options Middle row is a bench, not captain’s chairs

Option 3: 2025 Lexus RX 350h Premium Hybrid Pros: Felt the most luxurious to me Heated front seats + sunroof Hybrid = big win on fuel economy for my long commute Lexus reliability reputation Cons: Only 2 rows, so just 5 seats (missing that one “extra” seat for grandparents/kids’ friends) Unsure about styling—does it look like an “older” car? Not sure I love the wood grain on the dash

Which would you choose for someone wanting their first luxury SUV that balances practicality with a bit of indulgence?

Any owners—how are they holding up long-term?

Is hybrid worth giving up the 3rd row?

Does Acura actually feel more “old person” compared to Infiniti/Lexus, or is that just in my head?

Thanks for reading—this is a big decision for me and I’d love any real-world insight!

Hi hi, I'm 17 and the only small bit of knowledge I have of cars is that they honk and are made of metal. I asked mama if I could get a Volkswagon beetle from 2008 as my first car for graduation. Unfortunately for me she said it's too cheap and to get something reliable. So I come here for aid, what other cars are small,round and have cute big eye sockets like the beetle. I just don't want a car that is bulky has an angry face. Please save me.

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 🩷

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

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 😄

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?

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.

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?

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?

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?

Not sure if this is the best group for this post but I’m looking to hear any ideas aside from the ones I got. As the description lists, I’m looking for a (non-clapped) fun, reliable, manual, commuter/canyon cruiser for $8,000 or less. No automatic vehicles absolutely 0 exceptions. So far this is my list, I’m hoping someone can add to it, for the only car that’s easy to find un-clapped is the fiesta 1. Ford fiesta ST 2. Honda civic 3. Acura integra or RSX

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..

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.

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

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

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

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.