r/whatcarshouldIbuy

i get why bigger SUVs are the majority of cars, they sell, but it does hurt a bit to not have those super small subcompact óptimos like we used to. my first car was a chevy spark, and I had it 10 years before I gave it to a family member who needed a car. i now have a prius, and i do really like it, but i miss the size of my spark sometimes and wish there were still óptimos like it

It is such a draining experience now -- have a 2012 civic with 195k miles and its still runs, and I know I don't need a new car yet, but I am shopping ahead of time and its been draining --

how do you decided what is even reliable anymore and used cars are priced like a joke...I don't know anymore. I have enough to buy car cash but just feels bad.

I would AWD SUV (Maybe) hybrid for long road trips and just day to day work.

Hey everyone,

I have been going down a rabbit hole trying to choose a car for my daily commute (about 30 to 45 minutes each way), and one thing I keep seeing is that people say AWD is a must for winter.

But the more I read, the more I think that good winter tires might be more important than AWD.

This isn't just a theory for me because I live in a place with real winters (snow and ice). I'm mostly looking at smaller, more fuel-efficient cars like the Corolla, Civic, and Mazda3. Part of me thinks that going AWD just adds cost and complexity that I might not need.

So I'm interested in what people here really think, especially those who have been there:

Does AWD really make a difference when driving in the winter?
Or is FWD and the right winter tires enough for most situations?
Does anyone wish they hadn't gotten AWD? Or wish you hadn't gotten it?

Not trying to start a fight, haha, just trying to make a smart choice before I buy something.

I'd love to hear about real-life experiences.

Some background I'm 32 been driving an 04 Lexus RX330 and have been wanting something fun and fast. I have never driven stick before but I ride motorcycles and know how to operate a clutch. But I also want some practicality meaning some cargo space and occasional times for passengers. These are my top choices in order please talk me out of this if it sounds like a bad idea but I just want something zippy and fun

1. Honda Civic Type R FL5. I'm usually a Toyota guy but man Honda kills it with this ride it looks AMAZING to me and I know it can put out some fun times. I also heard that the Type R clutch and stick is beginner friendly.

2. WRX. Cheap, easy to work on plenty of mods. I could learn the ways of driving stick with a cheaper WRX and then maybe upgrade later on so I don't mess up the clutch.

3. Corolla GR86. I have seen a few of these and they look incredibly fun to drive.

A lot of discourse on this sub is about "boring but reliable" cars, vs cars perceived as more "fun," due to better performance or whatever.

for those who went from one to the other, I'm wondering how it turned out.

I’m currently cross-shopping and I’ve hit a bit of a wall. On one hand, everyone keeps telling me to just buy a Toyota or a Honda and "be done with it." I get the logic, they run forever and the resale value is great.

But every time I sit in one, I just feel... nothing. No soul, no excitement.

On the other hand, there are some Euro brands and "less reliable" options that actually make me look back at the car when I walk away. I’m torn between making the smart financial decision and actually enjoying my commute.

For context, this will become her daily driver. She is a stay at home mom of our two kids, ages 8 months and 2. Current vehicle is a shit box of a Chevy Sonic, on its last legs.

Now—we won’t be doing any off roading. My wife doesn’t travel very far on a daily basis for now. Short trips to run errands and to the park. So the assumption is that she won’t use much gas.

$35K is more than I would like to spend on a vehicle that has little utility for a family of 4. But can’t convince my wife otherwise. I drive a reliable 2015 Mazda 6 with 170K miles and counting. Was hoping she’d get something that could be a family car given the age of mine.

How bad are Jeep Wranglers guys? This is the plug in hybrid model.

My girlfriend looking for a new car wants a Subaru brz as a fun little sporty girly car. I’ve tried to talk her into getting a more practical reliable car (like a Camry!) but she won’t budge. I’m very mechanically inclined, I’ve done a lot of work on cars and have accumulated a pretty respectable workshop IMO, but never a boxer engine. And because of this I’ve naturally turned into her mechanic. Shes moving about an hour away and I want to make sure there’s no glaring potential problems with these engines that would leave her stranded or anything. If she does end up getting one I’ll be doing fluid changes, checking the brakes, the whole runaround. But I’ve never touched a sideways engine before. I’m nervous for her but I might just have to look at this from a different angle

Edit: looking for something around 18k >80k miles with good maintenance history.

So I’m getting a car soon, but I want one that’s smaller, preferably the color red, but also on the cheaper side and safe. Like if I get into a wreck I won’t die. If that makes sense. Also how do people know so much about cars? It doesn’t make sense to me, tell me your ways…

Hi folks! I'm currently driving a 2022 base Corolla which I've had for about 4 years now. It's super dependable and I haven't had any issues with it, but I am itching for a sportier and more luxurious car now that I'm able to afford it after being in the workforce for several years.

I've test driven the 2026 versions of the Audi S3, BMW 330i (base), Acura Integra (A spec), Lexus IS350. I was pretty impressed by the drive quality and interior of the Audi and BMW, was left a bit underwhelmed by the Acura and Lexus.

Am I missing any contenders in this area? Really for me, I want something that I can zip around in with nice tech inside. Preferably a sedan or similar body style.

Cheers! Thanks for your help.

I’m currently deciding between a Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or Mazda3 for a daily driver and could use some advice.

My budget is around 12k to 15k, so I’m mostly looking at used models, probably somewhere between 2015 and 2019 depending on mileage.

I mainly care about reliability and low maintenance costs, but I’d also like something that doesn’t feel too boring to drive. Fuel economy matters since I’ll be using it mostly for city driving with some highway trips.

From what I’ve seen, the Corolla seems like the safest choice, the Civic is a good balance, and the Mazda3 looks more fun to drive, but I’m not sure how they compare long term.

For those who’ve owned one of these, which would you pick and why?

Hey everyone, I’m trying to decide between a CX-30 and a CX-50 and wanted some advice.

I’m an incoming college student at Texas A&M (College Station), and I’m currently driving an older Toyota Prius. I’m looking to upgrade to something nicer, more fun to drive, and a bit more premium, but still practical.

A family member of mine has a CX-5, and I like it a lot, so I’ve been leaning Mazda. I’m just not sure if I should go smaller with the CX-30 or bigger with the CX-50.

I would mostly be driving around College Station (campus, errands, etc.) with a few road trips and rn i don’t need a ton of space right now. I do really care about reliability, MPG, and overall value

From what ive seen and gathered, CX-30 seems easier to drive/park and more efficient but the CX-50 seems more spacious and better long-term

If you were in my situation, which would you pick?

Thanks I appreciate it

Just curious what V8 options there are out there for less than $35k CAD. Seeing a lot of German cars, are any of these actually reliable?

M550i would be cool but turbos may be more trouble than I'm looking for. Lexus LS doesn't look very appealing but the idea of a NA Toyota V8 sounds great.

What am I missing here? Not sure I'd want anything American... maybe a Cadillac.

I live in a major city and have gotten by for the last 10 years without a car. I am in my mid 30s, make decent money and have great credit. My job allows me to have regular stretches of 3-4 days off at a time and I feel I am ready to get a car so I can get out of the city more often. I won’t be driving the car every day as I still plan to commute on public transit a good chunk of the time and see myself only putting around 6k miles on the car a year give or take.

My question is about what I should look for. Originally I figured I could get a decent used car for around 15k. I don’t plan to fully pay in cash and would like to put around 5k down as a down payment and finance the rest as it would be easier on repairs and just fit into my budget better. But wonder now if it would be better to buy new for 25-30k. I’ve heard better interest rates, and less headaches. I would like to also keep this car for as long as possibly can.

I’ve mostly been looking at Honda civics as that was the most reliable car I previously owned. I’m really trying to avoid going through the trouble of dealing with used car issues as I had a string of them before I decided to go carless but the price difference is obviously a bit more.

Again mostly been looking at civics and occasionally corollas. I don’t need anything special, something small, and most importantly reliable and easy to maintain.

This has been a little overwhelming trying to figure out what is best and smartest so hoping some of you can help out!

Edit: also realized I butchered the title at the end haha. My b

Hey guys

I have recently been really interested in wagons and found a 2012 a4 avant with 165k miles for $3500 but it got sold in a day and I been looking for one for a while. Any other similar wagons that yall find sick and are under 10k with awd?

Or cheaper. used cars only.. Nissan z for example. something pretty modern.

I’m stuck between a 2026 Ranger Raptor and 2026 Tacoma Trailhunter. I know Toyotas are reliable but the back seat is really small. The Ranger I hear is more fun to drive and has bigger rear seat space for my kids. Prices here in SoCal are really similar but I’m leaning towards the Raptor just cause of the seating. Any thoughts?