/r/whatcarshouldIbuy

Photograph via snooOG

Car model advice and general buying discussion.

  • Please be specific and provide as much information as possible! No templates or tags are required, but location, budget, and example cars you've already looked at will always give you better answers.

  • If you have to ask, you shouldn't buy a salvage/branded title

  • Looking for a basic car for under 5K in the US? Here's a table, courtesy of 4chan's /o/ board! Or in album form: https://imgur.com/a/GPaSiEw

  • Keep topics limited to what car to buy. Questions about timing can be submitted to r/askcarsales. No pandemic related questions and no low-quality or repeat memes.

  • Please be respectful in your answers, and remember that this community is equally intended to help devoted gearheads and people who aren't auto enthusiasts.

  • Made a decision and getting ready to make a purchase? Make sure to get a PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection) and head over to /r/askcarsales for help on all the details!

  • Buying new? DOC fees by state

  • Did we help you find your new car? Submit an update with a link to your original post and show off your new ride!

  • No self promotion, no selling.

  • Commiserating about bad dealer experiences is understandable, but do not post any personal information.

  • Feel free to meme, but we reserve the right to remove reposted, lazy, or offensive content.

  • Don't be a dick.

  • /r/whatcarshouldIbuy

    505,152 Subscribers

    1

    Used Car Indecision: HR-V vs Venue?

    Hi folks, I'm looking to buy my first car (compact SUV) and am essentially choosing between paying more for the car I think I want, vs paying less for a used car that I like enough.

    I really like the newer Honda HR-V and have found a few decently priced used ones near me in the Bay Area in the color + trim I like:

    https://www.edmunds.com/honda/hr-v/2023/vin/3CZRZ1H53PM735835/?radius=25

    https://www.hondacertified.com/vehicle-details?vin=3CZRZ1H55RM719929

    But I could pay less (and get better mileage?) for a Hyundai Venue:

    https://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/venue/2022/vin/KMHRC8A38NU132425/?radius=25

    While I like the HR-V, the mileage isn't quite as good and I wonder if I should be paying more right now when there could be more fuel efficient plug-in hybrid options for more cars in the near future. So I wonder if it's best for me to just pay less money for the Venue. Any thoughts on the deals I've found or guidance on how to make this decision?

    0 Comments
    2025/02/01
    18:11 UTC

    1

    Jeep wranglers?

    Newer Jeep wranglers

    Whats the consensus on the newer jeep wranglers? 2020+, how do you feel about them? For those who have them, how have they been treating you? What did you trade in/sell for the jeep? Everyday drive? Reliability has been as bad as they say?

    I'm thinking about getting one, trading in a bmw 4 series coupe.

    1 Comment
    2025/02/01
    17:53 UTC

    1

    Mid Size 4wd Truck under $35K

    Hi,

    I’m looking to get a mid sized truck to transport my dirt bike and MTB with at least one road trip per month around 400 miles each way. So, it should be reasonably comfortable on the highway, but I don’t expect it to be luxurious. I’d also like to explore local off road trails that mostly appear to consist of sand and mud. No rock climbing or Baja style jumping required. My local market has new Gladiator’s around $34k (filtering for inventory with power windows). There are also a handful of low mileage CPO ‘22+ Frontier Pro4X’s in the low 30’s. The Nissan looks to be a much better truck in terms of daily usability and almost certainly more reliable than the Jeep - tho the Jeep is really customizable which could make up some ground there down the line. Any others I should consider? TIA

    3 Comments
    2025/02/01
    17:46 UTC

    1

    I need help buying my first car

    I just passed my drivers test and I want to know some other people’s opinion on my first car. I have 10k saved up and I found this 2017 Buick regal for 9 thousand with 116 thousand miles. It also has Apple CarPlay and a backup camera, black leather interior,silver exterior but I want to add blind spot monitoring too. It was bought new by a rental agency is Colorado but driven for 8 months with 25 thousand miles then sold to a dealer in Texas. The new owner drove it from 2017 to now and sold it about a week ago to a dealership. The car fax is super clean oil changed and maintenance done every 6-8 thousand miles sometimes 3 and he drove it about 12 thousand miles a year. CARFAX says no accidents reported. It’s got the 2.0 turbo 4 cylinder which is common and reliable 21 city 29 highway. I just need some help knowing if this is a good choice I have brothers trying to tell me different shit like to buy a Chevy Malibu (hell no) or a 2012 v6 mustang (hell no again) My drive to school is a good 30 minutes to and from and I have to drive on the highway to get there that’s why I want a Buick so the road noise is mild and I can sit comfortably.

    2 Comments
    2025/02/01
    17:46 UTC

    1

    2010 Lexus Rx 350

    Found a 2010 Rx 350 with only 67k miles, listed for about 13.9k. I read that this year and a few others are some to avoid due to oil leaking and a few other issues. Anyone have experience with these or thoughts on the deal?

    3 Comments
    2025/02/01
    17:44 UTC

    1

    2021 Chevrolet Spark, 14,000 miles, $,7500. Looked up the VIN, it was declared a total loss but kept a clean title somehow.

    https://www.liveauctionworld.com/2021-CHEVROLET-SPARK_i54270141

    Car is currently fixed. No airbags deployed. If I take it to a mechanic shop and they say the frame isn't damaged, am I good to go?

    0 Comments
    2025/02/01
    17:40 UTC

    2

    10 year cars

    Hello!

    I have been shopping around for a car. Unfortunately I am an idiot when it comes to cars as I constantly get a new/used one. I am done and looking to find a suv/crossover that will truly last for once. I always see Toyota and Lexus at the top but what are some unheard of cars that will last 10+ years besides the typical top one? (Honda, Subaru, etc). Was also looking for some nicer ones as well but want to stick to regular gas. Anything you all feel I should think about??

    3 Comments
    2025/02/01
    17:27 UTC

    1

    New or used Pickup w INSANELY COLD AC?

    I live in San Antonio. Our summers are beyond brutal -- 80 days above 101F last year. I passed out from the heat at a long red light in my 08 Civic. Its AC was a joke to begin with, it blew out on defrost last week. Need a pickup but it MUST have an AC that can conquer 130F pavement temps. Honda's off my list. Of all the benchmarks ppl grade cars and trucks, the HVAC performance is overlooked. My wife I terrified my car's gonna kill me.

    3 Comments
    2025/02/01
    17:19 UTC

    1

    Thoughts on 2014 Honda CR-V 185K

    It'll be $10K out the door. Has new timing chain, spark plugs, and engine mounts. Anything particular to inspect or be worried about?

    1 Comment
    2025/02/01
    17:19 UTC

    2

    Are there any 'good' years for Altima/cvt issues? Or are they all stay away?

    Looking for a cheaper (under 10k) used run around car for my son. Getting rid of a 2011 cruze. There hust aren't any toyota/honda options short of 20 yrs and 200k miles old. Stuck loking into nissans, kias, american.

    4 Comments
    2025/02/01
    17:14 UTC

    1

    Should I get a 6MT V6 Accord ?

    I currently have a 2017 Accord Coupe Touring. I owe 7k and am looking at getting 14k for it. I pay close to $500 a month and insurance is $1200 for 6 months. They are wanting 11k for the 6MT Accord.

    Been wanting a MT for a while now and heard this vehicle is pretty good for a learner like me, I don't struggle with payments on my current vehicle but, it would leave me with more money in the end if I did trade it in.

    3 Comments
    2025/02/01
    17:13 UTC

    1

    Should I buy a new Rav4 hybrid at $40k+ when my 2004 Honda Accord has 112k miles and still runs well with no payments.

    Hi. I’m worried about tariffs in increasing the cost of Toyota imports, so maybe now is the time to upgrade. I drive a 2024 Honda Accord. It doesn’t get the best gas mileage, with no safety features but fully loaded with leather, moonroof , and great sound. winter climate means that some things are gonna go wrong even if the engine keeps going for another 100K miles, so repair cost are gonna increase overtime. I’m a single person so I’m not sure that I need an SUV but Rav 4 hybrid checks alot of boxes. Threat of tariffs has me thinking. I test drove a Subaru outback, which I really liked, but lower gas mileage than a RAV4 hybrid. Supposedly this might be the last year the Subaru outback has the wagon design as it goes hybrid. So my options are 1. do nothing and drive my Honda till it dies. 2. Rav 4 hybrid limited about 46-48k with tax. 3. Suburu outback limited about 42k with tax. I make a decent salary and can swing a new car but value saving and living minimally too. Any thoughts? I’m on the fence…

    30 Comments
    2025/02/01
    17:12 UTC

    1

    2018 Subaru Outback Limited Questions

    I have a chance to pick up a 2018 Outback Limited with 125k miles for under $16k.

    I haven't purchased a vehicle since before backup cameras. While I've had a few Subarus, and liked them, I'm admittedly behind on the brand and don't know what to look out for.

    Is 125k miles asking for immediate trouble?

    Is this model/year known for any predictable problems?

    How long can I reasonably expect this car to last assuming I provide regular maintain and there isn't some catastrophic failure?

    I tend to drive a car in the ground before replacing it. It doesn't have to stay pristine. But I'd like to have hire vehicle for a good while.

    Thanks!

    0 Comments
    2025/02/01
    17:01 UTC

    0

    Is it wise to buy a “2006 GMC Canyon regular cab” with 69,000 miles for $7,000

    1 Comment
    2025/02/01
    16:48 UTC

    1

    What car should I get?

    Hey y’all, I live in Morgantown WV currently and I’m looking to buy a new car soon since my other one’s getting too old. The two cars I’m between are

    2013 Suburu Outback 2.5i Limited, 90,689 miles

    2015 Honda CRV, 4 Cylinder L-VTEC 2.4 Liter, 113,326 miles

    Just another thing to note. Being WV obviously there are a lot of mountains and they absolutely suck at plowing in the winter. Just thought I’d put that out there.

    13 Comments
    2025/02/01
    16:38 UTC

    2

    AWD under 15k?

    Had a car accident in November that totaled my car. Just got the insurance check and looking to spend under 15k if I can. I was in a 2020 corolla and getting crunched by a six was a bit scary and would really like to sit taller so my head isn’t grill level with other vehicles.

    Any recommendations? I’m not mechanically inclined so I really worry about reliability and gas milage. I’ve seen a few Hyundai Tucson around 2016. Nissan Rouge? Thoughts?

    3 Comments
    2025/02/01
    16:34 UTC

    4

    Which luxury SUV for wife that cares more about looks / comfort / safety?

    First time poster. I know variations of this question have been asked multiple times, but I was hoping you all could give your thoughts on my situation.

    My wife wants an 'luxury' SUV. She wants a nice car for commuting to work. The cars I've been looking at were Mercedes GLC, Genesis GV70, or BMW X3. We would probably add many interior features to make it as nice as possible.

    She basically hates driving lol. She wants a comfortable, luxurious ride with a pretty exterior and interior. She loves the idea of a safe car but I'm pretty sure all these are safe enough. She definitely won't appreciate more power or performance.

    She loves the idea of Mercedes because of the brand lol, and 'brand name' is actually important to her. But I want to make best decision for her. For me, Genesis GV70 looks the most luxurious. (fyi we can comfortably afford all these cars, and I prefer not to go more expensive than this range eg, Macan).

    I would love all your thoughts! Thanks in advance!

    Of note, I drive a Hyundai Elantra N and previously had Civic R so I know little about SUVs lol. Also, no kids, but planning for in near future.

    40 Comments
    2025/02/01
    15:59 UTC

    4

    I don’t know shit about cars help me?

    Hey! I need to buy a new car fast and have no idea what I’m doing and how not to get ripped off. Can someone give me some tips?

    I want something that will last a while and be low maintenance. Fuel efficient would be great. Needs to be able to kind of drive in the snow but I guess snow tires can go on any vehicle? I normally have had Subaru which have been great, I guess? But I don’t really know how to compare. Used car under $20,000. Tips? I had a partner in the car industry who normally helped me with this process so I’ve never just gone to a dealership to buy one. You just walk in and pick one? Or research who in town has the exact car you want? HELP PLEASE

    7 Comments
    2025/02/01
    15:50 UTC

    1

    What used EV or plug-in hybrid should I buy for $25k

    Need $25k purchase price in order to get state of Colorado used ev rebate and to qualify for vehicle exchange program

    2 Comments
    2025/02/01
    15:48 UTC

    2

    What should I buy⁉️

    I currently drive a 2022 AMG GT 53 coupe. I’m ready for a new ride. I want a big change, but not sure which way to go? My top choices (yes I know they are random, but I like variety). (1) 2025 Porsche 718 (2) 2025 AMG CLE 53 (3) 2025 Rivian R1T (4) 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport

    I’ve never owned a truck, so there is just a tiny interest in having one for 2 or 3 years. I would love the Porsche, but these new vehicle would be a daily driver and I would hate to stack in miles. I’m leaning towards the AMG. It’s a touch different, but solid reliable car that looks sharp.

    All over the place, but I need to decide! 😂

    1 Comment
    2025/02/01
    15:46 UTC

    3

    Why are used Toyotas and Hondas so expensive exag

    I know they are reliable and have simple and basic engines that last longer with minimal maintenance ( I know average car owners only do oil change ), but come on I see 2005 or 6 models with 300k miles for sale asking for $3000 or more and they say because “it is a Toyota” I mean can people not buy them for those prices or not offer more than they deserve ? People sell for that much because people buy How did used cars market become like that

    52 Comments
    2025/02/01
    15:46 UTC

    1

    Wagon or compact SUV with 5,000lb towing capacity

    Can anyone recommend a station wagon or compact SUV (or similarly small vehicle) with a tow hitch and capacity to tow minimally 5,000 lbs? Bonus if two kids in carseats plus an adult can fit three across in the back seat. I've considered the WV Tourareg and the BMI X5.

    1 Comment
    2025/02/01
    15:33 UTC

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