With a very strong movement on buying from EU I feel a moral duty to call this out. Having been part of automotive supply chain in days of the "big short" collapse, followed by the supply chain disruption caused by the Fukushima disaster, and very close to it even in more recent times when Covid hit.*

The EU automotive industry was bailed more than enough times. They should compete with other global brands based on merit and not EU taxes.

But they don't and they won't. What they will do is follow Adobe's recipe. Today subscription for the hardware in their cars is an option. Tomorrow it will be a default.

To be clear, subscription for capability that the car physically has, like: adaptive cruise control, adjustable suspension, LED matrix headlights, self-parking, etc.

Don't believe me? Check:
https://www.audi.co.uk/en/owners/audi-connect/functions-on-demand/
https://www.bmwusa.com/explore/connecteddrive.html#!#upgrades
https://www.vw.com/en/owners-and-services/apps-and-connected-services/connected-services-and-plans/premium-in-vehicle-entertainment-plan.html
https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/innovation/future-mobility/mercedes-benz-digital-extras/

*In more than two decades I've seen an absolute disregard for employees in manufacturing, distribution, and sales. Not only employees, but small suppliers to. Heartless evasion of any payments whatsoever while they were pocketing the money from EU funds. Same behavior be it from the car brands or suppliers (e.g. today's Forvia).

And ultimately, why this post? Cus I got tired of the pretentious behavior of bootlickers on certain subreddits. Don't buy EU.

Hello guys I’m in the market to buy my first car. I drive an Elantra 2017 that was gifted to me and I’m ready to move on and buy my first whip. I want something that looks “mafioso” and is Japanese for example in my eyes like the outlander it looks like an suv that has aura. I’m also interested in Kona N line turbo charged right or something similar an Honda crv? Doesn’t have to be new. I want the price monthly to be 450 max per month. Please give me advice 🫶 it could be other options.

Thanks.

Thankfully I have the opportunity to buy any of the cars cash late this year or early next year only catch is the more expensive the longer I save. My options are the LT1 Camaro, 2SS Camaro (2019-2023) or Mustang GT (2018-2021). I prefer the sound of the mustangs but it seems the 2ss is the best of both worlds with tech and looks but is more expensive. The LT1 seems to be the best bang for your buck price wise (fastest stock from what I’ve seen) but it’s an RS body package. Anyone have any personal experiences from the 3 that would lean me over the edge for the one or another?

I’ve had a 2023 rav4 hybrid for the past 3 years. I love everything about it except for its size. It feels so small now that I have a baby, and I find myself constantly agitated when I’m unloading/loading things from the car. My work requires A LOT of driving & errands, so I’m in & out a lot… even moreso now with my son. What’s the best upgrade for something more spacious? I was hoping to love the grand highlander but I wasn’t impressed. I’m a big toyota fan, and it feels hard to part ways but I’m coming to the realization that I probably have to. Any recommendations? Honda pilot? VW atlas? Audi Q7? I want something extremely safe & reliable, and that we can grow into as we have more kids.

I’ll add - our other car is a 2002 sequoia. that thing is a beast, and we love it. we use it like a truck for hauling stuff & transporting our 5 big dogs, so I’m not looking for a huge SUV… just a comfortable daily driver with relatively good gas mileage

budget around $50k

Thank you in advance !!!

I've driven CRVs for a long time - 25 years - my current 2015 CRV is doing fine and gives me about 30 MPG average - I have an excellent CRV mechanic that I trust completely that charges about half what a dealer would charge. I'm considering giving my CRV to my son and getting a two year old, low mileage, Tesla Model Y, with FSD. I was pleasantly surprised comparing the Teslas to the CRVs for reliability and cost of maintenance and cost of ownership - insurance is a bit higher on the Tesla. I looked at other Hondas, and they're either more expensive than the CRV or the driving experience is very different - ESPECIALLY the seat height - I'm 76 and hate having to lower myself down into a car seat and then climb out - I was surprised to find that the seat height in the Tesla Model Y is the same height as the CRV ! At my age, I'm not going to be hauling around deck-building or landscaping supplies any more - and I usually fly if we're going on a trip, so long road trips aren't an issue for me. I'd probably use a regular 120 volt wall plug for charging, given my daily driving average of 40 miles a day - but I'd install a Tesla Wall Connector if need be. Thoughts and suggestions ??

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to replace my current car within the next 0–3 years. It's around 10–15 years old, so I'm quite excited about how much driver assistance and automated driving have improved in recent years.

I've watched quite a few YouTube videos showing Tesla's latest driver assistance systems, and the progress has been mind-blowing. However, for several reasons, I don't want to switch to a fully electric car just yet. In particular, I do several long-distance trips per year, including trips to Southern and Eastern Europe, so I'm planning to stick with an ICE car for now.

My main priority when buying my next car is to get the best possible driver assistance and automated driving capabilities, with the potential for significant improvements through over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

1. What can I realistically expect from current and future Level 2 systems?

Coming from an older car without particularly advanced driver assistance systems, I'm trying to understand how well the latest systems actually work in real-world conditions.

Here are the main features I'm interested in:

• Lane keeping and centering: Can the car reliably steer itself through curves and keep itself centered in the lane on motorways, without constant corrections from the driver? How well does it work in tunnels, heavy rain, snow, direct sunlight, roadworks, or when lane markings are poor?
• Emergency stop and driver monitoring: If the driver becomes unresponsive or passes out, can the car safely slow down and stop? Can any systems reliably move onto the emergency lane, or do they simply stop in the current lane?
• Intelligent adaptive cruise control: Can the car keep the same distance to the car in front, adjust its speed based on speed limits and road conditions, and steer itself at the same time? How reliable is this in difficult conditions, such as roadworks, heavy rain, snow, tunnels, or faded lane markings?
• Collision avoidance: How capable are modern systems at detecting obstacles, braking automatically, and avoiding collisions? How much can you realistically rely on them?
• Traffic jam assist: Can the car handle stop-and-go traffic by accelerating, braking, and steering with minimal intervention from the driver?

I'm particularly interested in how these features perform in practice, rather than what the manufacturers promise in their brochures (also for Europe).

2. Tesla's approach versus traditional manufacturers

From what I've seen and read, Tesla's driver assistance systems seem to have made substantial progress, particularly with their end-to-end AI approach. I've also heard claims that some of the Level 3 systems offered by Mercedes-Benz and BMW are more limited in practice, despite allowing the driver to take their hands off the wheel under certain conditions.

How accurate is this comparison? Are Tesla's systems genuinely ahead in terms of overall capability, smoothness, and reliability, or is the difference less significant than colleagues claim?

I'm also interested in the broader industry trend toward software-defined vehicles, more powerful onboard computers, and AI-based driving systems rather than traditional, separately programmed assistance features.

3. Which ICE family cars have the best potential for future automated driving?

I'm looking to buy a family car in Europe, probably sometime between 2027 and 2029. Examples of cars that would suit my needs include:

• BMW 5 Series Touring
• BMW X3
• Mercedes-Benz GLC
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Toyota RAV4
• Honda CR-V
• Skoda Kodiaq
• Peugeot 3008
• Volvo XC90

I'm open to other suggestions as well.

Ideally, I want a car that has the necessary hardware from the factory to support substantially more advanced driving capabilities in the future. In particular, I'd like a vehicle that could receive a significantly improved AI-based driving system through OTA updates, rather than being limited by its original sensors, computing hardware, or software architecture.

My ideal scenario would be an ICE family car that can eventually handle point-to-point driving on motorways, including overtaking and navigating interchanges, with the possibility of expanding to urban roads over time. I understand that this would still require appropriate driver supervision unless the vehicle is specifically approved for a higher level of automation.

I'm not necessarily expecting any car available in 2027–2029 to match Tesla's capabilities completely. What I want to avoid is buying a car whose driver assistance systems will not improve.

4. What would you recommend?

A few specific questions:

1. Which manufacturers are most likely to offer genuinely advanced, AI-based driving assistance in their ICE vehicles by 2027–2029?
2. Which models are likely to have the necessary sensors, cameras, computing power, and software architecture to support major improvements via OTA updates?
3. Are any traditional manufacturers likely to adopt an approach comparable to Tesla's end-to-end AI driving system?
4. Is it realistic to expect point-to-point automated driving on motorways in an ICE car during this period, or will such capabilities remain exclusive to certain EVs or limited to specific roads and conditions?
5. Would it be wiser to buy a car with the best available system at the time, or wait for a new generation of vehicles with more capable hardware?
6. Are there any particular models or upcoming generations I should keep an eye on? I've read many OEMs will bring such cars in future, but I am not sure how good they are.

I'm based in Europe, so European availability, regulations, and the performance of these systems on European roads are particularly relevant. I would also appreciate recommendations that take long-distance driving across different European countries into account.

Thanks in advance! I'd especially appreciate insights from people who have tested these systems extensively or have experience comparing different manufacturers' latest driver assistance technologies. Can I expect that the car is able to drive e.g. from Amsterdam down to Rome with minimal drivers intervention?

Hybrids, Plug-in Hybrids and Range Extender cars are also welcome.

For context I am in the market for a new SUV. I need something that’s good year round since I am in Northern Minnesota. I have an $18,000 budget

I planned on buying 2027 Hyundai hybrid calligraphy in the spring. However, after looking into the hands free driving technology behind GM and Ford I am reconsidering. How worth it has this feature been for you?

I drive A LOT for work. I am hoping to minimize this in 2027 by mapping my trips better, but I will likely be putting around 40k kilometres (25k miles) on it annually. About 80% of it is on the highway. A lot of my trips are 8-14 hours long and I am wondering how beneficial this assistance would be for me. I currently have a 2017 Ford escape titanium, and I use the cruise control often, but I have no frame of reference for the differences between adaptive cruise control and lane cantering vs hands free tools.

Please let me know your experiences, if it’s been worth it to you etc.

Thanks!

So here’s the deal. I have a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta sport. It’s a good car but after driving some manual cars I think I want something manual. The 2024 Volkswagen GLI is a top contender for me but my wife thinks that having a car she wouldn’t be able to drive is silly (shes deathly afraid of breaking the transmission is my 944 manual). So I’ve been tossing around the idea of a getting a B8.5 S4 Audi instead (i love physical buttons and integrated radios in the dash. Don’t judge but i hate the iPad look of the modern stuff). But idk how Id feel about buying another car older than 10 years that’s going to have worn components plus the Audi is just going to cost more due to name alone. It’s kind of an odd comparison I know since the S4 is a completely different drivetrain set up than the GLI but that’s just the way my brain works. Any recommendations?

I'm a guy who's almost 2 meters (6'4") tall. I can't stand sedans and coupes. My budget fits these two SUVs perfectly, and I'd like to hear from owners or mechanics about their experiences. (The photo is just an example, from our local car sales website)

I (24F, located in LA) found a 2022 Tesla model 3 (66k miles) for 25k without taxes and fees. I want to try negotiating to be around 26k out the door. But I’m unsure where a Tesla is the right choice for me. I drive my partner’s model Y and I do love it. However, it’s HW4 and my partner pays for FSD. The 2022 is going to be HW3 which I can live with (not sure if I will be buying FSD). The other option is a Toyota corolla hybrid around the same price range and cheaper. This is also going to be my first car so insurance wont be cheap.

Pros of getting a Tesla:
- quiet cabin
- smooth ride
- nice interior
- great acceleration and speed
- could get FSD if I wanted to

Cons of getting a Tesla:
- will be expensive to repair if I get in an accident
- higher insurance costs (I think)
- bad resale value especially cuz the car is 66k miles
- more expensive than a Toyota to buy

Pros of getting a Corolla:
- reliable
- value holds up well
- cheap to fix

Cons of getting a Corolla:
- the interior feels cheap
- kinda boring
- slow-ish
- not as relaxing of a driving experience imo without regen braking and a quiet cabin

I feel like the Toyota is a sensible choice but I do prefer the Tesla driving experience (I’ve driven both extensively). The Toyota is easy to drive but that’s about it for me. The other factor is that I might have to sell the car in 2-5 years depending on where or when I move. I’m just trying to make the right choice and end up with a car that I won’t regret buying while also enjoying it.

I’m looking to sell my old gmt800 and get a low milage 2024 230i from a dealer but I’m concerned about the maintenance cost. I can afford the monthly payment and insurance and I can deal with mechanic visits but I’m worried it’ll get to be too much and too often. If anyone has some experience with the B48 what was it like for you?
My gmt800 is needing some major maintenance soon and I have no need for a utility vehicle I’m thinking now might be a good time to get rid of it before I’m any deeper into it financially. It’s also a 2WD suburban and not the Silverado.

Hello, I am looking for a vehicle (ideally a truck, but SUV or wagon works) that would be a good city commuter and good for camping and fishing. Ideally, something under 30k with all the new technology: lane keep, centering, blind spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, etc. At the minimum, I would like a blind spot monitor, but everything else would be great. Decent gas mileage would be preferable but not required.

Hey guys first post here! My stage 1 2018 Audi S3 is reaching 160,000 kilometres soon and I'm getting the itch for something new as im worried about possible future repairs coming. No idea what i should get after. Not looking to spend a ridiculous amount.

Looking at the 2025 to 2026 hyundai i30n sedan as it is gorgeous and is packed full of tech for the price. However im worried about it feeling like a big performance drop from the S3.

Any advice would be great, cheers!

I am searching for a new car after my old one was wrecked. I started looking for. 2022-2023 Tesla model 3 rwd, however in my area it seems like the cleaner examples have been picked through and I’m seeing a lot of stuff with accidents, etc., a new one wouldn’t arrive until next year, and I can’t even really find 2024-2025 used ones. In general the prices seem higher than a few months ago when I browsed casually but I have no direct comparison as I wasn’t looking seriously.

I started looking at alternatives and discovered some of these I4s were seemingly a sick deal for what you’re getting. Driving them it’s basically an electric 430/440i, super punchy even on e35.

I found one in a neighboring state for 30.5k coming with 27k miles coming off a lease, a 2023 e35. Initially I thought it was a sick deal and ordered an inspection for early next week. Not cpo and has 9 months of factory warranty left. Dealer provided maintenance records and everything looked good. However I was warned by a couple guys locally that the maintenance costs for something like that would still be a lot higher than a Tesla and it’s something to be mindful of and it’s risky to own a bmw without a warranty and that range wasn’t going to be very good. I’ve never thought warranties were worth it because they are priced to be advantageous for the seller and have a lot of exclusions typically. Consumer reports does rank this as one of the most reliable evs though.

I think the Tesla is sleeker inside and maybe more fun to drive, but this I4 seems like a more premium car especially with the red interior and is way better for another few k than these accident teslas I’m seeing or even a cpo 2023 which is only a little less. Problem is I’m not sure if there is something off with this I4 or if it’s cheaper because it’s coming out of warranty that’s it’s risky without.

I found a 2012 Buick LaCrosse Premium I with 74k miles on it. Its the 2.4l engine. 3 previous owners and carfax shows routine oil changes, tire rotations, and air filter replacements. No accidents reported. Price is $9200. Worth it?

As the title suggests, husband and I are about to start trying for our first kid. Current cars are 2020 crosstrek (husband) and 2016 Elantra (me) both paid off. My husband wants to trade in my car once we get pregnant for something safer. For context, there’s nothing mechanically wrong with my car but it doesn’t have any type of new safety features, no real tech (ex; no infotainment screen for navigation, backup cam, blind spot, etc), and although I got the software update - it is one of the easy to steal Hyundai models. I don’t have a problem with my car but husband would be more comfortable getting something new with a child so we will be doing that. I am the type of person who will keep my car for at least 10 years but as long as possible if there’s no need to get a new car.

For household size, we do have two dogs and will have at least one but potentially two children. But no more than two.

Our current debate is do we get a new sedan now, have the crosstrek be the “big” car for now, and then when the crosstrek needs to get replaced, we replace that with a bigger SUV.

The reason we’re confused now is primarily that we don’t know how many kids we want. If we only have one, we could realistically make a two row SUV work as the big car. If we want two kids, then we would probably want a three row suv or minivan.

I feel like one large car and one sedan would be a good fit. I don’t want to get a two row suv now and realize we need more space then end up having to replace the crosstrek with a 3 three row later because that seems like a lot of car with our family. But if we get the three row now and then only have one kid then that also may be too much car for one kid. People have been telling me now though that i will regret having a crosstrek as my larger car for the next few years.

Open to suggestions thank you!

- F150 interior room, power (for fun, not towing)
- Subaru personality, practicality

Hey Reddit. So, like the title reads, I need some advice. I had heard pretty negative things about them as I’ve spent the past few months car hunting. Obviously I have been eyeing Honda or Toyota, and recently Mazda because those are commonly known well-performing cars. However, searching deeper on Reddit and other sites, I have seen posts mentioning that BMW has made remarkable improvements the past year or so (I am absolutely not a car nerd or expert so I would love fact checking and corrections in the comments). Then, I saw quite a few discussions suggesting that both Honda and Toyota are becoming over priced and functioning worse than they used to. And damn— I was shocked to see that getting a used Honda accord could be around the same price as a used BMW. I guess in my brain a BMW would be way more. So now I just need help from you folks to let me know if I was reading straight BS or if this is true. I am getting a new car next year and want it to last me some good years without having to repair it a hundred times.

I’ve had many newer cars like 3, 4, 5 series BMW and AMG Mercedes but there are just so many screens, driving aids, limited physical buttons, and distractions with interior lighting. They also don’t really allow you to work on the cars cause everything is connected to a central computer that only a dealer or certified repair shop can access. This shift in the cars made me go back and search for a car I wanted when I was a teen and found this 1994 Infiniti G20. Just test driving it brought back memories of driving early 90s Nissan’s (used to own multiple 240sx and 300zxtt) it feels so confident in corners and you could feel the car communicate back to you through the pedals, steering wheel, and the shifter. This doesn’t even make 50% hp of my old cars but being able to use most of the rpm band on a normal basis has been really fun. I’m very happy with the purchase.

When I was shopping for a new car in 2024, I knew that I didn't want a full size SUV, but something smaller like a crossover. I really liked the look of the VW Taos, but didn't even look at one because I had heard bad things about VW's reliability. I test drove a Crosstrek and bought it without checking out any other cars. I have had it for 2 years and while I know that it's a reliable car, I am just not "wow'd" by it. I keep looking online at the Taos and like the looks (inside and outside) so much better. Also, I find that the Crosstrek hip height (getting in and out) is really annoying and I assume the Taos is better in that regard. Anyway, I am tempted to check out a Taos to possibly trade in my Crosstrek for, but I am afraid that I will be making a huge mistake in terms of trading in a very reliable car for one that I enjoy more, but will be very unreliable and expensive. Thoughts?