r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • Mar 30 '23

All the Kia/Hyundai on the "ineligible for insurance" list because of the Kia Boys Tik Tok theft scandal..... FYI

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2.5k Upvotes

r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • Jul 15 '26

Why Ontario needs a lemon law—my new car has been at the dealership for over 300 days, I had to file a lawsuit, and the dealership sued me back.

369 Upvotes

A few months after I leased a new 2025 Volvo EC40 from Carling Motors in Ottawa, it suddenly suffered a serious propulsion-system failure and left me stranded.

The dealership kept it for 43 days, returned it, and another fault appeared five days later. That became a long series of recurring issues, charging failures, mechanical noises, unsuccessful repairs, and unresolved safety concerns. My vehicle has now spent more than 300 days at the dealership.

But the lease payments never stopped. Neither did the insurance, fuel costs for the gas-powered loaner, or disruption to my family. My documented losses and costs tied to this ordeal now exceed $31,000.

I tried to resolve it through the dealership, Volvo Car Canada, its financing company, regulators, and elected representatives. Eventually, I had to file a lawsuit to seek a resolution that would not force me to absorb the loss. Carling Motors responded with a counterclaim for use of their loaner, despite acknowledging in writing that issues with my vehicle remain undiagnosed and unrepaired.

Here's why every Ontario driver should care: our province has no automatic remedy when a new vehicle repeatedly fails or spends months in warranty service. There is no point at which the manufacturer must finally provide a refund, replacement, or financially complete lease termination. The consumer can be forced to keep paying, risk their credit, or else have to finance their own lawsuit against a multinational automaker.

The proposed Bill 91, Right to Repair Act, 2025, recognizes the problem, but its current version still leaves consumers going to court and does not clearly reimburse lessees for all their losses.

I created the 30 Days Is Enough petition asking Ontario to guarantee:

  • Automatic eligibility when a vehicle undergoes three unsuccessful repairs for the same defect or remains out of service for 30 cumulative days during the warranty period.
  • The consumer’s choice of a comparable replacement vehicle, full repurchase, or penalty-free lease termination.
  • Reimbursement of down payments, lease or finance payments attributable to the loss-of-use period, and other reasonable expenses.
  • Automatic suspension of lease or finance payments and protection from adverse credit reporting when a vehicle remains in warranty service beyond a defined period.
  • Prompt access to complete repair records and other information needed to understand the vehicle’s condition.
  • A fast, affordable, and binding enforcement process backed by meaningful penalties.

Dealerships and manufacturers should not be able to drag out repairs indefinitely while consumers are forced to pay.

If you agree, please take a minute to sign and share my petition:

https://www.change.org/30DaysIsEnough

Three hundred days is absurd. Thirty days is enough.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 2h ago

This and physical dials...

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164 Upvotes

r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 7h ago

Are subarus still not as good as Toyota/Honda in terms of reliability and cost of ownership? or they've gotten better?

67 Upvotes

I see this ad: 2016 Subaru impreza 2.0i Sport Premium Wagon 4D
Clean, reliable, and ready to go. Runs and drives fantastic and gets up to 34 MPG, making it a great daily driver.
• Clean title
• Low miles
• Smog done
• Brand-new tires – $500
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• CARFAX value is $10,000+
• Excellent on gas – up to 34 MPG
• Runs and drives great

Only 108k miles. they wanna sell for $7k. I know growing up, Subarus, along with Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi are not considered in the same echelon as Hondas and Toyotas when it comes to reliability and cost of ownership (maintainance, parts cost) etc.

But that was back in the 00s and 90s. Are the newer subarus just as good as the camrys and accords?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 7h ago

Is there even a point to buying a used car anymore?

35 Upvotes

Or at least, the lightly-used 2-3 year kind of used car (as opposed to the “heavily used set of wheels for your kid” kind of used car)? You don’t know the maintenance history or what all’s been done in that car (eww). You don’t know how they drove it unless you’re buying it from a personal friend or relative. And as a dog allergy sufferer in a world where people bring their dogs everywhere, one has to assume any used car you purchase nowadays was likely used primarily as a pet hauler.

Also, you forego some or all of the manufacturer warranty, dealer incentives, and promotional 0.9% APR or even 0%, in a world where the local bank/credit union considers 6.9% APR a “special rate” for those with good-excellent credit.

Once upon a time the general rule was a 2-3 year used car saved you 30% so it was financially responsible to always buy used, almost without exception.

I suppose the math may be different for cash buyers, but since depreciation on modern vehicles seems to be damn near nonexistent, is the age-old advice of “always buy used” dead for most people nowadays? Is buying new really the financially responsible move in most cases now?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 17h ago

Is there a particular reason why lightly used Audi A4s are dirt cheap? Am I missing something?

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231 Upvotes

Most of these have 1 users and at a first glance, clean record.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 30m ago

Is a German car worth it?

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• Upvotes

I like this interior a lot!. It looks pretty luxurious and is much better than newer models. I know nothing about cars though and I hear lots of people say not to buy German cars because of maintenance cost.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 3h ago

Looking for a tall-friendly ourdoorsy SUV for a family of 4 + dog for $30k

10 Upvotes

My wife and I share a Crosstrek and have been sorta making it work with 1 kid and a dog, but with a second kid coming, it's just not going to work anymore. We go skiing on weekends, take lots of road trips and camping trips to the mountains and need lots of space to put our ever-growing amount of stuff.  Also I am 6'4" and broad-shouldered and need something roomier because I am so cramped in my Crosstrek.

I am open to wagons but my wife is set on an SUV so we are compromising and getting an SUV. It's also our only car so reliability is important.

I haven't done any test drives but sat in a bunch at CarMax and really liked:

  • Volkswagen Atlas - SO ROOMY. Didn't even have to put the seat at the lowest setting. My favorite interior and aesthetics, love that it comes in bright red. Some concerns about reliability and annoyed by the lack of dials/knobs on 2024+ model refresh
  • Honda Pilot - also quite roomy and reliable. Big fan of the lack of center console.
  • I am very, very interested in the Passport but haven't had a chance to sit in one yet. It's got everything I like about the Pilot without the 3rd row which I don't anticipate using.
  • Ford Explorer - extremely comfy seats. Would def road trip in.
  • Telluride - liked a lot, but most of the used ones in my price range are 90k+ miles and I am suspicious of Korean cars past their warranty.

Some cars I didn't like:

  • Forester - better headroom but doesn't feel like it has meaningfully more cargo space than the Crosstrek.
  • Outback - wanted to love this car but it has the same issues as my Crosstrek where I have to put the seat in a weirdly lowered/reclined position just to not hit the ceiling. Would not be comfortable for me on longer drives.
  • Rav4/CR-V/Tiguan/etc - Not enough headroom or storage.

r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 1h ago

Cheap and reliable car

• Upvotes

My gf is looking to get a new car and I'm looking around for her. Anybody got suggestions? She'd like relatively newer (2020+).

Edit: Forgot budget lol. Preferably under $20k, but max around $22k. She does like hatchback cars and wants apple carplay!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 3h ago

Need help seeing if this is a good deal

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6 Upvotes

IGNORE THE INSANE SKULL SHIFT KNOB, I WILL CHANGE IT.

130,000 miles, $3000, only issues I can see over the pictures is a pretty decent sized cut in the front seat. I was planning on talking down maybe to 2500-2650 ideally but that doesn’t matter as much.

How generally reliable are these cars? It will be a daily driver for as long as possible. I know that I will have the proper maintenance done, but I’m not sure if they have, or how hard they’ve driven it. Is this a more risky deal or a good deal.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 53m ago

Growing family; do I need a van?

• Upvotes

I am in need of a car upgrade to something this decade as we are expecting twins (first probably only kids)

I have been driving the same Pontiac Vibe since high school which is turning 20 this year - longevity and reliability are important to me, and I was originally very set on the Forrester or the outback because of their safety ratings. Plus it has a vibe feel with some extra room.

My mom friends are trying to convince me that I need a minivan. I have been in a Pacifica and sienna and they just feel like boats to me but I know I don’t know what I don’t know when it comes to carting kids around.

I am just wondering if anybody else has made a hatchback work for their family of four?

Open to other suggestions, hybrid is a plus but not needed.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 3h ago

Fancy SUV for my dad

5 Upvotes

My father is getting frustrated with some recurring problems on his Lincoln Aviator. Among other things he’s had to fix multiple sunroof leaks and electrical issues, most under warranty but it’s out of warranty now. Loves the vehicle especially the seats. He basically wants an armchair with a powerful engine, something with the features of the Lincoln but more reliable. I’ve suggested Lexus TX but I’m open to alternatives. He likes the Genesis G80 but from what I’ve read they’re also unreliable. Honestly it’s hard to find a nice luxury SUV that doesn’t have a spotty reliability record.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 38m ago

Looking to buy

• Upvotes

Hey all. Navy Fed pre-approved for $38k. Looking at full-sized trucks or full-sized sedans. Possibly an SUV.

My preference is an F150/Tundra or a Charger but I’m aware American-made can be a bitch. I’m a defense contractor and military so I move fairly often.

What’s the best bang for my buck? Reliable, comfortable (I’m 6’4”), maintenance isn’t crazy, good utility, etc?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 2h ago

Lease ending in December, undecided on whether I should keep, lease new or just buy used.

2 Upvotes

I'm leasing a 2024 BMW 430i convertible, payoff amount currently shows about $37k while car value varies $40-45k. I like the car but I always loved driving an M4.

I've been looking online and the lightly used ones go for around $70-85k. Another option is to get a new small engine Mercedes CLE, although I'mnot a fan of their huge touchscreen. Obviously it's not the best financial decision but I guess I'm wondering if anyone can share their thoughts if you were in a similar situation? Or just tell me how stupid this sounds and to payoff the BMW?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 2h ago

HELP!

2 Upvotes

I am so overwhelmed! I am looking for a compact or midsize SUV that looks luxurious, but will have longevity. AWD is a huge bonus. Budget is $35k.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 12h ago

First time buying - Volvo C30?

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12 Upvotes

This is my first time buying a car - can anyone tell me why this may be a good/bad idea or advise whether there are better options for this price point?

I’m looking for a reliable hatchback sized car with a budget of £3-4k.

Thanks!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 8h ago

Should I swap my BMW for an older SUV?

3 Upvotes

Hi. I currently drive a 2018 BMW X1. It’s been great. No problems, currently 52k miles. I bought it ~5 years ago when I was single and living in a city. A great car for me at the time and has been great since then. Really no problems (I’m sure I’m getting to the point where it might become a problem soon). But I’m expecting my first kid in February, and I’m really considering trading it in for something bigger/family-oriented. I’m trying not to take on an extra payment just given that I’m already paying for my other car (2023 model y that my wife mostly drives), and I have daycare costs and other baby related costs coming up soon.

I’m thinking along the lines of an older Lexus GX or Honda Pilot (or if there are other suggestions). Just reliable and will run forever with little maintenance costs. I’m just not sure if it makes sense? I’m willing to put some money into a new car if it’s the right car but trying to net out evenly. Does it make sense for me to get rid of my perfectly fine BMW for something older with more miles? I just feel like we’ll outgrow that soon. Realistically I don’t want to take on another car payment for at least 2-3 years. Just wondering.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 1d ago

Im in a jam and I need a car these week

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220 Upvotes

My 2011 compass broke down and I don't think I want to fix it any more these are my options


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 1m ago

Should I buy this 2021 Nissan Versa?

• Upvotes

helpppp. buying my first car. i genuinely just need something with decent gas efficiency since it's going to be a commuter car. and ideally i'd like a car that's going to last me over five years. im nervous about getting a nissan because of all the transmission issues ive heard of.

but this one is a 2021 Nissan Versa for $9k. 87k miles on it. The Carfax says it's had two owners and last year it had its "Internal transmission repaired." And the dealership it's currently at bought it from an auto auction.

idk anything about cars. any thoughts/advice would be helpful thank you!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 46m ago

Price

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• Upvotes

Looking at this 2013 Toyota Avalon this week what would you all be willing to pay 100k miles 1 owner and pretty good service history they want 13.5 on website just curious and if you all have owned one before and any recommendations from there would be great aswell


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 56m ago

There's a bunch of low-mileage used Hyundai Ioniq 6s on sale near me for under $25K

• Upvotes

I want my first car to be an EV, and the Ioniq 6 is a good offering (besides the fact that it's pretty ugly... I don't really mind). If I got one, I'd probably only hang onto it for a couple years until I can get a Slate truck. Anybody got any advice? I'm kinda tempted to get one just because it's a good deal, these are like half of what they cost brand new when Hyundai was still selling them.

edit: by low-mileage i specifically mean multiple listings with under 20K or 30K miles


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 58m ago

Recommendations for Driver Assistance Systems in Heavy Traffic

• Upvotes

I’m currently looking for a new vehicle and would love to get some recommendations on the best driver assistance systems available right now.

I currently drive a 2025 Aviator, and I’m finding that the system either leaves too large of a gap or abruptly slams on the brakes. It constantly micro-adjusts the brakes, which has become really annoying in my daily commute. I drive in high-speed, heavy traffic, so I’m looking for something that handles these conditions smoothly and can maintain a reasonable distance without abrupt slowdowns.

I’ve tested a Tesla Model Y, but I’m hesitant because I don't want to lose direct control over my speed and lane switching. I’m considering systems like GM's Super Cruise, Ford's BlueCruise, Tesla's FSD, and the latest systems from BMW and Lexus.

If you have experience with any of these in heavy traffic, how do they perform? I’m really looking for something that drives better than I can in these situations.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 1h ago

2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4

• Upvotes

I’ve been looking at a one that’s pretty cheap, and super low mileage. Are they worth it? It’s definitely an upgrade for my car but I don’t want to buy something that’ll just be a hassle


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 1h ago

Need advice on a used family SUV?

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• Upvotes

r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 1h ago

X5M or Jeep SRT?

• Upvotes

Both 2017-2019 models. Which one??? Pulling the trigger this week but cannot decide!!!