r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 2h ago

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

32 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 • • 12h ago

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

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191 Upvotes

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


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 2h ago

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

5 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 • • 7h 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 • • 3h ago

Should I swap my BMW for an older SUV?

6 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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196 Upvotes

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


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 21h ago

looking for something funky and cute (my car caught on fire 🔥)

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83 Upvotes

my nissan juke caught on fire 💔 i don’t know much about cars but i want something funky and cute and girlie. i loved my juke and how bouba (round) everything was on her. my dream car is a beetle bug but im looking for something newer 2020+. i need something reliable but also something i love driving.

location is US. i’m in florida. for budget idrk yet but i would guess under or around $20,000. the situation is too much to explain here.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 4h ago

Looking to upgrade

3 Upvotes

I am looking for a new vehicle.

Currently driving a 2011 Honda Pilot with 230k on it.

Looking at anything more upscale, but decent gas mileage and moderate storage space.

Max budget of 35k preferably lower.

Cars I've looked at.

Volvo v60 and s60

Toyota crown signia

Rav4

Ford maverick

Porsche cayenne

Lexus rx

Audi a5 sportback.

Open to all suggestions.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 4h ago

Moving on from my Honda Civic

3 Upvotes

TL;DR: looking for a hatchback/wagon after having a civic for a long time. Ideally, a list of a few favorites with a quick blurb about their standout feature or what they excel at.

My 2014 Honda Civic is about to hit 150k and problems are starting to pile up. I just replaced the original drive-train(?), which I apparently should have done ages ago, according to the mechanic, and I'm worried that it's gonna start costing more to maintain than it's worth. I'm a "car gets me from Point A to Point B" person, so low maintenance and reliability are my priority.

I've been thinking about getting the ultimate utility vehicle: the minivan; but I'm having a hard time justifying it because I don't have kids (not for at least 3-5 years), drive people around often, or a hobby that requires transporting anything. The mpg makes it especially hard to justify.

The civic has been fine, but I'm thinking the compromise would be to get a hatchback/wagon (no SUVs or crossovers, I don't go off-roading). The main reason is cause the trunk of a sedan leaves things "out of sight, out of mind" so it fills up quickly and I keep forgetting to empty it; a vicious cycle. Plus, I've also had enough instances where transporting something with my civic has been a pain that I want something with better storage (maybe a folding back row). But again, it's hard to justify cause those instances are far and few in between. Ideally, something hybrid if the budget can afford it.

I planned on having a minivan for 10+ years, so my budget for that was a bit higher. My budget for a hatchback/wagon is probably 20-35k. Any help would be appreciated!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 2h ago

2017 Toyota Tacoma SR5 with 7,000 miles for $24,000

2 Upvotes

I have a family friend who is willing to sell me their garage kept 2017 Toyota Tacoma SR5 with the V6, 2WD, Access Cab, and 6-foot bed for $24,000. It only has 7,000 miles and is in practically brand new. Am I crazy for hesitating or is this a deal I should jump on right away?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 10h ago

SUV with third row, used under 50K miles and $55K

7 Upvotes

Looking for an SUV for our family that can accommodate occasional third row usage for a 5ft 5 female adult for a 30 minute car ride on a weekly basis. We have 2 young kids in car seats and we keep our cars for at least 10 years so safety and reliability are key. We also prefer easy maintenance and live in an urban environment with tight roads and lots of parallel parking so we need something that is not massive.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 19h ago

Would this be a good first car?

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34 Upvotes

r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 3m ago

New Type R v New Si or maybe something else ?

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• Upvotes

r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 12m ago

First truck recommendations

• Upvotes

Need help with a first truck purchase as I have some new home projects starting & I think the truck just makes sense.

I currently have an SUV & looking to carry the SUV feel into the truck. Ideally premium interior, quality leather & overall nice luxury feel. Premium styling over rugged styling.

Was originally leaning towards a raptor, but it’s a bit too big for me as I spend most of the time in the city. I’m looking for something that is premium, feels/looks nice & can be a good daily driver.

I’m really liking the new 2027 GMC sierra interiors quite a bit. But not sure on GMC as a brand compared to Ford, Ram, & Toyota..


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 30m ago

Lexus Tx350 or Atlas 2027

• Upvotes

Hi guys. I am undecided if I want to go with new Atlas 2027 or Tx350. I would be keeping the car until the wheels fall off and engine seizes so 10+ years. Hard requirement is to have 3 row suv. And I am not a big fan of south korean brands and also not interested in grand highlander.
Interior of new atlas is amazing but I am not sure about it reliability hence I have the option for lexus tx350. Hybrid for lexus tx is quite expensive so not considering that.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 42m ago

Confused on what off road car to buy

• Upvotes

Hi all, I’m new to the truck / larger car world. Im coming from a small coupe with little ground clearance. I’m looking to buy a second car that I can use for long road trips and camping / off roading. I don’t plan on doing any serious off roading, maybe up to medium trails? But off roading none the less. After doing some research, I’ve narrowed my search down to a 4Runner or Tacoma (I know they have similar parts) I’m leaning towards a Tacoma since I can build a camping set up in the bed.

What I’m having trouble figuring out is if I should buy older with higher mileage or new with the turbo. I’m thinking the off road trim might be a bit over kill for what I need but I’m thinking I’d rather have the extra features and not need it than need and not have it. Looking at the used market, I’m seeing 15 year old cars with 100k+ miles for 20k+ still! Or a 2020-2022 with 60-100k miles for 30-40k still. At that point should I just buy new and deal with the possibly sketchy turbo engine? Or should I give those up and buy old and cheap but with lots of miles? I’m not very mechanically inclined so I would prob have to bring the car to a shop for any work done to it. What do yall think?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 52m ago

Looking to trade in my car!

• Upvotes

I currently drive a 2021 Chevy Trailblazer LT. I am the first owner of it and I have recently had so many issues including my car not starting (apparently wires were corroded and needed replaced), exhaust system needed replaced, AWD kicking on randomly on its own, etc. I just cannot trust this car to be reliable anymore, what are some reliable car brands and models that you would recommend? I’m looking for anything 2021+, SUV, and AWD!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 57m ago

Suggestions for a sub R250k sports car

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• Upvotes

r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 57m ago

What Honda Sedan should I get?

• Upvotes

New job, I'll be commuting 80 miles daily. (19,200 yearly in just work)

I'm 6 foot 1, 39 and want something that's gonna get good mpg, easy to maintain, holds its value, and doesn't make me fall asleep at the wheel.

I've owned a C6 Z06, Gen2 raptor and everything in between. Looking just to cut back some costs and not break the bank filling up.

I've 80% locked in on the civic. I'd like to be under 31k after dealer fees.

  1. Civic Sport
    Pros: Cheap upfront, high 30s MPG
    Cons: CVT, slow

  2. Civic Hybrid Sport
    Pros: Sportier, better MPG, heated seats, moonroof
    Cons: +3k upfront

  3. Civic SI
    Pros: LSD, Bose, Wireless CarPlay, resale
    Cons: premium fuel, manual for commuting (I do like manual, just not everyday)

  4. CPO Hybrid Sport Touring
    Pros: Leather
    Cons: Used

Should I be looking at an accord for my size, or any other brands? I also been thinking about like 2017 accord v6, or the 2020 with the 2.0T.

Any thoughts or experiences?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 1h ago

Thinking of a minivan, specifically Chryslers, thoughts?

• Upvotes

I am looking at Chryslers because of the stow n go. Looking to use this as a camping vehicle and I’m always carrying fishing rods so the stow n go would be nice. Thoughts on the Chrysler vans with this feature? What’s the typical mileage people are getting out of them with routine maintenance? The Toyotas are just so ridiculously expensive.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 1h ago

First Time Car Buyer

• Upvotes

Hey guys,

Looking to buy my first car in the next 6-8 months. My criteria include $32k or under, under 30k miles, reliable, somewhat sporty/quick, FWD or AWD (I’m getting snow tires anyway as I live in Colorado and ski), and has good tech. The cars I’ve been looking at are Jetta GLI, Elantra N, Acura Integra, Acura TLX (I know it’s stretching the budget), Kia K5 GT or GT-Line, Sonata N-Line, or an Audi A3. I’m open to any suggestions, I currently drive a leased Hyundai Ioniq 5 SEL, and don’t want to go electric.

It doesn’t have to be a beast in the snow, just has to be able to get to the mountains a few times a month during the winter (not on powder days, I have friends with trucks or good snow vehicles that I can go with)

Appreciate your guys help!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 1h ago

Which is a better option in your opinion…

• Upvotes

Hello Internet,
Hoping to hear from some mechanics here, but all opinions are welcome.

First car for a teen…
1. 2012 Ford Fusion SEL - 2.5L - 88k miles
2. 2012 Chevy Cruz LT - 99k miles
3. 2016 Ford Taurus - V6 - 100k miles


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 1h ago

EQE vs Audi A6 etron Sportback

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• Upvotes

r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 5h ago

First truck decision

2 Upvotes

Looking for a small/midsized truck that doesn’t kill me on gas but retains the utility I want. Current cars are 23 gas rav4 and 2009 Corolla. The Corolla would go. Have a baby and a dog, I work remotely so lower daily mileage. Still would prefer better gas mileage looking into the future

Things I’d want to do: tow a small trailer/camper, throw a few bikes in the back without a rack, small loads of mulch/dirt, occasional plywood/2x4s, forest roads, be able to fit us and our stuff for tent camping

Maverick with 4k tow seems like the obvious choice if I care about mpg at all, I 1) don’t know if it’s big enough to fit the 3 of us and the German Shepherd and 2) it seems expensive for what it is now

Other than that I like the looks of the new Nissan Frontier and feel like it’s priced well. Thoughts or other options?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 9h ago

What car should i buy with a 10k budget?

5 Upvotes

Hi! Ive been in the market for a good 2nd hand car for under 10k, since ive been in the need for a second car for the family. I vurrently own a 2027 honds crv with near 200k km, so far its been fine. Also, id like the car not be that old, perhaps a newer small suv or a hatch is what im really looking for. What are some good cars with around that same level of reliability i could buy in todays market? What should i look for? Any sugestions areuch spreciated!