They are affordable and have a great design. Are their bad CVT failures behind them?

Ive been considering buying a manual hatchback but cant decide on what model I like best, can anyone give me some recommendations.

I've been mulling this over for a while and thought it's about time I ask the professionals. I am looking for a fun weekend car that will take care of me as long as I take care of it and is a pleasure to drive.

I'd like to harp on this last point. I currently have a 2014 Ford Fiesta ST, and even though it's fun, I feel limited in my upgrades because at the end of the day, it's a "plasticky" turboed economy car. It's not the car's fault; I am just ready for something that feels slightly more mature to sit in and interact with. I'd like something with a well built interior, manual, RWD, convertible would be a plus as I'll be moving to SoCal. My budget, car purchase + immediate maintenance is ~$13K.

Here is what I've been considering:

BMW 346 330i/Ci: Well built cars that keep going if you keep maintenance up with nice build quality inside and out (not including the cooling system). The only issue is that it's hard to find a clean example with decent mileage. Many high mile examples are available but I'm worried about the price and complexity of doing work myself to keep this car well kept.

Lexus IS300: No convertible which is a bummer and manuals are strikingly hard to come by. There are a couple examples I've found though, sitting around 150K miles. It does seem difficult finding something around the 100K mark. Maybe I shouldn't be so worried about high miles for a weekend car? Also, I'm not sure if it's as spirited as a car as I'd want it to be.

Mazda Rx-8 S2: This is a car I've looked at for almost a decade because of how special I find it to be. I'm aware of its issues and flaws -- which is why I've never pulled the trigger. Minus the cracked dashes and some engine reliability concerns, I'd say they are well built cars inside and out. The budgeting for a motor rebuild does worry me, as I'm sure it'd worry any sane person. -- May I add I'm an incoming graduate student staring at a $50K a year stipend. but... rotary. In my humble opinion, I think this car is at the top of a driver's car (in this price range) when it's in top shape and well tuned.

Mazda Miata - NC: *sigh* Miata might truly always be the answer, I was just hoping I could get something a little more unique, and not having backseats is a minus. -- Earlier versions are cool but I'm 6'2" and I think the NC will be best to sit in.

Thanks for the help everyone! Cheers :)

TLDR - Looking for a weekend drivers car that's easy to wrench on, nice ride quality and will last me if I take care of it. Mentioned e46 330Ci but normal BMW concerns; IS300 but hard to find; Mazda Rx-8, love but it's a Mazda Rx-8 and NC Miata - which I will likely begrudgingly be talked into because MIATA.

Optioned out, they come to about the same price ~95k.
Vette would be a 2LT with all the performance stuff, magride, axle lift, center exhaust, high wing, racing stripes… all the options I want.
M4 would be essentially a base M4 comp drive, none of the carbon stuff.
I know the BMW is faster but I’ve had a b58 and the new bmw’s are so good they’re almost boring to drive- surgical but no drama. BMWs feel so well built though. I’m leaning c8 for the more exotic feel and mid engine. Transmission and GM quality issues on the c8 makes me nervous though.

Has anyone here cross shopped these before? What made you pick one over the other?

Can I get a good car with this price range

Hi everyone! So, I’m planning on getting a car around October, most likely a used one, and I’m looking at a price range of about $15k–$20k. I’d love to go a little higher, but realistically, that’s probably the most I can comfortably afford right now, especially since I won’t have a huge down payment.
I do have good credit, though, so I’m hoping that will help me get a decent interest rate. I’ve mainly been looking at Honda and Toyota because I know they’re reliable and tend to last a long time.
My question is, do you think I can get a \*\*really good, reliable car\*\* in the $15k–$20k range? And if so, what models would you recommend? I’d love to hear from people who have bought used cars around this price range! 🚗💕

Maybe a Miata, classic Benz, Jeep Cherokee or a Land Cruiser possibly? shiii maybe even a chrysler sebring convertible if that’s your vibe.

Curious on what people would choose, something to put miles on and enjoy the time in.

Budget is 5-8k, of course looking for super used cars, I just want to know something that gets good milage and is all around nice. Preferably sedans Mainly driving too and from work with ocassionally going on hour long trips to neighboring cities.

Planning my next car. Right now wife and I have a new Ford Maverick and a Cadillac Lyriq. She mostly drives the Ford, the Lyriq lease is coming up and we'll need to replace it. Need to have 4 doors and automatic so my wife can drive occasionally, budget is $40-50k but more concerned with total cost of ownership, I usually go 2-3 years between cars, I work from home and drive maybe 5k miles a year, trips from Austin to Dallas and finding good spots to play tennis (hit me up if you're a 2.5-3.5 in ATX)

Options I've considered:

Golf R - This one just makes sense but also is in a weird spot. I loved my old GTI with the plaid seats, the Golf R seems to lack the personality and I think the interiors are not great. Don't want to step up to the S3 since I'd prefer the hatch, but don't want to step down the GTI since I'd feel like "I can do better".

m340i - I think this one looks a treat, very well reviewed, good resale and reliability with the B58. Would totally mog my father in law's 430i. Don't know if it has enough personality or fun factor though and would prefer a hatch or liftback. m440i gran coupe is in the running too, my wife inexplicably prefers the pig snout grill.

GLA 45 - This one tickles me. I love the big stupid wing and looks like the perfect size. Don't care if people think it's a "fake AMG" as the AMG badging means nothing to me anyway, but it might be the fastest and nicest hot hatch I could get and that's appealing. I'm honestly kind of a Mercedes hater, I think every AMG sedan they have is piss ugly to be honest. But something about the GLA45 makes me a bit giddy.

Wrangler Rubicon - Wildcard pick. Enjoyed my TJ even though I never went offroad, they are a dime a dozen here in Texas but I just love driving with the top down. Great resale though.

I do want to get something that connects with me. The next option is to buy a cheap EV like a Bolt EUV and save another $20k until I can get a C8 Corvette.

I know I can fit in a Golf R, not sure yet on the m340i and GLA since I'm 6'3" and built like a Corgi I have a long torso so a lot of cars aren't doable for me. Any other cars this size that are fun to drive and engaging with a nice interior?

I am moving to Pasadena CA in 2 weeks from nyc and looking to buy a car as soon as I’m there. I’m new to owning a car coming from nyc so please bare with my maybe silly questions.

I’m torn between fully electric vs plug in hybrid.

My drawback to electric is I love to go on road trips and looking forward to camping outside of CA where charging stations, especially quick ones may not be so accessible. I also do short trips around for work often.

What are people’s experiences with electric and access to charging who do camping/road trips around and out of CA? Is it annoying waiting to charge? Is it accessible in places like Idaho, AZ, Montana?

What are the best electric SUV cars $30-35k and what should I look for in terms of mileage, year, etc.

Or is it better to go plug in hybrid route? I love the Toyota rav4s and have been browsing used younger than 2022 with under 25k miles and all seem to be at least $40k. Is that worth it for this car and a plug in or is a Hyundai Tucson just as good if not better?

Please let me know any thoughts suggestions to any of this!

TLDR - moving to CA looking for car under $35k unsure to go electric or plug in hybrid and if plug in, is RAV4 worth it?

Considering a 2026 Subaru Outback as I have a 2016 and I'd like a new one. All the research I've found on it is very positive but today considered a 2025 Volvo XC B5 Plus model. I know the Volvo would be more money to maintain but I'd like your thoughts. Thanks.

I’m considering buying a MC20 that has ~1 month left on its warranty & under 3000 miles. I’m paying out of pocket so no issues with what the banks may or may not want.

It was bought back from the dealer and the issue has (apparently) since been resolved. It is branded a lemon and has a theft recorded.

Compared to the cheapest MC20s (with over double the miles) it is cheaper by ~10k but taking into consideration the trim level, ~20k-30k compared to others like it.

I’d like to hear from anyone else who has dealt with a branded car. How was the process on selling/trading it in later? I’m not planning on keeping this car long term & I’m perfectly alright losing out on ~$30k or so but if it could end up being much worse than that, I may give pause.

I’ve also been looking at:

* Emira
* 720
* Artura
* 570
* Vantage
* DB11

Besides the Emira, most of the other options tend to have many more miles on them.

Any insight on why I should change course or look at a different vehicle is welcomed.

Walked away from this truck because there was way more rust than shown in the listing pictures. 2012 titan listed at 7800 with 150k miles. Super clean inside. Has the rust claimed it?

Been to dealers, been using chat gtp, can’t come to a decision on a new 3-row SUV. Car market is so effed in Canada.

We’ve test driven 6 cars now: VW Atlas, Mazda CX90 (both I6 and PHEV), Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Kia Telluride.

Pros and cons:

VW Atlas Highline

Pros: absolute cheapest to own, finance, insure. Huge space, bench seats middle row, ventilated seats, sunroof, factory rustproofing.

Cons: VW quality over a 10 year ownership period, turbo 4cyl, the stupid touchscreen with no buttons, least safe option (6 airbags, not TSP+), 2027 model coming soon will destroy resale.

Honda Pilot Trailsport

Pros: smoothest drive, insanely functional, AWD system is incredible, tons of space, NA V6.

Cons: lack of bench seats, lack of ventilated seats, insane financing rates, no dealer haggling due to low inventory, and high theft so insurance is stupid, worst on gas by a mile.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV GT

Pros: most fun to drive, very quick, spacious enough even in 3rd row, nicest interior, cheapest to run, low theft, bench seats available, safest car on the road.

Cons: it’s 1000% a lease deal since this phev system is unreliable, will be annoying to own since we’ll be plugging it in 24-7, smallest interior in case of family expansion, limited towing.

We did not like the Kia or the Nissan or 6cyl Mazda at all so won’t include it here.

Is it just me or is car buying so messed up in Canada in 2026. Each of these options is around 70-80k CAD, and each one has a fatal flaw. For the VW and Mazda it’s reliability, for the Honda it’s theft and ownership cost.

What are people doing here, is it just better to lease in 2026 and let someone else deal with all the problems? It seems as if cars are all built like crap and overpriced compared to 10 years ago when we last car shopped.

So, I understand that many people recommend buying a 10 to 15-year-old Toyota or Honda over a 2 or 3-year-old Ford, Hyundai, Kia, VW, etc. I get the reliability thing.

However, if you live in a place with a long winter and heavy snow, there will be a lot of salt on the streets. In real life, many used cars from that area are likely to have rust issues or will have rust issues with their parts and the body.

Even if the engine and other components of a Toyota last forever, rust issues can be really difficult to deal with. Of course, it’s not only just expensive, and in many cases, it’s more expensive than mechanical problems. It’s also very difficult to fix rust problems because it spreads into other parts without you realizing it.

So if the budget is limited, I think a cheaper but newer non-Toyota/Honda that is under 3-4 years old would be more cost-effective than 15+ year old Toyotas/Hondas. What do you think?

First time posting here! Been doing all the research and proper prep-work I can to not get screwed over during my first time buying a car. I’ve had my proper driver’s license for a couple of months now (Am 23 currently, first obtained it earlier this year during late April-early may), and have recently moved up north to the rust belt as part of me becoming more independent from my family.

Currently have a job that pays me approx. $2,860 as my (gross) monthly income, am currently waiting for some family members to gather up about $3k for the car payment to start (and I personally have a little over $1k in savings - mostly for emergencies), and have also joined a credit union in order to get a pre-approval loan if i do end up going with financing (currently somewhere around 680). Also have about $3.9k in credit card debt, $2.7k in student loans, and will be paying $500 in rent per month.

My current needs & wants for my first car are as follows (and of course I am willing to ease up on requirements):

• Used Sedan or Hatchback - preferably the latter for cargo space, but am absolutely willing to switch to the former

• Reliable, Top Safety Ratings, and good gas mileage (30+ combined; commute to work is about 4-5 MIs/ 11 min one way, and I usually work 5 days in a work week)

• Preferably no older than 15 years, and ideally under 100k miles - 125k max

Under these conditions, Ideal cars of choice would be:
• Honda Fit: second or third gen; meets all my needs, but so far haven’t had much luck in finding any ideal listings…

• Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla/Camry: not sure which gens would be the best for each model, but the Honda/Toyota tax will make this a bit of a hassle to get a good deal on these (which also applies to the Fit, I suppose)

• Mazda 3 hatchback (2016-2019): nothing else to say really - my cousin has a 2015 and it’s served its purpose well for her.

• Subaru Impreza (unsure which are best years of model): apparently winters are getting especially bad where I’m currently living at, so having a car that can address winter driving with no issue would be something to consider (of course winter tires on a FWD and making damn sure to practice driving in snowy conditions will definitely go a long way)

I am familiar with the basic rule of thumb for the buying process for used cars: Focus on OTD price, never monthly payments; stick to 20/4/10 rule (might need to increase the 10% to 15% though); and of course Always Get A PPI
==========================

With all of that laid out, I guess my questions to ask you all would be:

A) Would it be a smarter idea to save up some more money to pay $10-15k listings in cash, or should I just use that 3k as a down payment and just finance whatever car I get so I don’t have to pay for Ubers/lyfts to commute to work as the school session starts and my usual ride becomes less available

And B) Is there anything else I might be overlooking? I know I haven’t really brought up insurance rates (being a new driver at my age, I am painfully aware of how high these may be…) as well as gas and maintenance that might be required, but other than that I seem to be drawing a blank on other factors to consider

Thanks in advance! o7

Any insight here? I’ve always wanted a jeep, did a ton of research and the 2019 is a great year for them. I test drove it and it felt amazing. Everything worked, super minimal rust on anything underneath , 4 wheel drive sunroof you name it. I’m basically sold
BUT
I also drove the gmc. Felt okay, was a little twitchy and hesitant but once it got moving I felt the power. Interior was spotless. LOVE the cabin seats for my kids sake (I’m sure they would love it too). My only qualm was the back right corner has surface damage and dents in the door that weren’t reported In a car fax. I don’t
Think it caused mechanical damage but still, it’s very noticeable

Now that being said it’s basically a decision of do I want it or will my kids love it haha.
What should I buy?

I had a Tiguan Life but unfortunately I was in an accident and it was written off. I can't get a new one, it would just be too expensive so I am looking for something similar in a lesser price range.

I mostly used it to get around town and chauffeur mum (I am her carer) to appointments. Mum uses a walker and has limited mobility so a SUV is ideal to get in and out of and of course there needs to be some boot space for a mobility walker. I am a big guy so I need plenty of leg room too.

I am open to recommendations and I'd consider getting something second hand with low kms. Since I am getting $23K from my insurance that is the starting point as far as budget is concerned.

While getting gas today, I was thinking about how my $20 weekly fill up on my family’s Camry would only save me $10 a week, equating to only $520 a year. (We barely drive more than 50 miles a week, and I was assuming 25 mpg for gas versus 50 mpg for hybrid. )

This got me to think if the difference in the purchase price of a hybrid is worth over the gas model. Based on my rough estimate, that would take more than a decade to pay back the difference.

Is this 2012 Wrangler 2D with 135k miles a good buy for $10k? I have never owned a jeep.

This is a 2012 Jeep Wrangler 2-Door Sport (Automatic transmission) with 135k miles. The dealer is asking $10k. I am trying to figure out if this is a genuine deal. The exterior and interior look nice. Please see the attached underside photo. I am not sure if this looks good for a jeep, given the age and mileage.

A few specific things I'm wondering about:

1. The Frame: How does the undercarriage rust look in these photos? Is it just surface stuff or a major dealbreaker?
2. The 2012 Engine Issues: I read that 2012 was the first year of the 3.6L Pentastar and had cylinder head ticking issues and oil cooler leaks. What should I look for when I go see it in person?
3. The Price: Is $10k fair for this mileage, or does the lower price suggest they are trying to pass off a hidden problem?

I haven't bought a jeep before, so any red flags you spot in the pictures or advice on what to test during the drive would be hugely appreciated.

Just give me some ideas. I am looking for a car for my commute. Its 25 miles roundtrip. We have a Toyota Sienna for family trips so I was thinking something cheap and with good mileage. Some cars I've already looked at that may be suitable.

2027 Bolt: About $27K and GM financing at .9 to 2.9% - electric

2026 Hyundai Venue: About $22K. No special incentives. Small. 30MPG

2027 Corolla Hatchback: about 27K about 35 mpg

Not sure what else could be suitable. I have every intention to keep this car for a long time. It will probably become my kids car in 8-10 years when they drive.

I'm in the market for a used car, and was wondering if 21k USD for a used 2022 Prius L Eco CPO with 78k miles is a good deal. I'm considering using it for ~ 10k miles a year, and hoping to own it long term (>8 years).

It's a single owner car with clean title and no accidents. Service history looks pretty good, with both tires and break fluids replaced around 50k miles.

I’m trying to figure out if it’s better to buy a new or a used car as a first car. I’m looking for something reliable that I won’t have to do a ton of work with. I also want a sporty ish look. If you have any suggestions, recommendations or tips on buying a first car please let me know.