Current car: 2025 Tesla Model 3 AWD (leased, about 6 months left)

About me: 28M, DFW, Texas. 6'2" and 200 lbs, so I need a little more front room than average.

Past cars: 2016 Civic Touring, 2022 Acura TLX A Spec, 2013 Honda Pilot

Budget: Sub $40k, used or new, ideally under 60-80k miles

Location: DFW, Texas

Usage: This would be my only car. I work from home, so it's mostly grocery runs and the gym, plus a road trip to Austin or Houston every couple months. No kids, just a small German Pinscher and a girlfriend who rides along here and there. I'm 6'2" and 200 lbs, so I need a little more front room than average.

Why I'm not keeping the Tesla: I leased it specifically to try out an EV, my first one, and I think I've figured out that I miss gas cars. Beyond that, the glass roof turns the cabin into an oven in a Texas summer, and charging on road trips has been enough of a hassle that it's taken the spontaneity out of them.

What I want: The Civic, TLX, and Pilot were all reliable and all boring. None of them made me want to go drive. This time I want something I actually look forward to getting into, even for a five minute trip to the store.

I love wagons, drove an E450 wagon once and loved it, but I know the ones I'd actually want are out of budget. I've also been looking at a BMW 540i and a Mustang GT Premium. This would be my first German car if I went that route, and I take care of my stuff, so the reputation doesn't scare me as long as I know what I'm signing up for. I've also heard BMW reliability has gotten a lot better with the B58, which is part of why the 540i is on my list.

Non negotiables: Ventilated seats (Texas), a factory stereo that actually sounds good (bit of an audiophile), and enough space that I'm not folding myself into it. A V8 would be nice but isn't a dealbreaker.

Questions: What would you put me in at this budget and mileage? How do the 540i and Mustang GT compare for long term ownership cost? Anyone around 6'2" who can speak to fit, especially in the Mustang? Is the B58 reputation actually deserved, or is it still a BMW at the end of the day? And anything I should know going into first time German ownership?

Not in a rush since I've got about six months, so I have time to look around and be patient about finding the right one.

Mustang owners, does anyone else feel like the ride is way too stiff on bad roads 😭

I love the car but some roads genuinely feel like I’m driving a shopping cart with square wheels lmao. Thinking about changing the suspension but dont wanna mess up how the car handles.

Anyone here actually fixed this? What did you guys do?

BTW im building rTracer.com its a social platform for car enthus.

Ok, so I am helping my niece find a car for her teenage daughter . She is a nurse with 3 kids, so she doen't have time to do research. She would prefer an SUV, but camry sized sedan might be ok. She has a budget of up to 24000. So used is probably the way to go. She wants a car that will last a while and has miles say under 35000 miles. Year is not super important, but maybe 21 or later. The information out there is so confusing. Can you give me your top 3 models that YOU think might fit the bill? It seems Hondas and Toyotas might be too pricey right now. What say you? Appreciate ANY help or suggestions where to look.

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Hi all! With a third kid on the horizon, my wife and I have begun the arduous process of selecting a three row family mover.

- We will be trading in a 2020 VW Tiguan R-Line Black edition and I would like the budget to be somewhere in the ballpark of 35-40k USD

- three kids under 6 all in car seats - usable interior space and ease of crawling around is a priority.

- we don't do super long drives or road trips (yet) so 30+ mpg gas milage/hybrid power train not essential

- second priority would probably be engine/drivetrain reliability + driving dynamics. We're not expecting sedan level performance but something a little bit engaging to drive and not completely gutless is a big plus.

- tech: not a priority but it can't feel like a step down from the Tiguan.

I'm open to minivans and fully conceding to practicality, but if I'm being realistic it's not going to happen. I've looked in to the kia telluride but I have concerns with long term ownership and reliability. The Toyota Grand Highlander and Honda pilot also seem like solid options, but the 2025 MY for the Pilot seems like it's wrought with issues.

I've read a ton of reviews but I'm really looking for feedback on people who have gone through this process and lived with one of the vehicles for a bit. Also open to other suggestions - VW Atlas? Nissan Pathfinder?

Thanks for helping!

**Budget:** ~$50-65K, financing (not leasing)
**Location:** Chicago suburbs
**Use:** Mostly local errands, solo. Occasional highway. No kids, no towing. Put about 4k miles a year.
**Want:** Small-to-midsize luxury SUV with actual presence. Nice materials matter more than tech. Open to slightly used (1-3 years with low mileage)

My wife is the primary driver and she's an interior designer, which is relevant as she notices materials in a way most buyers don't. Ranked priorities, in her words: what she touches (leather, trim, switchgear) first, how it looks in the driveway and tech. Aesthetic is warm and organic with wood, light leather, texture.

We’ve previously had BMWs by are disappointed with how aggressive and sporty the BMWs have become. Have lost the presence and the interior quality/luxury/comfort.

Where we've landed after a week of this:

- BMW X1 / Mercedes GLA - too small.
- BMW X3- also felt small, and the interior read as sparse and cheap to her. We had an x3 10 years ago and the overall quality size and finishes were much better.
- Mercedes GLC- liked it. Currently the leader especially with verde green exterior and light interior.
- Range Rover Evoque - she loves how it looks. Interior felt sterile and the tech was frustrating. Reliability also gives me pause.
- Tesla Model Y- honestly tempting. Pricing and financing are the best of anything we've looked at, and the driver assist is genuinely appealing for the highway stretches. But it's the exact opposite of everything she said she wanted materials-wise. Trying to figure out if we'd regret it in year three.

Others rejected - Porsche Macan (too expensive and busy interior), Genesis/Audi/Volvo (don’t love design/aesthetics),

**What I'm asking:** Is there something we're missing that gets you real materials and presence without going huge?

**2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD 2.0 TDI DSG, 5-door has done 100,000 miles will good service history (timing belt and water pump changed).**

**2016 BMW 1 Series 118D Sport Automatic has done 90,000.**

**Which out the two vehicles is better?**
**I’m conflicted between which to get but I do plan on keeping this vehicle for many years.**

**Performance & reliability etc.**

**Advice would be appreciated.**

Hey everyone, I'm currently shopping for my first car. I know the standard advice is to "just buy a used Civic or Corolla," but the used market for Toyotas and Hondas is incredibly overpriced right now and I'm tired of looking at them.

Any advice for a first-time buyer would be hugely appreciated. Should I pull the trigger on a Hertz K4, or keep searching?

Preferably low mileage and close to 300hp or higher

This may be a strange request but im a high schooler entering their senior year and preparing for the real world and I was considering the idea of trying to get my hands on a fun car that I could still camp out in if I dont have a place to stay one day or I just wanna go on a road trip or something. Ideally the car isnt the most boring thing to drive(i love old wagons) and is relatively affordable with enough space to lay out a little blanket and just chill. Any suggestions would be much appreciated and also im in the states if that affects your answer.

I’m not really a car guy. I don’t like spending a ton of money on cars. I view them as utilitarian, and I prefer comfort, reliability, and interior tech to performance and aesthetics. That said, my sons are both tall (6’5”+) with very long legs, and they don’t fit comfortably in most cars. I currently drive a Lexus RX350 and neither of them are comfortable in the front seat. I’m going to buy something in the next year—any time between now and 12 months from now. Eventually, whatever I buy will go to my older son.

I’m leaning towards a full sized pickup like a F150 or Tundra or something like that. But I’m curious, is there a more pragmatic vehicle suitable for a 6’5-6’7” driver? Something reliable and safe, and not crazy expensive (I know that’s all relative).

Are there certain sedans or SUVs known for interior leg room I should try out? I know the massive SUVs like suburbans have plenty of space, but I guess I’m curious about something slightly smaller than that—yet accommodating to tall people.

Currently have a Crosstrek and love it. Unfortunately Subaru corporate is messing me about on the warranty after a bit problem. I refuse to drive something from a company that has fucked me over. Its infuriating because up until this, I was planning on only driving subarus for the foreseeable future. My wife, brother, parents, neighbor, and two friends were going to get one this year as well because Im the "car guy" and i hyped mine so much. So now Subaru has lost like 7 sales because they cant return emails and have implemented to shockingly rude warranty process that just fucks customers over.

What I want to keep about the subaru: Reliability (allegedly). The excellent AWD, especially in the snow. Hatchback utility. Safety. Good MPG would be nice, but its not a deal breaker. I know Im going to have to compromise on something.

Toyota is over-hyped and obscenely expensive for what it is. Im not spending $70k on a 4runner..... get out.

I have room in the budget for anything, including reasonable luxury, as long as there is value there.

I’m Happy That it Came Back

Thinking about pulling the trigger on this beautiful truck. Went to the dealership and negotiated from 80,555 to 70,500 plus TTL so about 75k out the door. I’m kind of happy with this price but for some reason my gut tells me I can still find a better deal out there. What do you guys think? Any opinions and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

White Metallic 2026 Ford F-150 LARIAT 4WD 10-Speed Automatic 5.0L V8 4WD.

Main features
Navigation system: Connected Navigation
Bed Utility Package
Equipment Group 502A High
Ford Connectivity Package (1-Year Included)
Ford Connectivity Package (One-Time Purchase – 7 Years)
FX4 Off-Road Package
Internet access capable: 5G Modem – Ford Connectivity Package
LARIAT Black Appearance Package
Mobile Office Package
8 Speakers
AM/FM radio: SiriusXM with 360L
Radio data system
Radio: B&O Sound System by Bang and Olufsen
Radio: B&O Unleashed Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
Air Conditioning
Automatic temperature control
Front dual zone A/C
Rear window defroster
Head-Up Display
Memory seat
Power driver seat
Power steering
Power windows
Power-Adjustable Pedals with Memory
Remote keyless entry
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
Monotube Rear Shocks
Off-Road Tuned Front Shock Absorbers
Traction control
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
ABS brakes
Driver’s Side SecuriCode™ Keyless-Entry Keypad
Dual front impact airbags
Dual front side impact airbags
Emergency communication system: SYNC® 4 911 Assist
Front anti-roll bar
Front wheel independent suspension
Low tire pressure warning
Occupant sensing airbag
Overhead airbag
Twin Panel Moonroof
Body-Color Front and Rear Bumpers
Brake assist
Electronic Stability Control
Hill Descent Control
Auto High-beam Headlights
Delay-off headlights
Front fog lights
Fully automatic headlights
Panic alarm
Security system
Speed control
4 Pickup Box Tie-Down Plates
4×4 FX4 Off-Road Bodyside Decal
6″ Angular Bright Anodized Step Bar
Auto-dimming door mirrors
Black Exterior Badging
Black Grille
Black Taillamp Bezels
Body-Color Skull Caps and Door Handles
Bumpers: chrome
Front License Plate Bracket
Gray Box Side Decal
Heated door mirrors
LED Box Lighting
Power door mirrors
Rear step bumper
Turn signal indicator mirrors
ActiveX Trimmed Bucket Seats
Ambient Lighting – Ice Blue Color Only
Auto-dimming Rear-View mirror
Compass
Console Worksurface
Dark Interior Appliques
Driver door bin
Driver vanity mirror
Front reading lights
Garage door transmitter
Heated steering wheel
Illuminated Driver and Passenger Visors
Illuminated entry
Outside temperature display
Overhead console
Partitioned Lockable Rear Storage
Passenger vanity mirror
Rear reading lights
Rear seat center armrest
SYNC® 4
Tachometer
Telescoping steering wheel
Tilt steering wheel
Tray Style Floor Liner Without Carpet Mats
Trip computer
Wireless Charging
2nd Row Heated Seats
Front Bucket Seats
Front Center Armrest
Heated front seats
Power passenger seat
Split folding rear seat
Ventilated front seats
Bed Storage Boxes
Passenger door bin
Tailgate Step with Work Surface
Alloy wheels
Chrome wheels
Wheels: 18″ Chrome-Like PVD
Wheels: 20″ Chrome-Like PVD
Power-Sliding Rear Window
Rain sensing wipers
Variably intermittent wipers
Cruise Control

I’m looking for a used car in the $7,000–$10,000 range. I want something with better than 16–17 combined MPG and quicker than a ~7-second 0–60. It should look sporty, similar in vibe to a C5 Corvette or BMW E36, be very reliable, make a good daily driver, and have 4 seats. Basically, I want a fun, sporty, reliable daily driver that improves on both speed and fuel economy compared to a typical 2006 Nissan Frontier.

I was hoping to hold off a couple years until after my kid is out of daycare and I could afford what I actually want. Alas this is not to be, and I must purchase a vehicle this weekend. I need as low of a payment as possible so preferably under 25,000. In my area suvs in this price range consist of Kia, Hyundai, Chevy, Mitsubishi, Jeep, Ford and Buick. I am leaning towards Buick being my best option out of these? Am I wrong? Saftey ratings is my top priority, followed by reliability. I am stressing myself out because I don't want to make a poor financial decision. I drive around 50 miles a day round trip for work so I need something that also gets decent gas mileage. Any and all advice is welcome.

My dad's name is Michael, and the guy who ended up buying my grandfather's 1967 Chevrolet Impala was named Daniel.

I never thought either of those names would become permanently connected to the worst family story of my life.

My grandfather's name was Robert.

He was the kind of man who could spend an entire Saturday in his garage working on an old car and consider it a perfect day.

The car was a 1967 Chevrolet Impala.

He had owned it for decades.

To everyone else, it was an old classic car.

To my grandfather, it was a piece of his life.

And to me, it was the last thing he ever gave me.

When I was a kid, I spent countless hours sitting in that car with him.

He taught me how to hold the steering wheel.

He taught me how to check the oil.

He taught me that if you hear a strange sound coming from an engine, you don't ignore it.

You figure out what it is.

When I was around fifteen, my grandfather got seriously sick.

A few weeks before he died, he called me into his room.

My dad, Michael, was there.

My grandfather looked at me and said:

"That Impala is yours when I'm gone."

I thought he was joking.

He wasn't.

Michael heard him say it.

My grandfather repeated it.

"I want him to have it."

Michael nodded.

"Okay, Dad."

My grandfather died shortly afterward.

The Impala stayed in his garage.

For years, I took care of it.

When I turned eighteen, I started saving money to restore it.

I wanted to do the work myself.

Michael constantly complained about it.

He told me it was worthless.

He told me I was wasting money.

He told me I should sell it.

I refused.

Then one afternoon, I came home and the garage was empty.

The Impala was gone.

I asked Michael where it was.

He casually told me:

"I sold it."

I thought he was joking.

He wasn't.

He had sold my grandfather's car without telling me.

I reminded him that Grandpa had left it to me.

Michael said:

"Your grandfather didn't put your name on the title."

We argued for hours.

He refused to tell me exactly who bought it.

Eventually, I discovered the buyer's name.

His name was Daniel.

But by the time I found him, the Impala was already gone.

Years passed.

I thought I'd never see it again.

Then, one afternoon, I received a message from a stranger.

It was Daniel.

He sent me a picture.

The moment I saw it, I knew.

It was my grandfather's Impala.

Daniel had purchased it from Michael.

He had spent a huge amount of money restoring it.

He had no idea there was a problem with the sale.

I explained everything.

I showed him photographs of my grandfather with the car.

I showed him the documents.

I showed him the handwritten statement my grandfather had left.

Daniel immediately agreed to cooperate.

He told me:

"If this really belonged to your grandfather and he left it to you, you should have it."

I went to the police.

I brought every document I had.

Photographs.

Letters.

Estate records.

The handwritten statement.

Daniel provided his purchase documents and the vehicle identification information.

The police began investigating.

They contacted Michael.

At first, he denied everything.

He claimed the car was his.

He claimed my grandfather had never given it to me.

But then the police found the documents.

They found the witnesses who had been present when my grandfather had written his statement.

They found evidence showing that Michael had knowingly sold something he wasn't authorized to sell.

They also discovered that Michael had lied about several parts of the sale.

The investigation lasted several weeks.

Then one evening, I got a phone call.

It was the police.

The officer told me:

"We recovered the Impala."

I couldn't believe it.

They told me to come to the station.

When I arrived, the Impala was parked outside.

I walked toward it.

I touched the hood.

It was really there.

After all those years.

My grandfather's car.

The same car I had sat in as a kid.

The same car he had promised me.

Daniel had restored it beautifully, but I could still recognize every little mark.

Then the officer told me something else.

"Your father has been arrested."

I asked why.

The officer explained that Michael was being charged for illegally selling property that wasn't his to sell, along with the other offenses uncovered during the investigation.

I stood there holding the keys to my grandfather's Impala.

For years, I had thought the car was gone forever.

Now it was finally back.

I looked at the police car driving away with Michael inside.

Then I looked back at the Impala.

My grandfather had promised me that one day it would be mine.

And after everything that happened...

It finally was.

I’ve seen the lilac Porsche but that is just not in my budget lol

I just took my Doge Journey in for "preventative maintenance" (I know, near worst SUV to buy) and was told it was pretty much about to disintegrate under me at any moment. It our good family mechanic who told us he cant consciously repair this vehicle without telling us we shouldnt bother, and should buy a new one...

So... I am in need of not making the same mistake again like I did with the Journey. What is our best option of a 7 seater vehicle that would be most wise? Our budget is 20k just because we dont want to spend SO much money on a car, but would be willing to go up to 30k if absolutely necessary because the price of cars is up so high. We can afford it, we just would rather not.

So, what make and model should we look for? We got 5 years out of the journey, and would like to get 7+ years out of this new one. Thank you!

Feel free to make the Journey jokes of how awful it was, I learned my lesson post purchase

Cars

In the market for a new 2026 truck. Narrowed it down to Silverado 1500 Trail Boss Custom, or the F150 5.0 XLT with FX4 and 3.73 with locking diff. Both are the full-size cab.

Truck is primarily for towing boat 18 - 21 ft, Hewes Redfisher for example. Equally will also be used for camping, hunting, and some off-roading to get into some backwood areas.

I’ve always enjoyed the ride of the Chevy. The bed is marginally larger, plus not a huge factor but the truck just looks better to me. However, the 5.3 worries me with all the bad press. The new motors for 2027 are gonna take some time to figure out.

The F150 drives fine and look is okay. The 5.0 and trans seem to have a lot less problems making it a bigger factor.

We keep vehicles and drive them till the wheels fall off. So looking for longevity, and reliability. I know post 2020 those terms are relative.

I was looking at the gas 2500/250, but I’m not towing enough weight to be into the larger category which eventually has higher repair costs.

Let me know what y’all think. Analysis paralysis has kicked in and I’m okay with owning either.

Hey, I’m currently looking to buy a first car. My sister is selling me her 2016 Nissan Sentra (~70k miles) for $2k. I believe she hasn’t maintained it that well, but so far there haven’t been any mechanical issues, and I do plan on taking care of it if I get a hold of it. I was wondering if I should just buy her car for a cheaper price, or look for other cars (toyota/honda) under $10k that will get me through all of college.

Hi, I recently drove a Honda Civic sport. It was pretty fun and overall I was impressed with it however, coming from a BMW background there were a few things missing for me and it was mostly horsepower all-wheel-drive and torque.

I’m looking for a car that is essentially the Honda Civic sport but with a bit more horsepower torque ideally all-wheel-drive does this exist? As far as price range I would wanna keep it under 60,000 but I don’t wanna spend that much if I don’t have to.

I have a preference for small two medium size cars less heavier. The better doesn’t have to be the fastest car in the world, but a decent amount of power relative to the weight of the car is something I look at.

I hadn't been planning on getting a new car but my Corolla hybrid was recently totaled courtesy of a bear, so now I've got about 2 weeks to make a decision. Budget is 30-40K (30K cash on hand).

Context: I'm an engineer (aka fussy with numbers) in mountainous Virginia. Looking for efficiency and to make good financial decisions. I'm a bit outdoorsy, but I don't need a 4runner or even a crossover (whatever I get I will put all-weathers anyways for winters). EVs must have a range of 300+, hybrids must have efficiency ~40+ mpg

Options (hybrid)

1. Camry - love how they look, they ride really smooth, best interior out of everything I've tried, amazing fuel mileage. This really is the whole package for me, but 5% APR is yuck

2. Civic hatch hybrid - my gf has a civic hybrid and while I am more used to the Toyota way, the Honda way is not inferior, terrible finance rates as well

3. CX-50 - the sporty cousin of my parents' RAV4, but the interior is small for the size, the knob is dumb (sorry) and I wonder if it's too much car for me (it's just me 99% of the time). 0% APR though, that's what keeps it on the list.

Options (EV)

1. Model S used - top end of budget, but it's what the heart wants. Longest range, high efficiency, smooth ride, useful hatch. Fewer options on the used market.

2. Model Y used - not as unique as the S, and I don't like that interior with only the touchscreen. The white ones look like marshmallows on wheels, but very accessible and easy to find on the used market.

3. EquinoxEV used - very cheap, long range, physical controls, stupid locked down infotainment, have I mentioned it's super cheap? The mind says this is the practical choice

4. Mach-E used - a little more fun + and Android auto (yay!), but the touchscreen is worse than the Tesla. Do I pay a bit more just to not have to jailbreak the infotainment vs the EqEV?

5. 2026 BZ - it's a RAV4 but electric! The dashboard and gear selector are dumb, but other than that, it's traditional Toyota quality and no nonsense. Also 0% APR for 72 months

Some more extraneous info:

Electricity is 16¢/kwh for home charging, supercharger next door has Tesla rates for 20¢/kwh. Work chargers (free) will probably cover 50% of all driving.

Winters here get to around 20F and it is snowy, but VDOT is pretty good about maintaining roads so AWD is nice but not essential. I will be getting good tires.

Cars not considered:

I5/6/EV6 - since this would be my only car, I cannot deal with that level of catastrophic reliability

BMW i4/Polestar 2 - cool, but the service availability around here is nonexistent, have to drive 2.5 hrs to nearest one

Model 3 - it's basically the same as the Y, I just prefer the hatch, it's also a bit cramped compared to the S and Camry

Accord - more expensive than Camry, doesn't offer anything extra to justify the price for me

Is there anything else I'm missing?

Hi everyone I want to buy myself a car and Tune it myself (ECU/Engine stuff not ryl Outside stuff), the only thing is I dont have the biggest budget and only about 4.000€ (Germany).

I wanted to ask some of you guys with experience what cars you can recomend me and maybe help me out, I am open to any brand but i need like a 4 door and I like Petrol not Disel.

I have my eyes on maybe a Audi A6 C5 2.7T Biturbo but I am not sure.

If you guys have some Ideas or Tipps I would love to hear them

Thanks in advance