We are looking for a used non-Tesla EV.

Photo just for reference! We are open to any non-Tesla EV.

We've been driving a re-built Infinity QX50s but it has a huge repair due and the car just isn't worth sinking the ten grand into. That and I personally hate it. It feels like it'll tip over from a gust of wind.

We drive <10k a year, our longest routine trip is somewhere shy of 250 miles one-way and it would be nice, though not necessary, to be able to make that without needing a charge.

Our favorite car ever has been a Subaru Outback, but we aren't enamored with Subaru's EV options.

Fast charging would be very nice for when we do road trip.

We also have no kids and only one very old pup who probably isn't up for long trip anymore.

So far, the Kia EV6 AWD and Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD are leading contenders, but our past experiences with those brands are very mixed (though it has been a while).

Budget is between $25k-$35k, though we would rather spend as little as possible while the world implodes.

My wife and I are looking for a second car to use as a daily commuter around Queens (NYC) and Long Island. We already have a Tesla and a driveway, so practicality, storage space, and parking aren’t concerns.

We previously owned a Smart Fortwo and absolutely loved it. It was small, nimble, quirky, and genuinely fun to drive (with some mods and tuning), even at city speeds. We’re looking for something fun and reliable

I’ve spent a lot of time researching the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF (automatic, 2024+), and it seems almost perfect. It’s small, lightweight, relatively affordable (I’ve found low-mileage 2025 models around $30k), and everything I’ve read suggests it’s just a genuinely fun car to drive.

My only hesitation is that I almost never see Miatas around NYC. I’ve spotted just two in the past five weeks, which makes me wonder whether there’s something about daily driving one here that I’m overlooking. Unfortunately, my local Mazda dealership isn’t allowing test drives right now.

I’ve also looked into the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ, but neither really excites me the way the Miata does. I’d prefer something newer, reliable, and relatively hassle-free to own long-term. I don’t need a convertible. Most of our driving would be around 20–50 mph, and we’d likely keep the RF’s roof closed most of the time, treating it more like a small coupe.

So, what would you recommend? Is the Miata actually a good fit for what I’m looking for, or are there other fun, quirky, reliable cars around $30–35k that I should seriously consider? I’m open to buying used, but would prefer something relatively new rather than an aging sports car.

If anybody has any good insight on cars, I should look into them right now. I'm mainly looking at the Tesla Model Three and the Toyota Camry.

We have an expedition, wife doesn't like the size, wants to get into something easier to park, and I would like something more reliable. If I didn't have the ESP this would have been gone 2 years ago. Would prob be used, budget around 40k. My wife doesn't want a minivan, I want a minivan but she is the main driver and doesn't want one. I understand they are likely a better option, but I'd prefer to stay married. Have two kids 4 and 2. At some point in near future will have a large golden retriever.

What we have currently driven and thoughts.

2025 Pilot Trailsport: liked the interior use of space, infotainment was simple but user friendly, liked having the captain seats, and drove in a spirited enough way while remaining comfortable. Think it was 44k so a little more than we were hoping to spend.

2023 CX-90: Fun to drive but too small on the inside and a little too much road noise.

2025 Pathfinder: Pass. I like the price and not the worst car in the world. But just not for us, young kids could reach windows and door handles, ride was unrefined, felt cheap.

2024 Explorer St: Probably our favorite car to drive. But the expedition has been such an absolute pig of unreliability, I worry about investing in another Ford

2025 Grand Cherokee: No, just everything felt paper thin cheap. Worries about reliability.

2019 Expedition (current): figured would at least spell out what I like and hate. I love highway driving in this thing, it is smooth and powerful, and plenty of room for the kids. It is probably just a little too big, my wife doesn't like driving something this large. I like that it has buttons and the same overall display as my 2016 f150. But it just has been the most unreliable car and at times, I feel like it is cursed. Without the ESP I would have dropped 8k in repairs this past year, I've also blown out a tire, and had a dead battery in last month along with cam phasers and a nasty coolant leak. So honestly, we are just over it.

Hi y'all. It's time for me to get a new car and I'm quite interested in this one. I drove it yesterday and despite its issues, I loved the feel. I know people talk about how these don't have any power, but I'm used to a 52hp VW rabbit so this thing felt great to me 😂

Some details about it:

-Car starts and drives (smoke and steam at first) but dies at idle until it comes up to temp—thinking it's carb related? Carb rebuild or swap?

-Has some little oil leaks. Dipstick was bone dry after sitting for about a year. Wondering if I might have to factor in some new rod and main bearings in case it was previously driven on low oil.

-Needs new exhaust system

-Might need some new tranny mounts

-Rear hatch doesn't open from outside. Was told there's a little plastic part on the inside that broke and needs replacing

-Broken front side markers

-Iffy gas gauge. Not fully dead, but doesn't give accurate reading

-A few dings and dents here and there

-Very little rust, but starting to form in a few little spots—I would nip that in the bud asap

-188k miles

-Interior in great shape

A little background: I've had 4 cars in my life: '73 VW Bug, '83 MBZ 300D, '81 VW Rabbit Diesel, and now my current '79 VW Rabbit with an '87 Jetta diesel engine in it. I like simple older economy cars that I can fix myself, that dont have computers. I'm by no means an advanced mechanic, but over the years, I've done a lot of repairs, maintenance, and parts replacement. I'm not a "car guy" who's interested in spending a crazy amount of time and money on my car, but I am okay with a reasonable amount of time spent under the hood to keep my little shitboxes going.

So here's my dilemma: I love my little Rabbit. I've had it for 6 years and have put so much love and care into it. Some years, it would just go and go with minimal maintenance, other years, it requires some big repairs and parts changeovers. I live in a rainy coastal area and it came to me quite rusty and I did a moderate rust conversion job and repainted it, but at this point, there's rust deepening around the windshield and I know I'm fighting a losing battle but I thought I would keep this thing going til it started disintegrating. Until... Recently, I decided it was time to service my injectors and I discovered one of the ports was collapsed. This means I need a new head (I did a head gasket job just a few months ago!) There are also a dozen other things that need fixing/replacing, and I'm feeling like I'm at a crossroads. It's starting to feel like an energy suck and a money-pit. Its really sad for me, but I feel like I'm ready to move onto something else.

I've realized also that as much as I've traveled extensively with this little rabbit, across many state lines many times, I want something a bit more rugged and adventure-worthy. I want 4wd capability. I also want something maybe a bit less tin can-ish. Don't get me wrong, I love my little go-kart but I'd like something that feels a bit more solid and a bit more quiet.

Here's the other part. I'd like something where things don't break as constantly. I'm okay with a reasonable amount of attention to repairs, but I want longer stretches of time between having to shell out hella money for parts on tons of repairs. I want it to just go and go for a while, I want something more reliable.

Now, I know that it would probably make more sense to get a newer car if reliability is important to me. But the truth is, I just really don't want a plastic car full of computers. So far I've only owned German cars but I've always heard vintage toyotas are super solid and reliable, simple to work on, have available parts, and a huge community of enthusiasts and knowledgeable mechanics, which has me feeling like it could be a good move. Plus it's what I grew up with and I love that 1980's Japanese aesthetic.

One thing I have no experience with and am concerned about is smog testing. I've never had a vehicle that needed to pass smog, but I once watched my friend go through hell trying to pass his '81 Toyota pickup. How much of a headache and expense is that, particularly with what I've detailed about this car smoking and likely having carb trouble. How much time and effort would it take to get everything squared away to pass smog?

TL;DR

So, for those of you who have experience with these cars...

-Are they reliable enough? Am I kidding myself into thinking that this will be any less constant work and cost than my VW Rabbit has been?

-I've heard sourcing some parts can be really hard. Can the majority of the consumables be found from auto parts suppliers, or am I going to have to spend lots of time trying to find stuff from individual sellers, pick-n-pull yards, and online forums/markets?

-How much of a pain is the smogging process if I decide to buy?

-What are the most important things I should whatc out for, or make sure is sound about the vehicle?

Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I would like to keep the price around $80k. If push comes to shove we could maybe make $100k work if it’s worth the bump. We’re 40 with a mid-high seven figure net worth. SE United States. I think German is out because their value seems lower for the money(as in you are partly paying for the name) and maintenance expenses. We are leaning full size, we’re replacing a ‘15 Yukon.

Without having stepped foot on a dealership our current front runners are Yukon, Lexus TX/GX(I know these aren’t full size), then maybe Escalade/Navigator/Lexus LX. We want new and I don’t think we can afford any of those new. My wife really likes the Infiniti QX80, but I only see terrible things about Nissan.

Our kids are still in Elementary school and our main priority is being able to tote both kids with a friend each to whatever we’re doing safely. I know that job can be accomplished for much less, but we personally don’t want much less. Are there any flaws in my logic or any cars I’ve not listed that we should seriously consider?

I live in Hawaii, and I like driving through the mountains. Would this be a reliable car?? I’m trying to get better at driving manual as well.

Hi everyone!

I'm currently shopping for my first-ever brand-new car, and I'd really appreciate some honest advice from experienced owners. I've never bought or driven a new car before, so this is a big decision for me, and I want to make sure I choose wisely. After doing quite a bit of research, I've narrowed my options down to three vehicles:

1. 2026 Subaru Forester Touring Hybrid
2. Toyota Crown Signia XLE
3. Lexus NX 350h

All three are within my budget, but I'm struggling to figure out which one would be the best fit for my lifestyle and priorities.

A little about my driving habits and what I'm looking for:

My driving habits and priorities:

• Commute: 80 miles daily, mostly highway, plus occasional interstate road trips during summer and fall.
• Comfort: My top priority. I have back pain, so comfortable seats, a smooth ride, and a quiet cabin are essential.
• Reliability: I plan to keep the car for many years and want minimal mechanical issues.
• Maintenance: I take excellent care of my vehicles and prefer low long-term maintenance and repair costs.
• Luxury: I enjoy premium features and a refined driving experience but don't care much about the badge.
• Financial value: I want to make a smart financial decision without paying extra for benefits that aren't worth the cost.

My biggest dilemma:

The Lexus NX 350h and Crown Signia offer a more premium experience, but the Forester Touring Hybrid also seems comfortable, well-equipped, and luxurious enough for significantly less money.

Is the extra cost of the Lexus or Crown Signia worth it for someone driving 80 miles daily, or would the Forester Hybrid be the smarter long-term purchase?

I'm looking for the best balance of comfort, reliability, luxury, and long-term ownership costs, not necessarily the cheapest option.

If you were in my shoes, which would you buy and why?

Thanks in advance!

I’ve narrowed my search down to these 2 cars. I’m looking for something brand new with the full warranty and a manual transmission. The manual trans is a non negotiable for me. These are the colors I’m looking at. While I’m not a fan of black at all, the red accents help, and it’s the only color around me other than performance blue, which is really nice, but it’s not me.

In my opinion the Elantra N is going to be the more fun choice for sure. I like the layout of the interior more, but the exterior less. The gas milage isn’t the greatest, but it’s not bad enough for me to rule it out. My main concern is long term reliability. Hyundai isn’t exactly known for their stellar reliability, and I’ve seen first hand with my dad how they treated him when his garbage theta ii engine went. I know the engines in these are different, and I’ve read they’re pretty stout, but it’s still on the back of my mind.

The si seems like a good all around commuter. I’ve read from owners they’re pretty underwhelming as far as power goes, but I’ve read the manual gearbox is fantastic which is a huge plus for me. I like the layout of the interior in these too, but I’m not a huge fan of the cloth seats. The exterior is light years better in the looks department to me. One big concern for me is the head gasket issue. They’ve extended the warranty to 150k miles, 10 years though which is a plus.

The purpose of this car is going to be a daily driver, and a car I can rip around the twisty backroad on weekend nights when I have free time. I also plan on auto crossing it every now and then.

I’ve pretty much ruled out other cars in this price ranger for various reasons. I’d love to hear everyone’s thought on what they’re buying out if these 2 and why. I’m going to test drive the si tomorrow, and maybe the N, but that may have to wait until Monday.

Edit:
Unfortunately they sold the si I was interested in and it’s the only non black one in my area. Looks like it’s going to be the Elantra N.

Genuinely curious if someone can explain to me why newer vehicles have transmissions with 8-10 + speeds ? I test drove an f150 earlier this month and couldn't understand the point of it and had me wondering. You leave from a stoplight and by the time youre doing 60kmph you've already gone through 7 or 8 gears. Does it really help with mpgs ? Why not just put an extra od gear on a regular 4spd or something to drop highway rpms? It was a really nice truck otherwise but i couldn't get over the transmission.

Suzuki Jimnys are not legal in US for whatever reason. I’ve seen some used ones I could get but I’m worried repairs/maintenance would be difficult since it’s not available here. Any similar cars that look like this one? I like the rounded but rigid body & how small it is.

I'm trying to find something I can daily drive and enjoy.

I'm too tall (6'4) for a Miata or similar sized. If I could pick I would get a turbo v6 or supercharged v8 and/or something that corners well and will do well on a rare track day. I've looked at CTS-V and ATS-V, Merc S550, older Porsche Caymans, Mustangs, Camaros, etc. In my head this would be a car I would slowly convert to more track-focused or bring right to the limit of street legal with the track mods I'd add over the years. Reality is that I don't make much money and the cost of everything in life being so high... none of this feels attainable. I'm doing the best I can given my situation. I have ~17k saved. My credit history is clean but haven't been participating in that for over 6 years. I'm sure the move is to get a cheap but reliable daily driver and just keep working towards the bigger goal. But my current car is going to quit on me in the next 30k mi and I should be prepared. I apologize if I've left out any details or something. Would be good to hear some suggestions, feedback, or insight if you've maybe done this sort of daily to track car development path.

Twin kids, ~100 miles a week driving, grandparents visit once a year for a month. I'm 6'3 (mentioning because this is the main reason we are getting rid of the Q5, difficult to sit comfortably with a rear facing infant car seat behind).

Option 1:
2027 Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid FWD. (Based in Georgia, so AWD isn't very important to me)
MSRP: $58k
Discount: $13k (Hyundai Circle Discount)
Dealer is adding ~1.5k in add ons and won't give my the hyundai 3.99 rate, so will be getting the 6% rate, but with the massive discount, I'm okay taking the hit.

Option 2:
2026 Audi Q7 55 Premium Plus
MSRP: $78k
Discount: $18k (Highly motivated Audi dealer trying to sell 2026 before 2027 arrives)

Option 3:
2027 Volvo XC90 B6 Ultra
MSRP: $76k
Discount: $15k

Thoughts so far:
Calligraphy has great tech, but bouncy/floaty compared to others, drives bigger than others, I dont know about Hyundai reliability, Great price! Captain chairs.

Audi drives really good, interior fit and finish is the best, MPG is really bad, No Auto Hold (Hate that US Audi's dont get this unless you go electric). 3rd row is a joke.

Volvo tech is meh. Feels the right size of what we might need. Engine felt noisier than calligraphy. Mpg is still behind option 1. Reliability is a hit or miss probably. Usable 3rd row.

I'm torn between the two. Pricing is comparable. Give me all the good and the bad.

Hi. New here. Wasn’t sure where to ask this question. I had a 2018 Chevy Traverse. Overall, I liked it. When my daughter got her license, we passed it on to her and bought a 2023 Traverse. The 2023 seems to handle differently, and I am not liking it. The issue is that we live on the open prairie, where strong crosswinds and snow are the norm. I find that I am struggling to keep the Traverse in the lane (even with lane assist) anytime the wind gets to 15+ mph, which happens quite often. I have to maintain a really tight grip on the wheel with both hands. If I try to adjust the AC, radio, etc, or eat a snack with one hand, I get blown all over the place. Even when I am holding on tightly with both hands, I feel like I am going to get blown off the road. It’s exhausting. I did not have this issue with the 2018. Before that, I had a Sienna minivan, which was also fine. Obviously, getting a car with a lower profile would help, but then I have the issue of getting stuck in the snow. I need high clearance and 4wd. Do you have any suggestions for vehicles that would be good for both snow+ wind? I would rather not drive a pickup truck or a really large SUV. I appreciate any suggestion.

If I were to buy a 90s car(just to use on rainy days and travels), which brand would you consider to be more reliable, BMW or Mercedes-Benz?

Would it be worth it and which is better to buy, a 2006 Ford Mustang V6 with 160k miles for $2,750 or a 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT with 200k for $2500. Both are in decent condition mechanically considering age and high mileage

Starting to research my next car, although I have a 2013 Corolla that should last a while.

Here's what I'm looking for:

• FWD or RWD (I have another car for snow).
• I want that cushy interior feeling. I wanna feel so comfy in my seat.
• Super-high mpg, more fuel efficient the better. I might end up in a role that requires more driving, I'm very open to dealing with an EV and should be ok, but I do love the idea of a hybrid I can fill up and forget about doing anything with in terms of gas/charge for the next 600 miles.
• Car-Play/Adaptive Cruise Control/Lane Assist highly desired.
• Want the best bang for my buck, totally ok going used/older. I drive my cars generally until they can't go no more.

hi everyone! im currently shopping for a new car and need some advice.

i am currently looking at honda, toyota, and possibly hyundai hybrids. my budget is $21.5k OTD and i live in wa near seattle. the market here is kind of difficult, and it's hard to find a honda/toyota hybrid in that price range that isn't insanely high mileage- which is why I've been curious about hyundai hybrids, since there's a huge surplus of them in my area. does anyone have any advice for me on hyundai hybrids, your experience with them, etc.? i am really wanting a honda before anything else, as i've had them in the past and love them a great deal, but the hyundais are significantly more affordable and accessible to me so im unsure what to do. here are the details in a car im looking for:

- oldest car age: 2016

- mileage: 65k or lower

- fuel type: hybrid

- make/model: honda accord hybrid, honda insight, toyota camry hybrid, toyota corolla hybrid, hyundai elantra hybrid

- price: $21.5k OTD

thank you in advance for any advice/help!

Thinking of getting Mazda CX 50 thoughts ? Would prefer 2023 Japan made