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.

371 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 • • 3h ago

Best used V8 coupe/sedan under $30k? For the rumble and potentially hp…..

23 Upvotes

r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 6h ago

should i go for it?

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20 Upvotes

Hello! I’m 19 and trying to get my first car. I was looking at 2022-2026 Honda Civics at first, but I’ve just looked into Volvo and really love almost everything about this car. Obviously if it’s not a smart choice I’m going with the Honda, but I wanted to hear from people who have experience in Volvo sedans specifically! I literally just found out about these cars today so I want to know all I can!

If commute matters I’m almost always on a highway. I frequently take drives that last an hour or more. Thank you!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 14h ago

Newer Vehicles are UN-necessarily complicated!

52 Upvotes

Why in the world do we need touch screens? They're dangerous!

I wanted to buy a newer Corolla, But I hate that they have the equivalent of an iPad sticking out of the dashboard blocking a portion of the windshield.

Somehow, automakers decided they need up-to 50 computers talking to each other to make the vehicle run and drive!

And if something goes wrong with them, Sometimes the dealer can't even figure it out!

I'm a big fan of knob, cables, and switches, And being able to work on my own vehicle.

I miss the days of being able to buy a reliable vehicle that I don't need a scanner worth thousands of dollars to tell me the computer for my left $5000.00 tail light can't talk to the ECM and let the car start and run...


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 43m ago

How much of an upgrade is the 981 Cayman S over the BRZ/GR86?

• Upvotes

I currently have a 2023 BRZ manual and love it. It is the most fun car I've owned and planned on keeping it longterm. I bought it new over 3 years ago and recently been thinking a 981 Cayman S might be the next progression in my sports car journey.

Does anyone here have significant experience in both the BRZ and Cayman S and is it a significant performance upgrade on the street? Is the 981 CS worth double the price and I'm sure repair and maintenance costs are probably double too?

I appreciate any feedback!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 55m ago

Chevy Cruze was totaled, what should I buy for under $8k?

• Upvotes

My 2017 Chevy Cruze was totaled. It only had 55k miles on it and was a great little car for the nearly 10 years I drove it. I don't drive much (I'm a homebody and wfh) but looking for a reliable car for myself and family to get us around. My partner is a T1 diabetic and we depend on a car so we can get his meds and to hospital.

All the cars I'm finding in my budget have either like 150k+ miles on them or have rebuilt titles.

I technically have $10k to spend but leaving some wiggle room for fees, registration etc. And I would prefer NOT spending the entire $8k/10k. Finances are unfortunately tight for me at the moment. I'm very upset my car was totaled as I feel I now have to settle for something worse than my previous vehicle.

This has been so stressful and to boot, I know nothing about cars. Does anyone please have suggestions for what I should look for that won't break the bank but will be reliable and last for years to come? ):


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 5h ago

New work vehicle for mobile mechanic business

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6 Upvotes

Ok folks, I am deep in analysis paralysis.. Nightly rabbit holes regarding payload's, mpg's, drivetrain specs and so forth.. I am considering four completely different vehicles for my small mobile mechanic business and could use some external insight.

I am currently working out of a 2016 ram 1500 short bed ecodiesel w/160k, ive owned it since 50k and its been absolutely great (23mpg average but at $6.50 gallon it hurts being the equivalent to 14mpg gasoline, also it is getting up there in miles even with strict maintenance its risky with these engines) I work out of the bed mostly, it has a hard sided canopy with bed slider that has 6 Milwaukee packouts for tools and small parts, as well as a floor jack, stands, oil pan and trash can. In the cab i keep sensitive electronics like scan tools, an oscilloscope, evap smoke machine, digital torque wrenches, multimeter, jump box etc., I occasionally tow our travel trailer(5000lbs) as well as take our kids to school, the back seat is large enough to have my "inside" tools and our family. It will end up being an "extra" vehicle or selling depending on this decision.

Daily drives to and between jobs equates to 60-100miles in the DC suburbs. Most of our work consists of diagnostics, tune-ups, brakes, pre purchase inspections, starters, alternators, batteries, radiators, water pumps, etc., we are NOT replacing engines/transmissions or any job that takes more than a day typically. We occasionally work in parking garages so low height would be beneficial but not a must. Parking in congested areas is not fun with my current truck so i would like to stay the same length or smaller.

2018 Ford Transit Connect; 23mpg average. Plenty of dry enclosed space for all the tools i currently use. Tried and true 2.5l engine but transmission is notoriously bad. Uncomfortable to drive but can be had for less than $15k. If i purchased this i would probably buy it and use the standard deduction model as .72cents a mile rate compared to the "actual expense method" it makes more tax benefit sense.

2022 Ram 1500 5.7l (non e-torque) crew cab 6'4" bed w/ contractor canopy; 17mpg average, has back seats and plenty of usable interior space for tools. Can tow our travel trailer. Plush and comfortable interior. Bed would be used exactly the same as current setup only space gain would be the contractor style canopy with side doors(current is a hard sided canopy) Upper end of price range at $25-35k depending on miles and options.

2023-2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid w/ contractor canopy; 40ish mpg average, sits higher up than the Connect and much more comfortable to drive. Bed is comically small but i took measurements and i could make it work. To keep tools inside the cab i would probably remove the rear seat eliminating the ability to occasionally use it to take the kids to school. Reasonably priced between $20-25k but i have found new 2026 models for $30k so that may be an option.

2017-2019 Transit 150 or 250 3.7l 130"wb; 15mpg average. Heard lots of horror stories regarding the transmissions but these years seem to be the sweet spot. It has more than double the payload of other options and can almost stand up inside a medium roof. I really dont like how they drive(new or used) maybe just because they have been empty they seem to constantly be hunting for a gear and feel like much lesser quality compared to the sprinters ive driven. I dont plan on expanding to do other areas of my occupation and am extremely busy already with my current areas so this seems like overkill. These can be found for $15-25k depending on condition and miles.

I believe i am trying to check off too many boxes with this dedicated work vehicle and that's my biggest problem. Its a big investment and i am the type to spend hours researching even the littlest of purchases so that has also made this search more difficult. I am positive my wife and friends are sick of me going over all the specs. Which of these do you like or think would fit my scenario best?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 5h ago

Defender to LC 500

7 Upvotes

Hello all,

I’ve traded a 2018 Lexus Lc500 7 months ago to a Defender v8, l’ve been having a minor buyer’s remorse/regret thinking back and forth on the LC that I sold since 2 months after I traded. Now there is another opportunity that I could trade the Defender v8 back to the LC with the perfect color combo that I’ve always wanted. If you were me what would you do? Will you just go for it even though you lose some money or just keep the Defender as being highly practical/capable daily.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 1h ago

Help deciding with first Luxury car

• Upvotes

I've been driving a 2021 Camry SE AWD (~50k miles, mint condition) and I'm ready to treat myself to my first luxury car. I've been researching for days and could use some real-world opinions before I keep going deeper into this rabbit hole.

About me:

- Ohio, so real winters. AWD is non-negotiable
- 1 hour commute each way, all highway
- I deal with back pain, so seat comfort and ride quality are my top priority
- I love sporty stuff, but luxury comes first this time since it's a long ass drive
- It's just me and my small dog, so I don't need a huge SUV but also don’t mind one.
- Budget is flexible, but I'd like to stay around $1,200/mo or less with the Camry as a trade and some extra down payment if needed.
- I'll probably keep it about 3 years. Leasing is out because of how fast the miles add up
- No home charging right now, so EVs and plug-ins are out unless I move
- I'm religious about maintenance

What I'm hoping for:
- Massage seats
- Soft suspension
- Good power for highway merging and passing
- Coupe/sportback style if possible
- Solid highway driver assist (hands-free would be amazing)

On my list:

- **Mercedes GLE 450 Coupe:** current favorite. Pinnacle trim gets massage seats, plus AIRMATIC. New ones near me are $87-97k, so I'm leaning certified pre-owned
- **Mercedes GLE 350 / GLC 300:** the GLC doesn't seem to offer massage seats or and I don’t know about the suspension being soft.
- **Lexus RX 350h:** reliability king and way cheaper, but no massage seats; unsure about the suspension.
- **Audi Q5 / SQ5 Sportback:** Prestige trim has massage + air suspension and costs less than the GLE
- **BMW X6 / X5:** hands-free highway driving is really tempting

**My questions:**
1. For a long daily commute with back pain, which of these actually has the most comfortable seats and ride?
2. Since I'll only keep it ~3 years, is a 1-2 year old certified German SUV the smart play with how fast they depreciate?
3. Anyone put real miles on a GLE 450 or SQ5? How's reliability holding up?
4. Is the Lexus's reliability worth giving up massage seats and air suspension?
5. Anything I'm missing that checks more boxes?

Thanks in advance!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 9h ago

Used EV Help!

10 Upvotes

Looking to pick up a used EV. Will be my daily driver to work (10 miles one way). Will also likely be the roadtrip car to visit family (~230 miles away), but am fine stopping to recharge.

I liked test driving the Ioniq 5, but the ICCU and 12V battery issues worry me.

What other small to mid-size SUV EV models should I be looking at? I’m seeing the Mach E come up, but I’m really not a huge fan of the touchscreen only (hence no Tesla). Trying to stay under $30k for budget.

Any ideas/recommendations would be appreciated!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 4h ago

Best used daily driver for $20-30k? Long commute, but I still want something fun

3 Upvotes

I'm looking for some advice on what car to buy because I've been going back and forth for weeks and can't make up my mind.

I currently drive a lifted 2019 F-150 Platinum with the 3.5 EcoBoost on 35s. I love my truck, but I recently started a new job with a roughly 100-mile round-trip commute, and the fuel costs are getting ridiculous.

I'm considering getting a commuter car instead of putting all those miles on my truck, but I don't want to spend $25k on something boring that I won't enjoy driving.

What I'm looking for:

Budget: $20–28k, preferably closer to $25k. Could go up to 30 or more but I'm trying to be practical

Used 2-5 years old

Commute: Approximately 100 miles round trip, mostly highway.

Fuel economy: Ideally 30+ MPG highway, but willing to compromise for the right car.

Transmission: Manual preferred, but definitely open to automatics.

Comfort: Important since I'll be spending around 2 hours a day driving.

Performance: Something with decent power and handling. Doesn't need to be a sports car, but I want to enjoy driving it.

Reliability: I plan to keep it for several years, so I don't want something that's constantly in the shop.

Interior: I appreciate a nice interior, good sound system, and modern features.

I've looked at everything from Audi A6s and BMWs to more economical options. I've also considered Miatas, Audis, and Toyotas, including the Camry, Corolla, and GR86. I'm open to hybrids or EVs if the numbers make sense.

I do most of my own basic maintenance, so I'm not completely opposed to German cars, but I also don't want maintenance costs to cancel out whatever I'm saving on gas.

My biggest dilemma: Do I buy something practical and efficient purely for commuting, or spend a little more on something I'll actually enjoy driving every day?

What would you buy in my situation? Any specific models, years, or engines you'd recommend or avoid?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 3h ago

Winter Beater Yaris - Worth It?

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3 Upvotes

Would you make an offer on this and if so how much? My city goes crazy with the salt every winter, so I've been wanting a beater to spare my nice car. Plus I've heard Yarises can be fun with some minor mods.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 6h ago

Next family hauler?

5 Upvotes

Looking for my next family hauler to replace my Honda Pilot

Why replace the pilot? It’s a lease, and these 4th gen Pilots are starting to have some weird reliability issues, and I don’t want to keep it.

Budget - $100k

Must haves:
3 row SUV
360° camera, adaptive cruise, all the newer safety and convenience features
Hard buttons for climate control at minimum (this is the toughest one these days)

ICE or EV are preferred, would be open to select few hybrids

I usually don’t have a problem finding a new car, but it’s getting really difficult to find cars that aren’t 100% screens inside these days, drives me nuts but I’m probably just old

TIA


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 1h ago

First-time car buyer in Ontario, what should I buy and watch out for?

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I've save up around 20000 cad to buy my first car.

I've been looking around at used cars, but I'm pretty new to car buying and don't want to make an expensive mistake with my savings.

I'm looking for something that's reliable, relatively affordable to maintain, good on gas (or electric), and comfortable enough for highway driving. I don't necessarily need anything fancy, but I would like something that I can enjoy driving and keep for a few years.

A few questions I have:

  1. What cars would you recommend for a budget of $20K CAD? Are there any particular makes, models, or years that offer the best value?
  2. What should I watch out for when buying used? Any major red flags, common scams, or things dealerships try to sneak in?
  3. How much mileage is too much? Would you rather buy an older car with lower mileage or a newer one with higher mileage?
  4. How much should I budget for additional costs? Things like taxes, insurance, inspections, maintenance, and unexpected repairs.
  5. Private seller vs. dealership? Which would you recommend for someone buying their first car?

I'm not in a rush to buy, and I'm willing to spend some time researching and finding the right deal.

Since this is money I've worked hard to save, I'd really appreciate any advice on how to get the most value out of it and avoid getting ripped off.

Thanks in advance!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 8h ago

what car to buy being a single dad of 2 kids

7 Upvotes

I've had a 2017 fiesta st for nearly 6-7 years.

my babies are older, bigger and playing sports.

idk if I should just get an automatic or stay with a manual.

my budget is no more than 18,500 otd.

I don't need something fast but I don't want something slow. . .


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 2h ago

Toyota GRC vs Audi RS6 Avant

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I’m in a bit of a dilemma and looking for some opinions—especially from anyone who has made a similar jump.

I’ve been eyeing a used Audi RS6 Avant for a while now. On paper (and in person), it checks almost every box for me. I previously owned an E63 wagon and took a break from the high end cars for a bit and have been driving a 2004 Tacoma for a few years.

However, out of curiosity, I recently test drove a Toyota GR Corolla.

Obviously, they are two completely different cars. The GRC isn't nearly as fast in a straight line, and the interior/refinement isn't in the same universe as a $120k+ car. But... I couldn't stop smiling while driving it. It felt lightweight, mechanical, raw, and just pure fun in a way that modern high-horsepower, heavy luxury cars often don't.

Now I’m torn... do I stick with the original plan for the RS6, or go with the smaller, punchier, lower-stakes fun of the GR Corolla (and save a massive chunk of change in the process)?

For those who have owned both ends of the spectrum:

  1. Has anyone here moved from a high-end luxury/performance vehicle (RS, AMG, M, Porsche, etc.) to something like a GRC, Civic Type R, or Golf R?
  2. Do you miss the luxury, quiet cabin, and effortless power as a daily driver, or does the raw engagement and lower stress/maintenance cost make up for it?
  3. Did the "cheap interior" fatigue set in after the honeymoon period ended?

Would love to hear your thoughts or any other recommendations. AWD is a must.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 2h ago

New Acura Integra’s

2 Upvotes

Hey guys, I have a beautiful older Cadillac and it’s been giving me more trouble than it’s worth. I’m about to move from California to Tennessee and need something I can keep outside all 4 seasons. I rented a 2023 integra A-spec about a year ago and loved it. Wanted to know if anyone has any experience with newer models. In between leasing in December or just biting the bullet and buying one.

Thank you!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 2h ago

Is an $8,500 CAD 2006 Toyota RAV4 2.4L with 210,000 km a good deal?

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I am looking at buying a 2006 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.4L engine, 210,000 km, and an asking price of $8,500 CAD in BC

The seller says it has had quite a bit of recent maintenance and repairs done, including:

  • New transmission (2026)
  • New front struts and coils
  • New rear links
  • Wheel alignment
  • New alternator
  • New water pump belt
  • New O2 sensor
  • New iridium spark plugs
  • New tires (2025)
  • Brake fluid service
  • Rear differential service

However, the seller also mentioned a minor water pump leak and something about the timing chain tensioner. I'm still trying to clarify exactly what's going on with those issues??

I'm looking for a reliable vehicle that I can keep for several years, so I'm wondering whether this is a reasonable buy or not.

I don't know too much about cars, and these are my main questions:

  1. How concerned should I be about the 2.4L engine's known oil consumption issues?
  2. How serious or expensive could a water pump leak or timing chain tensioner issue be?
  3. Does having a replacement transmission make this a better buy, or could it be a red flag?

r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 3h ago

RAV 4 2011 Sport with 115k miles - 1st owner for 7500$

2 Upvotes

Should I buy it for daily in-city driver ?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 18m left

2005 Lexus Is 300 for $22k and a little less than 60k miles. Clean title and desert owned.

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• Upvotes

I am seriously thinking of getting it. Reliable and fun to drive.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 14m left

Please help(full sized truck)

• Upvotes

So I’m 6”7 and am finally in a position to buy a truck to accommodate my height.y budget is about 30k but can go higher if need be. 35k max. Also I will not be doing much if any towing. Only thing i will be doing is off roading in the beach, and in the Colorado mountains for snowboarding.

I was initially looking to get a ram with the 5.7, but have been trying to explore more options. For example, fords have better leg room, and better fuel economy. Toyotas have the most reliability.(4.6 & 5.7), but easily the worst fuel economy. I’m just torn. Obviously no Chevy/GMC. And no new tundra(the v6 turbo).

I’m mainly looking for long term reliability, but want comfort options like in a ram, only thing that turns me off from the ford is the 10 speed. And am aware of the 2021 updates but still.

So what’s everyone’s take, do I get:

Ram 5.7, Ram 3.6, Ford. 2.7, ford 3.5, ford 5.0, or tundra 4.6 or 5.7(grouping these together)


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 14h ago

What car should I make my parents buy?

13 Upvotes

My older parents probably need one more car until they stop driving, but they’re infuriatingly difficult customers and car owners.

They’re not very wealthy, so I’d say max cost is probably about 12k. (Tough, I know.) 

They will only drive sedans, and my dad wants that old, heavy, big luxury feeling. For example, we had two 2001 Cadillac DeVilles from eBay before their current 2006 Mercedes E350 that’s falling apart. Unfortunately they don’t take very good care of the cars, so ideally I want something more reliable than old German, smh. It’d also be nice to get them into the 2010s.

My ideas at the moment are 2013-ish Buick LaCrosse, Mazda 6, Lincoln MKS, or a higher mileage Avalon. Leaning Mazda for my own peace of mind. 

Any other ideas?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 8m left

Recommend a car for up to €2,000–€3,000. 4 doors, manual transmission

• Upvotes

r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 3h ago

Looking for midsize hybrid SUV

2 Upvotes

Hi! I’m looking for a midsize hybrid SUV, preferably in the $35k range. I’m not a car person so I am primarily looking for something safe and reliable that I won’t have to think about much. My daily commute to work is about 10 miles one way and sometimes I’ll use the car for weekend errands. I’d also like something that can handle the New England winter, but like I said, mostly I want something that I can trust to keep me safe for the next 15ish years.

Thanks!