Hey guys,
Looks like I'm finally getting my Hyundai fixed to sell (fingers crossed). Now the question is, what do I replace it with? I was always told, buy Toyota, Honda, or Mazda, and never buy new.
I think out of the three, I like Honda and Mazda's styling the most, in that order, while Toyota has the most trust in so far as reliability and quality control goes, though their styling and tech leaves a lot to be desired.
Right now, my main choices I'm looking at are: Honda Accord or new Acord mini (civic), Toyta Camry or Corolla, and Mazda3.
Though those are the main ones that come to mind, I'm open to other suggestions. I was almost thinking for the price, I could look at a Mustang or Challenger for a fun car, though they're not my top picks.
Overall, I'm looking for 1. reliability 2. styling 3. price 4. Tech (though I mostly just care about the sound system lol)
Any suggestions?
For reliability, Scotty has always recommended Toyota and Honda with the caveat that you need to research and stay away from specific models that have problems. He has also said that Mazdas built after about 2015 can also be a good choice.
Styling is in the eye of the beholder. I find this to be an attractive design though it's not to everyone's taste:
Toyota and Honda are more expensive than most others because they have the potential to last longer with fewer problems than the others. Tech? Also depends what you want. An AM/FM radio does the trick for me though a tape player is nice to have as well.
Gotcha, thanks for that. I was leaning slightly towards Toyota because I had the notion they were the best in terms of reliability, but if it's even with Honda, depending on the model I might shift that way. I like Hondas styling typically more than Toyota, seems more refined, though I think Mazda interiors have them both beat. If I could have the exterior of the Accord/new civic, or even the late model camrys (especially the white body/black top variation) and Mazda interior with Toyota reliability, I think that'd be just about the perfect car for the average person
As for tech, I need at min, bluetooth, good sound system, rearview camera, and android auto functionality would be nice to have. My Hyundai has all those things, so for that being my first car I don't think I could be as comfortable in another car without them
Yeah, the tech really depends on what you're used to. Some of my vehicles just have an AM radio and I'm fine with that. 😎
Sounds like a cool car! classic?
I have several older vehicles that came equipped from the factory with just an AM radio. I've added under-dash 8-track tape players to some.
Honda Accord or new Acord mini (civic), Toyta Camry or Corolla, and Mazda3.
Have you test driven any of them?
Not yet. I've driven a mazda3 a few years back and liked it, though I'm sure the driving dynamics are a bit different from then to now. I have heard that Toyotas are more smooth, comfort drivers than hondas and Mazdas, whiich tend to lean more performance/zippy.
Please test drive everything that’s within your budget and then come back here, with a shortlist.
Will do!
I need at min, bluetooth, good sound system, rearview camera, and android auto functionality
Sounds like what you really need is a good quality aftermarket speaker setup..
Most new cars will come standard with Bluetooth, a rear camera and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.
Most likely lol Got any recommendations?
Sorry, you’ll have to wait for one of the audiophiles to chime in for aftermarket audio..
Total pass on anything made by Ford or Dodge, unless it's their 3/4 ton pickup.
For new definitely Honda or Toyota. While Honda is best option when it comes to turbocharged but if you plan on keeping the car for a long time I would suggest you don't buy turbocharged. The new Civic both hatchback and Sedan comes with naturally aspired options too. If you can and want to drive manual then without a doubt get a Civic Si; they're really nice cars. As far as styling I have found Honda to be better than Toyota. For example I test drove both a 2022 Corolla and a 2022 Civic and the Civic interior is much nicer and roomy compared to the Corolla.
I agree with all this, though I've heard from other car folks that turbo issues with engines typically happen because the engine wasn't factory equipped/tuned to handle the extra air intake from the turbo, which causes the engines to run at much hotter temps and cause issues.
I wanted to try out the new civic but they don't have any until two weeks from now. Inventory is scarce everywhere
What are you guys' opinions on Fod/Dodge, specifically the Mustang and challenger/Chargers with v8 engines? Someone on reddit recommended they're reliable, only with those specific engines, the hemi and coyote 5.0 engines. I've heard iffy things with domestic cars, so I wanted to see about you guys' takes on those as well
Small update.
Went car-window shopping and test drove some stuff. Tried out Golf GTI and Jetta GLI, Mazda3 hatch, and Camry. Went to try out a Mustang GT and V8 Challenger, but Ford had none and Dodge wasted my drive by not allowing them to be driven, so they're off the list. Dodge interiors are plastic and kind of crappy anyway imo.
I called Honda to try out the Civic, but there weren't any for a few weeks. Corolla sold out by the time I got to the dealer.
Out of all the cars I drove today, I loved the GTI and GLI's both. Both were comfortable, with dope designs, tech, and lots of power. It checks every box except one, the most important one...reliability. I don't want another Hyundai situation. Where does VW rank in the hierarchy of reliability, between "won't leave you stranded on the highway and cost you nearly $10k within four years", or "this thing will run forever and never need a serious repair if you don't neglect the basic maintenance"?
According to Scotty VW ranks pretty close to the bottom in reliability.
Nooooooo.....They're so close to perfection! If the Civic is as fun to drive as the GLI or GTI, that'd be the one
Posted by: @donjones95
If the Civic is as fun to drive as the GLI or GTI, that'd be the one
Do you mean good handing or supremely powerful/brisk acceleration?
I mean, the GTI/GLI had both, in my opinion. Keep in mind, I'm really just looking for a good commuter that's comfy and fun to drive when I want to put the pedal down. Those had that in spades.
If I can get that kind of push you back in the seat as soon as you press down kind of power, and decent handling, I'm happy. I think the styling on the civic is comparable to the VW, and the reliability is at/near Toyota level, so if I can get that, with the engagement level in the driving as those cars, that'd be perfect. AND it's not crazy expensive either