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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2.4k 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.

358 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 5h ago

What do you actually drive vs what you recommend?

80 Upvotes

Nearly every post here has folks recommending a Corolla, CX-5, Sienna, or something with a GM 3.8. Alternatively, depending on how well they pass your personal "do you really need a truck" test, a Maverick or Frontier. Want something sporty? Get it in red.

So let's hear it. What do you drive?

I'll start, I currently have a Ranger, CRV Hybrid, and an older Grand Cherokee.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 6h ago

What would you buy if you could afford the flashy option but genuinely didn't want it?

69 Upvotes

Bit of a weird situation I grew up around expensive cars because my dad has always collected them so I've had enough time around Ferraris and similar stuff but that the novelty isn't really there for me anymore.

I'm finally buying something properly for myself and everyone around me keeps pushing me toward the obvious choices 911 AMG M car etc.

The funny thing is my dads friends are probably the exact demographic youd expect to care about this stuff. Private clubs, ridiculous watches, Kibu connections the whole thing. Yet half of them daily something completely unremarkable and swear that's the way to go.

It's made me seriously consider getting something comfortable and understated instead of spending $100k+ just because I can

If you had that budget but genuinely didn't care about showing it what would you buy?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 7h ago

Which small truck should I buy? (Ranger, Tacoma, Colorado)

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38 Upvotes

I'm looking at a 5th Gen (2021) Ford Ranger. 2.3L I-4 Ecoboost. XLT, FX4, 302A package.

Is there any "show stopper" issues with this truck I should know about? Known faults, big problems, that type of thing?

Also curious if the Colorado or Tacoma would be a better choice. I know the Tacoma is more expensive but I've got Toyotas for our family vehicles and they run great and I know the HUD. I don't really have much experience with GM trucks but am open to considering one.

EDIT: I need a body-on-frame truck that can pull 5-6000lbs.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 1h ago

First Gen Amg Gts Worth It?

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Upvotes

r/whatcarshouldIbuy 5h ago

Low tech AWD?

8 Upvotes

Our son is leaving for college in the Rockies, and his beloved 1992 F150 will *not* be making the move with him. (We will keep it here until he graduates and can afford to restore it, but it is currently not road trip worthy.)

He is a big kid (6'4) and loves how there are NOOOOOO screens or technology in his truck, but I would really feel safer if he had something with AWD and snow tires, since we live in the very flat portion of the Midwest. I would also prefer something that gets at least double digit gas mileage and can be maintained easily.

Our budget is maybe up to $35k, but we would obviously like to spend less if possible. He is also willing to travel if he can find the perfect shitbox elsewhere in the country, so beyond newish vehicles, if there are any vaguely reliable and/or maintainable 80s/90s AWD models to look for, he would be thrilled to transfer his cassette collection over.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 6h ago

Buick LaCrosse, 56k miles.

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8 Upvotes

Looking to replace my Honda in the future, because it's 184,000 miles, burning oil and leaking. Saw this and it looks good (a little too good).


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 18h ago

Should I buy an old Volvo?

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61 Upvotes

Torn on buying this old Volvo 240 wagon. It’s my dream car, but the car I have now, a 2011 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI, is great on gas and has a great maintenance history at 150k miles, I’m talking dates of every oil change since new. I’m only 18, but I could totally afford the Volvo if I sell my other car. Not sure what I should do. Thoughts?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 57m ago

Which car/truck?

Upvotes

Hello! So I am looking at a newer vehichle car or truck preferably 2020-2026. i need this to last 300k if possible or close to and need it to be reliable. I am going to be driving a ton everyday (med device) so good gas mileage would be nice. What are 5 recs you would give me and the years? needs to be under $30K and not to much milegage since i wil be racking up the miles myslelf. Would love to hear your inisghts and thoughts!! trying to narrow down to 3-5 to choose from


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 1h ago

Which car is best?

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r/whatcarshouldIbuy 1h ago

Pricing input - 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT Trim (FWD) 2.4L - 117K KM - Canada ("basically a Toyota Matrix")

Upvotes

Curious on the general communities thoughts on what a fair/reasonable price would be for a 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT (sport trim), 2.4L engine. Looking to sell to family, but given its condition and mileage, don't want to "give it away". Only giving it up as family is growing and no longer have a need for it, would rather someone else enjoy it.

https://www.kbb.com/pontiac/vibe/2009/

Incredibly low KM (117K), in what I would describe as 'good' shape. The negatives on the car's condition I would describe as follows:

- Some clear coat peeling in 2 locations, about palm size. Paint in good shape otherwise, no rusting. Driving in West Coast BC only, so nominal snow/salt issues.
- 1 minor scratch on bumper, about a finger length long by about 2mm wide.
- Interior generally in good shape, driver seat leather starting to peel a bit
- Brakes pads are close to replacement, otherwise general maintenance has been good/kept up with. Has been incredibly cheap to maintain.
- One ICBC claim related to a hit and run, peeled back front wheel well, cosmetic damage only was about $2k or less for insurance claim.
- Needs detailing/cleaning, but otherwise interior is in good shape.

I was the second owner, bought with 30K KM on it in 2014 off a lease return.

Any input or thoughts here would be appreciated. I've seen ranges anywhere from CA$3K-11K, with lower end being high KM (300K+)/damage and higher end being somewhat delusional people on price point with 150K+ KM. Haven't found many, if any, in the low KM range this one is in.

Thanks in advance!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 3h ago

Trying to look for a truck

3 Upvotes

As the title says I am looking for a truck. I wanna spend about 12-15k on one. I want preferably a 4cyl. Worst case scenario I get a 6cyl that is ultimately good on gas. Preferably four door. My options are Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, or maybe Ford Ranger. I don't know shit about trucks and would like some recommendations of trucks I should look at. Also what would be considered "good" mileage and what is not. I currently drive a scion tc and it currently needs some work done on it and would like something bigger and not two door lol. I am leaning more towards a truck because i rather have one and not need it than not have one and need one. Any recommendations would be great as said before. Thanks in advance.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 7h ago

$5000 CAD to my name

6 Upvotes

Yeah that’s right. i’m rich like that. What car can my broke ass buy with $5000 down payment or all cash that isn’t going to bankrupt me over maintenance costs, insurance, and/or car payments?

I’m 25 and I make $57000 living in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 4h ago

Used vs New

3 Upvotes

I know common advice is to buy slightly used because of the steep depreciation during the first year. But in my specific situation, I’m looking for a luxury SUV and am seeing 15-20% discounts off msrp for a new vehicle. Whereas, a 5-10k mileage used one is listed for only a little less (if not the same price) as the discounted new vehicle. In this situation, it’s obviously a no brainer to just buy the new vehicle right? Am I missing something?

Edit: specifically, I was offered 20% off a 2027 qx80. And 15% off gls and x7


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 11h ago

Whats The General Consensus On The Fords f150 3.3 v6?

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12 Upvotes

r/whatcarshouldIbuy 2h ago

Recommendations for a family car £3000 - £4000

2 Upvotes

Hi all,

I’m not the most knowledgeable when it comes to cars. I’m looking for something reliable and a decent size, could be a larger sized hatchback or even an suv if budget allows. This will be my first car as I’ve just passed my test. We’re a family of 4 so looking for something for a little space for road trips and holidays. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 2h ago

Should i buy this car please ?

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2 Upvotes

Kia rio


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 8h ago

Fun & Reliable car under 20k?

5 Upvotes

I’m trying to find a car that’s fun to drive (lower to the ground, doesn’t sway much when turning, responsive steering, good acceleration, high revving) that is also practical (still have usable backseats and trunk, good gas mileage, low maintenance cost and frequency).

Currently the Golf GTI is what I’m looking at but “German engineering” and “low maintenance” don’t usually overlap in my experience so I look to reddit for alternatives.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 5h ago

UPDATE on Mercedes GLS450 vs minivan

3 Upvotes

UPDATE: I got a Lucid Gravity. Some commenters suggested an EV because of the battery weight creating a lower center of gravity, and they were right. I tried out all the three row EVs I could, and none were even close to the Gravity. I also ended up trying out the carnival and didn’t love the way it handled, and couldn’t get over the poor safety ratings for rear passengers in the minivans.

The Gravity is an absolutely amazing car and I got an insane 24 month lease deal on a fully loaded 2026 Touring. With the trade in incentives they offered I actually did better overall than the lease Kia was offering, which is crazy. The Lucid is maybe the best and fastest car I’ve ever driven. 0-60 in 3 something seconds. It has the adjustable air suspension like the MB, the collapsible third row like the Odyssey, super safe, incredible handling, beautiful leather interior and heated seats (first and second row!), and an awesome amount of cargo space. The range is great and can charge super quickly at any Tesla charging station. The screens are really well thought out and don’t feel intrusive, and the physical buttons work well and make sense to me. And it weirdly feels less ostentatious than the MB, even though the sticker price was more. I wish it had sliding doors like a minivan, but we’ll survive. I went with a lease vs buying since the company and this car are so new, but am very, very happy with my lease deal. Thanks for the help everyone!!!

——

Original:

Looking for a safe car that handles well for a family with young children. Interior cargo space is important- I do a lot of gardening and have a bad habit of buying trees, as well as needing space for road trips and everyday schlepping. (the Mazda CX90 is out for this reason). I also really like physical buttons and like less screens in general (but Apple CarPlay is a must). Leather interior and heated front seats are also a nonnegotiable. Remote start would be a plus, since it can get hot here during the summer. I like the idea of the minivan’s sliding doors for young children, but am worried about the safety ratings.

I currently drive a VW golf wagon and love the way it handles, but the passenger space is limited and it’s starting to fail in fun and interesting ways. (Despite how finicky both my VWs have been, I still plan to test drive an Atlas)

My main problem with the large luxury SUVs is how high they seem to float and how they don’t feel like you can zip around a corner (looking at you Genesis). I really like the way the GLS drove and that you could lower the suspension, but am worried about reliability. We can afford the maintenance and would be getting a car under warranty, but I don’t want to deal with the car constantly being in the shop. I also don’t want to draw too much attention. In my opinion the GLS450 doesn’t stick out quite like a G wagon, but I’d love to hear others‘ opinions. And until BMW changes their design and gets rid of those horrendous buck teeth on the front, I can’t consider an X7.

I tried an Odyssey and actually didn’t hate it but the air conditioning in the rear was TERRIBLE. However I loved the passenger and cargo space, and the fact that it still had some physical buttons. I also liked that it drove lower. I didn’t like the interior of the Toyota Sienna. I am planning to test drive a Kia Carnival.

Are there any other cars I should check out? Anyone able to chime in on the GLS450 vs Kia Carnival? Not a lot written online cross shopping those two!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 27m ago

Advice on purchasing a reliable used car

Upvotes

Hello, I'm looking to buy a reliable gas saver car for around $4,000 or less in Illinois which is doable. I'm hoping to find something that gets around 30 MPG or better. What makes, models, and years(2004-2010) would you recommend looking for at this price point? I heard about gen 2 prius’s are good but burn oil and same thing with the camrys. Any help would be appreciated.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 28m ago

For my college kid.

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Upvotes

My college son is looking for a reliable college car to head off with. TL has 164k miles, TSX has 143k. Worth checking out or pay a little more for newer with less miles?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 29m ago

Lincoln or Lexus?

Upvotes

Hi. I’m in the market for a newer car. Currently the owner of a 2016 Lincoln MKC Reserve, loaded for the last 8 years. The turbo has an under boost code. It has 138k miles on it and I’m not sure repairs are worth it.

I’m considering a 2026 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve 3 hybrid or 2026 Lexus Rx 350h Luxury. Both drive well, Lincoln is slightly smoother and quieter. The tech in the Lincoln is spectacular but also intimidating and the tech in the lexus is underwhelming.

Has anyone gone from Lincoln to Lexus or Lexus to Lincoln? What is your opinion, do you have regrets? If you left Lincoln, what do you miss most? Thank you in advance!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 31m ago

Have a question about a 2014 ford explorer 4D

Upvotes

I am gonna buy my first car soon and I need to buy a used car because they are cheaper. I saw that someone is selling a 2014 ford explorer (66,000 miles, 3.7L V6, All wheel drive, no civilian use yet because it was government) and I wanna know if that is a good car, it is $6,500. I live in California and every 2 months or so I go up to the mountains to target shoot and fish so I need something that can be off road slightly(nothing crazy, just going up dirt hills sometimes, etc…) so is this a good first car or should I buy something else?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy 39m ago

Which Vehichle?

Upvotes

Hello! I’m looking at getting a newer vehicle, preferably a car or truck from 2020–2026. I’ll be driving a ton every day for a medical device sales job, so I need something extremely reliable that can hopefully last close to 300k miles.

I’d like to stay under $30K and preferably find something with lower mileage since I’ll be putting a lot of miles on it myself. I do get mileage reimbursement for work, so MPG isn’t a huge concern for me—reliability and longevity are definitely more important.

What are 5 vehicles and specific years you would recommend? I’m trying to narrow it down to 3–5 options and would love to hear everyone’s thoughts and experiences!