What do you look for in a new car?

tmb102

tmb102

New Member
Hi! I was hoping you could help me out here. I'm looking to purchase myself a new vehicle, and there are just so many cars out there today. I'm just your average consumer. I asked some of my friends but I also wanted to post it here on this internet forum. So, what do you look for in a new car? What features? Thanks!
 

Just bought a new Honda CR-V back in August. I had my previous CR-V for 12 years, so reliability is a big factor. The new one has a backup camera, which I love, and lane assist, which my husband grumbles about but I appreciate for the safety aspect, and adaptive cruise control, which my husband does like. It's comfortable, roomy, has great storage capacity in the back. We looked at Toyota RAV-4's but I did not like them as well. For one thing, the only choice for interior color seemed to be black. While color is not a big factor for me, it just made everything so dang dark inside. Felt like I was in a cave. And I love that my CR-V has Apple Car Play. If someone texts me, Siri will read it to me. OK, in truth, this has happened exactly one time, but still. It's a feature. And I can dictate a response if I so choose. And we use our phones for the map feature. A more expensive version of the car had built in GPS, but we opted not to get it.

What surprised me the most about getting a new car were the advances in technology. Being connected to my phone, automatic braking, the variety of read-outs on the dash board. Well, like I said, my old car was 12 years old. Gizmos usually don't impress me, but these really have, and I'm enjoying them.
 

I'm also in the market for a new-to-me car. Looking for a hybrid that's 2 years old. Hubby wants a small SUV, so we'll probably get a RAV-4, but we're flexible on that. Right now I'm driving a 2001 Infiniti SUV (can't believe it's that old!) that's only got 120K miles on it but is showing its age, and he's got a 2006 Toyota pickup. Agreed that Japanese cars tend to stand up better than others, though the diesel Silverado dedicated to hauling our 5th wheel has been trouble free.
 
The headrests. Seriously.

The car I have now (2010 Ford Explorer) has headrests that pushed my head forward and down. I couldn't even sit up straight with them. Every time I drove on the slightest rough road my head was banging back against the darn thing. I finally took them off. I have noticed the same thing with several other vehicles that friends and family own.

The next time I look at a car to buy, the headrests will be the first thing I test out.
 
Uptosnuff said:
The headrests. Seriously.

The car I have now (2010 Ford Explorer) has headrests that pushed my head forward and down. I couldn't even sit up straight with them. Every time I drove on the slightest rough road my head was banging back against the darn thing. I finally took them off. I have noticed the same thing with several other vehicles that friends and family own.

The next time I look at a car to buy, the headrests will be the first thing I test out.
Click to expand...
Good to know. Thanks for the, um, head's up.
 
Reliability

Had a Hyundai Elantra for 10 years the only cost was to replace the battery. We don't drive much so brakes, tires lasted until we traded. That 10 yr. warranty beats the 3 yr. on GM cars.
 
Knight said:
Reliability

Had a Hyundai Elantra for 10 years the only cost was to replace the battery. We don't drive much so brakes, tires lasted until we traded. That 10 yr. warranty beats the 3 yr. on GM cars.
Click to expand...
I have the same car as Knight. Great little car and wonderful warranty and the dealership is only about 5 miles away. I like plenty of leg room. I'm tall and have bad knees but when I put the seat back the Elantra is very comfortable. What I don't like is that it is pretty low so I use a cushion on the seat and I have such a problem cleaning the inside windshield,but I'm sure many cars that cost a lot more have the same issues. Very minor problems for such a great car.
 
If you're considering a used car, there's a trick I use to lessen the possibility of future problems. Turn on the radio and hit the pre-select buttons. Reject any car with a radio set for hard rock. I haven't gotten a lemon yet.

Personally, I buy loaded, low mileage, 10-year-old Cadillacs...luxury at about 15 cents on the dollar compared to a new one and that difference in price buys a hell of a lot of gas.
 
Last edited:
Hi everyone. Wow! I wasn't expecting this many responses but this is so helpful! So far I'm hearing reliability a lot. I've been looking on internet websites for cars and there are a lot of choices.
 
Bought my final car in August. It has leather seats, moon roof, 10 speaker Sony radio, dual A/C & dual heat controls. It's a 4 door hatch-back. I used to buy Toyota but it seems that everyone has one these days. They have become "the people's car". Found a year old Ford Focus for a decent price so I guess that is it. I'm not really into cars like a lot of guys are. If it starts & stops & is reasonable on gas I'm happy. Never go to those "shine & show" car shows for old boys. Guess I'm different.
 
Back in 2014 I was looking to replace my 21 year old van. I was so used to all the room in that van that, frankly, my first want was a big trunk. LOL And I wanted a sporty looking car like an SUV, but with better mileage. So, I bought a Hyundai Accent Hatchback with a big trunk and a 5 year warranty, whereas all the others only had 3 years warranty. It also has free maintenance for life, I go twice a year to change the oil and it hasn't cost me a dime to change oil for 5 years. They've even washed my car a couple of times and they always check everything, including the tires and brakes.
 
ive just purchased a mercedes gla....2019....beautiful motor....
i also , had a new Skoda yeti, from 2016 to 2019.....and i must say , that drove like a dream ....
happy and safe driving guys .....🚗🏎🚙
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top