What do you look for in a new car?

TMB 102 sent me a profile post that is probably better answered on this thread:
Hey! Thanks for getting back to me earlier. I had asked what you look for in a new car. I just have a few questions for you. I know you've owned Toyotas and an Infiniti. Would you consider going American? What would make you go American? And how important would you say the warranty is in buying a new car? Best, T.

My response:

I carefully investigate the market while narrowing my searches during major purchases. Consumer Reports (I've subscribed since the mid-1970s) and other long-respected independent research organizations are the first places I look. I've owned numerous American and foreign made vehicles over the years, some good, many not so good.

Most (all?) new cars come with good warranties, but I expect vehicles to run trouble-free for far longer than the warranty period. Therefore I set my sights on vehicle brands that historically stand up to the test of time. Toyota and several others (including some American mfrs) hit that mark.

I haven't seen an American car from a reliable manufacturer that fits my current needs, wants and budget. That's why I've eliminated them from my search.
 

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@tmb102 = You're new and probably don't know about this. When you write a profile post it will be public and everyone can read it. If you want your message to be private, send a ''conversation'' for privacy. Welcome to the forum! And good luck with your auto purchase, whatever you get.
 
Catlady said:
@tmb102 = You're new and probably don't know about this. When you write a profile post it will be public and everyone can read it. If you want your message to be private, send a ''conversation'' for privacy. Welcome to the forum! And good luck with your auto purchase, whatever you get.
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StarSong said:
TMB 102 sent me a profile post that is probably better answered on this thread:
Hey! Thanks for getting back to me earlier. I had asked what you look for in a new car. I just have a few questions for you. I know you've owned Toyotas and an Infiniti. Would you consider going American? What would make you go American? And how important would you say the warranty is in buying a new car? Best, T.

My response:

I carefully investigate the market while narrowing my searches during major purchases. Consumer Reports (I've subscribed since the mid-1970s) and other long-respected independent research organizations are the first places I look. I've owned numerous American and foreign made vehicles over the years, some good, many not so good.

Most (all?) new cars come with good warranties, but I expect vehicles to run trouble-free for far longer than the warranty period. Therefore I set my sights on vehicle brands that historically stand up to the test of time. Toyota and several others (including some American mfrs) hit that mark.

I haven't seen an American car from a reliable manufacturer that fits my current needs, wants and budget. That's why I've eliminated them from my search.
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Thank you! I've been emailing everybody trying to get a handle on this. But this is great. I suppose yeah, the Japanese brands have proven their mettle.
 

CarolfromTX said:
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.
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I can verify your observations about the Rav4's black interior. We bought one about a year ago and when driving at night the black interior is very annoying. I bought a little USB reading light and stuck it in there just to provide some visibility in the forward console area.

In addition, the way the headlights are designed driving on unlit country roads with the low beams on it looks like someone painted the top half of the windshield black. This is particularly bad on hilly, winding roads. (We have a lot of those where I live.) With the low beams are on, as when meeting the rare oncoming car, driving is a real adventure!

We also looked at the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Outback & Forrester, and I'm satisfied with our decision. There is certainly some room for improvement in all of them though.
 
I like the crossovers that sit up higher. They're good for people who have problems getting into a car that sits lower. When my father was having bad hip problems, he had trouble getting in and out of my mother's car. He had a truck with manual shift and his hip prevented him from driving it ever again. Also, because there are so many autos that sit up high now, I always feel like my field of vision is blocked if I'm driving a regular car.

Our older Honda CRV works well for us. We bought it new in 2008 but with just under 50,000 miles, it's almost like new. We went for something safe, reliable, and reasonable, and sitting up high was also a priority because of husband's very bad back.
 
I'm looking for a good, used Volvo. I've never had one, but something recently changed my mind, and the no. 1 issue for me is safety. What changed my mind was an accident a mile away from me on a street that I'm on 6 or 8 times weekly - for groceries, hardware, medicine, etc. since its a very traveled road in my city.

A man came through the intersection about 75 miles per hour in a Volvo, and had been taking marijuana and other drugs. One man he hit was killed instantly, who was waiting for a light change, and another sent to the hospital, along with the driver of the Volvo, who received minor injuries.

https://www.roanoke.com/news/crime/...cle_c33b3bce-a8ed-5c52-a69d-3a2b32d1db12.html

I can't get this out of my mind. Since then, I have been looking at used Volvos. At my age now, that's not the way I want to go if I can help it.
 
Periodically, I do some new car shopping....looking for a vehicle that represents good value for the price. So far, I have found nothing, in recent years, that gets me enthused. I have pretty much resolved to just keep spending a few dollars/yr. to keep our present vehicles in good shape. I used to get all excited about new and fancy cars, but anymore I don't.
 
win231 said:
Reliability, safety & comfort. You'll get that in any car made in Japan. I'm currently driving a 2019 Nissan Altima. I've had Toyotas & Hondas.
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I agree with win231 and my choice for the last 14 years has been two Toyota's I only traded my first one in so I would have the same warranty. I live in one of the most extreme environments on earth where temps dropped to 40 below and my cabin was for months only accessible when the 4 wheel drive was on.
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That Tacoma (never) failed me!
 
tmb102 said:
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!
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IMPORTANT: Please read

Hello everyone. Thank you for your responses. I asked this question for a research project at school. I asked it in the manner I did as to eliminate the possibility of input bias that might come with answering a research question. When first posting, I was not expecting the plethora of responses, and was blown away. I want to sincerely apologize for this shortcoming and for any inconvenience this may have caused. It goes without saying that the information here will NOT be used unless I get your approval individually.
 
So, you used deception to gain answers. You also set up another account with a different user name and asked the exact same question. And the people here should trust you because.....?
Did you get permission from the forum admins to do research of the members? @Matrix @SeaBreeze
 
Marie5656 said:
So, you used deception to gain answers. You also set up another account with a different user name and asked the exact same question. And the people here should trust you because.....?
Did you get permission from the forum admins to do research of the members? @Matrix @SeaBreeze
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Hello Marie5656,

I understand completely. That is why none of the material here will be used for research purposes or anything else related to the paper. As for the second forum post, a different account has been used in order to remove the answering bias that might come from associations with this account. This second forum clearly stated the purposes of the research. That being said, this second forum post will also not be used in any way for the research project, either. Once again, I’d like to apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, and want to reiterate that nothing here will be used in the paper. Thank you.
 
In addition to reliability and economical gas mileage, I look at insurance cost. Because I'm 5'3", I need a car that I have clear visibility from which seems to be very few. I also pay attention to turning radius. Since cars are simply a utility to me, I usually keep them from 12 - 14 years and 250,000 miles. No problem if you take care of them.
 
Interesting: I cant comment as my car is 20 years old and a BMW series 3 1.8 saloon we bought in Holland in 1999 when prices of cars in the UK were high. I worked for a main dealership up to 1995 in the sales showroom.
My BMW has onlydone 70k miles and in very good condition so willkeep her and run her into the ground as they say. If I buy another car will look about as Ive no idea about the latest models.

Good luck with your car hunting ☺
 
Despite the OP posing as a senior who wanted this information for personal reasons, I found this thread very helpful. We put off our car purchase until after the holidays because our calendar was too crowded with events and getaways, but will start shopping in earnest this weekend.
 
Catlady said:
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.
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Frequently, a company that is desperate to boost their sales will offer a longer warranty or free service or both.
 
win231 said:
Frequently, a company that is desperate to boost their sales will offer a longer warranty or free service or both.
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So far so good, the car is 5.4 years old and no problem yet. I'll be getting free oil changes and checkups for problems for as long as I own it. They even wash my car. No complaints from me.
 
Robert59 said:
I like side airbags and it must be a Mechanical reliability. I found my Nissan to be very reliability. If I buy another used vehicle it would be a Toyota or Honda.
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Absolutely agree, Robert. These are on our must have list for the vehicle we purchase from a dealer this month:
  • Latest safety features
  • Manufacturer with a good reliability track record (Toyota)
  • Good warranty
  • Good gas mileage (probably a hybrid)
  • Light color exterior
  • 2-3 years old with low mileage and good condition
Hoping for light interior, but will bend on that, if necessary.
 
Me... I'd prefer a 55-64 pickup truck. (brand makes no difference) 6 cyl. 3 on the tree or a granny low 4speed. A real frame under me, not high speed, but, don't need to go fast anymore, so drum brakes will stop just fine. As an added bonus, no seat belts, air bags, gps, back up camera's or any other distraction device that auto makers can install. Just think... without all those distractions, the roads would be a lot safer if people had to just drive. Yep... just an old guy who has seen and had to work on a lot of "high tech" vehicles. Lot's of gee gaws that are just fine, when they work correctly. If not, then gets very expensive real fast.
 
tmb102 said:
IMPORTANT: Please read

Hello everyone. Thank you for your responses. I asked this question for a research project at school. I asked it in the manner I did as to eliminate the possibility of input bias that might come with answering a research question. When first posting, I was not expecting the plethora of responses, and was blown away. I want to sincerely apologize for this shortcoming and for any inconvenience this may have caused. It goes without saying that the information here will NOT be used unless I get your approval individually.
Click to expand...
People don't like to be deceived, lied to or made a fool out of. You wouldn't get "input bias" if you just asked the question honestly; you would have received the same opinions.

IMPORTANT: Please read
You're an idiot.
 
tmb102 said:
Hello Marie5656,

I understand completely. That is why none of the material here will be used for research purposes or anything else related to the paper. As for the second forum post, a different account has been used in order to remove the answering bias that might come from associations with this account. This second forum clearly stated the purposes of the research. That being said, this second forum post will also not be used in any way for the research project, either. Once again, I’d like to apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, and want to reiterate that nothing here will be used in the paper. Thank you.
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Why would you go to ALL that trouble and NOT use the info you gained? It's over one month since your first post, so your research paper is over and done with and was handed in. I don't mind your asking the questions, what I mind is your lying about your reasons for the questions. The subject is TRUST! And, if you had said it was for a research assignment, my answer would have been exactly the same, no need for the subterfuge.
 
I live in snow country, so I want something really reliable and durable, that doesn't get stuck in snowdrifts. Something with good visibility, AWD, and that's reasonably affordable.

In other words, a Subaru.
 
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