Help With New Car Suggestions

FreddyForeshadowing
Tue, 22 Jul 2025 02:38:19 +0000
Buying/Selling

Hi All,

Not exactly a car person, so hoping I could get a little advice on maybe shortlisting a few makes/models to look at and/or avoid.

I’m looking to replace an 09 Corolla XLE, that was deemed a total loss after being rear ended, to give you some idea of what I’m looking for. A 4dr sedan, not a hatchback or station wagon, cheap, reliable, fuel efficient. Use cases would primarily fall into the commuter and errand running categories so it doesn’t need to be flashy, but if I can get all that and nice looks, bonus. I’d prefer to buy new, just so if there are any issues I can make the dealership fix them. Not especially picky about most of the rest, but I would like to have a decent stereo system. I splurged on the JBL stereo for the Corolla, so something at least comparable would be highly desired. Also, I bought the Corolla new, so I tend to drive things more or less until they get to be too much of a PITA to maintain.

So far the Carmry and Civic are topping my list, but had a couple questions.

1. Are there any other makes/models I should be considering?

2. Are there any other makes/models I should absolutely not be considering? I seem to recall seeing something about Hyundai and Kia cars being very easy to steal, for example.

3. This info is probably very out of date, but I’ve heard that the regenerative brake system on hybrids can be very expensive to service. So A) is that still true, and B) if yes, are there other mitigating factors to consider?

4. Assuming I could find a car with a more traditional geared automatic transmission would there be any benefit to that over a CVT? I don’t have a lead foot, and aside from occasionally needing to merge onto the freeway or pass someone, I will gladly trade some acceleration power for fuel economy.

5. I live in a state which has basically about 8-9 months of nothing but bright sunny days, and I have to park outside. Is it worth paying the dealer to apply those paint protection films for this purpose? Approximately how long could you expect that to last? 5 years? 10? 20? Any other methods you could recommend for a lazy person who doesn’t get around to washing their car as often as they should and wants something of a “set it and forget it” solution?

Think that should do it for now. May have more questions later, but this will definitely get me started.

18 posts - 11 participants