Going to be moving from NYC to a city that needs a car to get around. Any tips for a first time car buyer or cars I should look at? I have no clue what to even look for

So I'm not a big car guy but this is what I've learnt from mates who are.

Couple things to ask yourself are (1) what are the major uses (2) who will use it regularly (3) running costs.

Assuming you're just after a car to run errands/go out etc, could look at a Toyota corolla or a Honda Civic. Pretty solid cars. Generally (ateast here in Australia) insurance tends to be decent too because they aren't super powerful etc.

If you can afford it an electric car (Tesla, Porsche etc) can be a great option. However the flip side is (1) risk of charging on long trips. Definitely becoming less of a concern now but it exists (2) insurance can be higher.

If you're looking at the used market you want to see a record of maintenance. A folder of receipts is gold. Also check tyre tread for wear. Ask for the engine to be left cold (check this) and when you start it listen for any funky sounds. At the same time check the dash and make sure that the lights turn on. Ask questions. And lastly if possible get a mate who has done it before to come with you.

Lastly consider a motorcycle (my advice I love them haha).

Good luck

Get an F150. You will never not drive a truck again if you get one. Best car ever

Thanks everyone for the amazing advice! Loved in nyc my whole life so never had cars so this is all extremely helpful. It’s mainly for getting around, grocery trips and the occasional road trip in Atlanta!

C1 nailed it, only things I have to add is consider what gas the engines runs on. Lower performance cars can take 87 and are cheaper to fill than higher performance engines which take 91 and are obviously more expensive.

Toyota, Honda, and Volvo all make really reliable cars and are fairly cheap to maintain. Once you know what it'll be used for (grocery runs, hauling luggage for vacation, driving around town) it'll help narrow your selections.

If buying a user car from a private party, make sure to take it to a shop for an inspection. Less of an issue if it’s a CPO since those cars are already pre-inspected and have a warranty (shorter than new cars, but still better than nothing). Toyota/Honda (Camry/Corolla/Civic for sedans or RAV4 for SUVs) are reliable choices with low / inexpensive maintenance. If looking for something nicer but still just as reliable, Lexus is a great choice (IS for sedans, NX for SUVs). Drove one for a few years without a single issue.

Although the used car market is insane right now and at a different time, leasing a new budget car would be a better option, leasing anything doesn’t make much sense in this market. If going with a new car, the lease / finance payments are pretty much the same right now, so financing is a better option (no limits on mileage, etc). If you end up wanting to lease, visit the Edmunds forums and read how leasing works (this also goes for any time in the future). There’s a lot of components to it (Residual value, money factor, etc) that aren’t hard to understand if you know basic finance, but dealerships totally capitalize on folks not knowing what goes into a monthly payment to rip you off.

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. Accept no substitutes

Hey! So I’ve owned several cars (I live in the PNW) so awd or 4x4 is key to be able to go to the mountain during winter / on the beach during summer or river.

I highly recommend a Toyota or Subaru - they’re fair price and usually hold their resale super high.

They’re also cheap to own and fix.

Hope this helps!

Look into vehicles with good gas mileage,inexpensive repairs,and are reliable.Typically Toyotas/Hondas imo.I’d recommending staying away from dodge and anything European unless buying new(and even then..idk).I’ve been pretty heavy into cars for years now.Feel free to DM with any questions

Ebike

I would highly recommend the Honda CRV! Mine is from 2017 and has all the features I could ever want in a car (ACC, Apple car play, remote start, etc). Good price too and great for everyday driving and helpful for moving because of its size. Not to big not to small. I will definitely be keeping this car for many years to come.

If you buy used, make sure to get a PPI (pre-purchase inspection). Reach out to local mechanics it should run you a couple hundred dollars but it’s worth it for peace of mind.

One important thing that hasn’t been mentioned, look up the car’s year, make, and model common issues at milestone mileages. There may be gaskets, water pump, or something else that usually go out around a ~10,000 mile range (I.e. 80k-90k miles a bunch of bmw’s electronic water pump needs replaced). This could save you hefty unnecessary expenses

Highly recommend getting a CPO vehicle. Guaranteed good quality and new car services at a significant discount price.

Buy a 911

Honda Civic 100%

Get a Honda, Toyota or Subaru

Everyone telling u to get a honda or toyota, get a lexus instead and thank me later