What are your go-to car recommendations for normals?

"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
10/16/2017 at 11:22 • Filed to: None

Sports car - Miata (just kidding, nobody wants sports cars)

SUV - CX-9, or Volvo V90 if they have the cash, Outback if not

Midsize Sedan - Mazda6

Compact - Mazda3 hatch

Truck - car

Hybrid - Chevy Volt

Electric - Bus

Van - Any, and thanks for not getting a crossover

Crossover - No

I can’t afford one, and it’s too big for my life right now, but I really want someone I know to buy a Volvo S90. I just want to ride in it and look at it and maybe drive it sometimes. Is that so much to ask?

DISCUSSION (57)

S65 > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 11:24

I usually just recommend a Honda Civic or Camry or Corolla. That sort of thing

E90M3 > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 11:24

Me being me, something from BMW.

interstate366, now In The Industry > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 11:26

Used TSX.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > interstate366, now In The Industry
10/16/2017 at 11:28

I came so close to buying one of those myself. I don’t recommend specific used cars for anyone, since they’ll blame me for everything that goes wrong.

Dark chocolate > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 11:30

Sports car - Mustang / Camaro

Midsize Sedan - Accord / Mazda 6 or E-class is you have the money and S90 if you want nice!

Compact - Golf

Truck - GM offerings

Hybrid - Volt

Electric - Thank fully no one asks me that.

Van - Thanks fully no one asks me that.

Crossover - No

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 11:32

CX-5 or Mazda 3 hatch

Sweet Trav > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 11:32

Sports car - Corvette Z51 or Camaro SS 1LE (for the money you cant do any better than either of these cars)

SUV - Any Mazda, except fullsize SUV’s GM is the king of that market

Midsize Sedan - Ford Fusion, So good, so cheap, so balanced

Compact - Cruze Hatch.

Truck - Silverado or Sierra

Hybrid - Nope.

Electric - Nope

Van - Honda Odyssey

Crossover - Subaru Outback or Chevy Traverse

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 11:32

I endorse this list but I’d add Honda Accord and the Ford Fusion for the midsize sedan, people like choice, and any of those 3 would be fantastic.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 11:34

Can I be the first to call you out for saying “No.” to crossovers when you recommended 3 under the SUV category? CX-9, Volvo V90, and Outback. No full truck frame/chassis underneath = Crossover.

Sports Car - Corvette

SUV- Tahoe or Suburban

Mid-size - Lincoln MKZ

Compact - Mazda 3 is a solid choice there I won’t fight that one.

Muscle Car - Mustang GT

Full size - Chevy SS

Truck - some people actually use them, Silverado 1500 (close second is an F-150 with a 5.0)

Hybrid - Volt is a great option

Electric - Bolt. 230 miles in a charge is epic (it’s ugly as hell, but serves it’s purpose well.

Van - Pacifica Hybrid

Crossover - Ford Flex or Lincoln MKT, I prefer the MKT, but whatever budget allows.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 11:36

Crossover - Subaru Outback or any of the GMs.

Crossovers aren’t bad and that’s what some people want. Too bad Oppo can’t realize that.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
10/16/2017 at 11:40

No, my SUV recommendations are wagons, even if Mazda and Subaru won’t admit it. Anybody who wants an SUV to actually drive off-road already knows what they want.

I wouldn’t know what truck to recommend, I’d probably just say Tacoma, since it doesn’t make my eyes barf. My dad has an F-150 and it’s fine.

Ford Flex is a great “crossover” recommendation and I’ve tried to get many other people to buy one, to no avail.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 11:41

Sports car - Camaro 1LE with either engine

SUV - Tahoe/Suburban

Midsize Sedan - Mazda6

Compact - Verano

Truck - GM; Sierra or Duramax Colorado for preference

Hybrid - Volt

Electric - Mag-lev train

Van -Express

Crossover - CX-5

jimz > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 11:42

I don’t give recommendations anymore, about anything (not just cars.)

too many times I’d give a handful of recommendations, then they’d go out and buy something completely different yet anything they weren’t happy about was still my fault.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Sweet Trav
10/16/2017 at 11:44

I forgot about the Fusion! I would like someone I know to have one of those.

I would like your sports car suggestions, but people who like those cars (especially in those trims) don’t fall into the “normals” category.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 11:45

No, the CX-9 is most definitely a crossover. It is not based on a wagon of any form. It was designed to be a crossover from the ground up.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > jimz
10/16/2017 at 11:45

yet anything they weren’t happy about was still my fault.

Tell them to go fuck a train.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Dark chocolate
10/16/2017 at 11:46

At the price (new), the Mustang eco-boost is almost impossible not to recommend.

Also, I kind of refuse to recommend new luxury cars to people because I feel like if they have that kind of money they should take the time to do their own research a little. Either that, or I’ll go all the way with S90 or 550i.

Dark chocolate > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 11:48

Oh, I almost never recommend a new luxury car. CPO. I have personally owned 4 CPO german cars from 63 AMGs to 7 series). can’t do it any other way. :)

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 11:48

I mean people are never willing to listen to “just buy a cheap used car for cash”. Even if you paid someone to do 100% of maintenance, you still come out ahead. I can never in the right mind recommend someone to go incur loads of debt like they always want to.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
10/16/2017 at 11:49

I should have put “Electric - walk/bike”!

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back
10/16/2017 at 11:51

It’s funny that just as crossovers are beginning to dominate that midsize sedans have gotten so good.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/16/2017 at 11:56

Realistically, I’d recommend an Outback or CX-5 to someone who really wants a crossover.

You probably shouldn’t be surprised that a collection of car enthusiasts don’t get boners for the most boring possible automobile category. If I logged on to Oppo and everyone was talking about crossovers all the time, I’d think it was a Consumer Reports forum.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 11:57

I mean you’re right.

I guess I just wish we didn’t avoid them like the plague.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
10/16/2017 at 11:58

Fine. But it’s not an SUV, so my contrarian recommendation still stands.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > jimz
10/16/2017 at 12:01

Ha, I haven’t had that happen, but the risk of every little thing being your fault is real. I just don’t like to sit idly by while people who bought a Dodge Caliber (for $30k+) are shopping for a car.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 12:04

Electric bikes can gtfac

Always in the way

bhtooefr > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 12:08

For actual normals, Toyota hybrids have been my go-to recommendation for quite a while now, even before Toyota figured out that a Prius doesn’t have to be a numbmobile - they’ve got a good reputation for reliability, most of them are decently versatile on the cargo front (the sedans being the exception), and they’re pretty efficient. (Caveat is that most of them aren’t exactly interesting to drive, but that’s getting better, and normals don’t care about that.)

Flex my boost > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 12:11

Is the Flex a crossover or a giant wagon?

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 12:13

I’d drive the hell out of a Crosstrek, if it only had a bit more power. What’s not to love about a hatchback that comes with rally suspension from the factory!?

Porsche was my first word > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 12:16

Nice. I love top lists.

I make some rules up for my list. It would be to long otherwise.

You have the cash to buy new (and intend to), but not top-premium-fully-decked-out-Fancy-Kristen-style money.

It’s your DD, and it has to DD a decent amount of miles (so the Elises of this world are out).

You can do basic maintenance yourself, but don’t have the tools/nerves/time to do the tricky stuff (SO would get mad).

It has to handle all sorts of conditions, but not the extremes on a regular basis (not Florida, not Alaska).

Your are a car nut and therefore forgive your beloved cars some flaws.

SUV - CX-9, or Volvo V90 if they have the cash, Outback if not

Nice pick, but I’d like to see a “real” at least some offroad capabilities as well as a ton of space.

-> used Land Rover Discovery IV

Midsize Sedan - Mazda6

Car nut factor - Alfa Romeo Giulia

Compact - Mazda3 hatch

Car nut factor - BMW 2-series because RWD

Truck - car

Nissan Titan. Just for the name.

Hybrid - Chevy Volt

Agree.

Electric - Bus

Nissan Leaf

Van - Any, and thanks for not getting a crossover

Chrysler Pacifica

Crossover - No

Chrysler Pacifca

Sports car - depending on budget Mazda Miata, Subaru BRZ, Porsche 718, Porsche 911, McLaren 570GT

Convertible - Mercedes C-Class

Full-size sedan - Lexus LS

jimz > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 12:19

I’m not sure anyone ever bought a Caliber on purpose.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 12:27

This whole thing doesn’t make sense.

So you are incredibly anti-CUV but recommended 3 instead of real and fully functional SUV’s.

At least a Tahoe or Suburban has real towing capacity. Most CUV’s hover around 3500 which isn’t that high for the size of vehicle they are (my main complaint about CUV’s right there). Not all SUV’s need to go off road. Real ones are capable, or at least capable of taking a lift kit to make them capable. But someone in a 7 passenger Suburban towing a camper might every other weekend might need to tow 6-7000 pounds and bring 5 people somewhere in comfort, nothing else does that off the lot.

I don’t get the hate for SUV’s. We use the shit out of our lifted Jeep Commander.

The CX-9 is 100% crossover. If you hate crossovers, why recommend one in place of a truly legit SUV that’s capable of lots of things?

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/16/2017 at 12:27

Yes, used anything is usually my first try, but for some reason people are afraid of that. Next I try CPO, but people just like that new loan smell.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 12:30

For normals (poors):

dad-mobile=camry/Nissan Titan (cheaper than F150/Silverado/Tundra)

mama-mobile= honda odyssey/toyota highlander

For stealth wealth types:

Dad = F-150 King Ranch/Platinum

Mama = Lexus LX 570

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
10/16/2017 at 12:33

Who said I hated crossovers? I just don’t recommend them, unless someone wants an SUV.

I also don’t hate real SUV’s, but I’m not going to recommend one to a family of less than 5 who never leave the pavement. The only people I’ve known personally who wanted an actual SUV knew exactly what they wanted.

Alfalfa > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 12:33

I always recommend Bronco

Kiltedpadre > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 12:37

Let’s see, most folks that ask me are looking used not new.

Sports car: I’ve never had anyone ask but I’d probably make a Torch suggestion and give someone with a 25k budget an $8k Triumph recommendation with suggestion they save the rest for upkeep

SUV: Do they want a real SUV or do they just not want a minivan?

Real SUV: Tahoe

Nonminivan SUV: Mazda CX-5 or 9 if they need the space

Van: Toyota Sienna which may change to Pacifica down the line

Compact: Civic, Cruze or Mazda 3

Hybrid: never been asked but love my Volt

Electric: suggested a Leaf to a friend’s wife because she’s only 20 miles from work, they have unused charging stations in the employee lot and they’re cheap

Midsize: Mazda 6

Truck: Silverado or Tundra depending on budget

TDIGuy > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 12:43

I have this happen all the time, Someone just today was saying that they might look at used Jettas since I love my Volkswagens so much. I told them not to look at Volkswagens because if you are used to Toyotas (which they are) , you will not like a VW. They just seem so confused that I like them so much but I will never recommend them.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 12:57

“Sports car”: V6 Mustang, Accord Coupe.

Compact: Honda Fit

Midsize: Honda Accord

Full size Sedan: Ford Taurus, or Toyota Avalon

Crossover5 seats: Crosstrek

Crossover 7 seats: Outback

CUV: whatever they’re all boring.

SUV 5 seater: Toyota 4Runner.

SUV 7-8 seater: Dodge Durango

Midnsoze truck; Tacoma

Truck: Ford F-150 XL, with the sport appearance package, and a 5.0. that’s the one I’d get because you can’t get a 2.7 with a 6th box, on a crew cab.

RPM esq. > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 13:07

There’s a big difference between not “getting a boner” for a category of car and spending more time whining about them than talking about interesting things, though, which seems to be the direction every post like this goes. I agree with him—crossovers aren’t very interesting, but the good ones are practical and people like them, and just reflexively telling people not to buy them doesn’t lend much credibility...not everyone wants to buy the things I like and I’m not being a very good friend if the only things I recommend are the ridiculous things I’d buy.

Of course, I still tell everybody to buy two cars that do different things rather than one practical car that can more or less do everything, so I’m EXTREMELY guilty of this.

RPM esq. > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/16/2017 at 13:09

I agree. The good ones may not be very interesting but they’re perfectly good cars and I understand why people who aren’t super into cars like them.

RPM esq. > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
10/16/2017 at 13:17

So the best car in every category is a GM product unless Mazda makes one? I think you’ve found a way to be objectively wrong about an inherently subjective question!

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > RPM esq.
10/16/2017 at 13:20

The question wasn’t best, is was go-to.

Are these all the best? No. Are some of them the best? I think so, but it depends how you’re grading them. Are these what I would steer someone towards? Most likely. I’ve never claimed not to be biased.

Saracen > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 13:22

I don’t. I’ve learned that whenever anyone asks me for car advice, they ignore it and get whatever they prefer anyway.

RPM esq. > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
10/16/2017 at 13:25

I was just kidding because the pattern was so clear. I actually agree with you on some of these as a go-to recommendation—both my sister and ex-sister-in-law now drive CX-5s for that reason.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > TDIGuy
10/16/2017 at 13:29

Ha, yes, I’ve been in that boat a lot.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > RPM esq.
10/16/2017 at 13:30

Ultimately, not getting asked for recommendations is a win, right?

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 13:58

Yeah that fear is so unfounded. Sure its a valid concern if you buy a $1000 or less used car. But something in the 5-10k range that isnt a 25 year old luxury car? Shits gonna be just fine.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
10/16/2017 at 14:12

So are pedestrians

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
10/16/2017 at 14:14

Yeah, definitely not the best. Normal people don’t want the “best” anything. They want good enough for the money and not a financial or safety risk in the future.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/16/2017 at 14:17

Pedestrians GENERALLY stay on the sidewalk.

Of course there’s the odd cluster of suicidal jaywalkers...

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Flex my boost
10/16/2017 at 14:18

I recommend the Flex all the time and nobody ever buys one. I’d say it’s a wagon, but who knows anymore?