What cars are your go to's when recommending to non-car people?

"Carbon Fiber Sasquatch" (turbopumpkin)
09/03/2020 at 00:00 • Filed to: None

Most of us here are probably known as the car person in social, familial and work circles. I’m sure almost all of us have been asked what car should someone buy. Obviously, there’s no perfect car but I’m sure we all have our preferences. Here’s mine.

Affordable All-arounder: Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

This is the perfect car imo for non-en thusiasts. The ultimate appliance. Seats four comfortably, highest mpg of any non-plug-in, huge trunk, more hp than a Prius, high reliabi lity, low maintenance, etc. Hybrids generally have lower maintenance costs due to the electric components sharing the load off of the mechanical . Most people who disregard this do so for superficial reasons but this is usually my starting point.

!!! UNKNOWN HEADER TYPE (MULTI-LINE BREAK?) !!!

For whatever reason, some people don’t like hatchbacks or liftbacks. I prefer the Corolla over the Insight simply because the Insight’s highway mpg is shockingly poor for a hybrid and everyone around here commutes on the highway. I’ll probably switch to the Elantra Hybrid when it comes out simply because I see no advantage of a Toyota over a Hyundai except for resale, which the Hyundai negates by being cheaper in the first place.

!!! UNKNOWN HEADER TYPE (MULTI-LINE BREAK?) !!!

I live in Ohio and a lot of my friends and coworkers want AWD but still have a budget. Subarus are relatively reliable and robust and hold their value well. The sedan or hatch body style lends well to almost any buyer and still gets good MPG. T he Crosstrek version isn’t too much more if that’s what they prefer.

I want a crossover!: Kia Niro

I have realized in talking with a lot of non-car people, they prefer crossovers simply because of the increased ride height not AWD . The Kia Niro is perfect for this because it has almost all of the perks of the Ioniq but in a crossover package. The Ioniq only beats the Niro in MPG and price. Most people who don’t pick this usually do so because they want AWD.

!!! UNKNOWN HEADER TYPE (MULTI-LINE BREAK?) !!!

I’m sure by now you’ve noticed the hybrid theme with me. They simply have a lower cost of operation overall and do not have the high upfront cost penalty that they used to. The Rav4 hybrid is simply the best at what it does, the Escape hybrid is a good alternative but most people can’t argue with a Toyota recommendation.

Conclusion:

Obviously there’s more recommending beyond this. The need for three rows of seats, the need to tow, the need for serious off-road capability, etc. Those buyers usually have specific tastes and general recommendations are meaningless.

What are your go to’s for non-enthusiasts ?

DISCUSSION (34)

SmugAardvark > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 00:05

For most people, I say Honda Civic or Accord. They’re reliable, not totally boring, and hold some resale value. If they aren’t into Honda, I toss out things like the Toyota Corolla HB , Hyundai Sonata, or Kia Soul.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 00:13

Niro is pretty much the best all-arounder out there currently.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 00:16

I literally have no clue what to suggest. I usually say whichever out of hyundai, honda, toyota gets u a good deal.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 00:24

I ask what they like. I tell them to test drive it and if they like that then buy it. Anyone asking is usually just looking for validation, and suggestions to the contrary amount to indignation.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 00:25

The reason the Niro is the best cross over is that it is a hatchback. Same reason the Kia Soul won a Motor Trend test for the best crossover. I’m fine with people calling it a crossover as long as they buy it because there’s a lot to love. That’s a good suggestion.

I have never been asked about new cars but used I usually say something about a Chevy Volt or maybe an Elantra. It really depends bit I'll usually go a little left field with things like the Scion/Toyota iM as I try to suggest not boring things.

subexpression > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 00:37

I always recommend the BMW Isetta. Once they figure out what I’m talking about, they never ask me again.

On a more serious note, I’ve specifically recommended against hybrids in th e past . The main people who ask me that kind of thing live in areas where they would get no value from the hybrid functionality and where nobody would k now how to work on it, but they’d still have the extra cost to buy one .

onlytwowheels > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 00:42

I have usually r ecommended a Toyota, Honda or Subaru product. My vehicle choices don’t align with my own recommendations, and it has been mentioned multiple times to me. I offer sound advice, with lower risks. My tastes and ability to repair and maintain my vehicles allow me greater selection. Re sale has not been a consideration for my personal vehicles, possibly because of the short length of time many were in poss ession in my younger years. Having a big warranty didn’t matter either, again, due to the limited time of ownership.

For trucks, I recommend Ford or Toyota. Ford, because of my personal vehicle and the excellent owner experience I have and the Toyota is the safer bet for reliability and resale.

RallyWrench > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 00:45

For non-enthusiasts looking for appliance cars or small SUVs, w hatever normally aspirated 4-cylinder Toyota or Honda is available in any given class , f ind the one with seats you can live with and buy that. Hyundai and Kia are alternates. If you’re a fancy non-enthusiast , buy a Lexus.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 00:47

Ford Mustang. The world needs more rwd cars.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 00:49

It depends on their income, but for people that want practical cheap transportation, I still think the Kia Soul is the toaster to beat. Cheap, utilitarian, and reasonable quality. Plus the warranty is perfect for non-car-people.

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
09/03/2020 at 00:59

Oh yeah, if they already have something in mind I might give them some alternatives to test drive alongside their choice but for the most part I just help them find a good deal lol

Stef Schrader > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 01:00

I mean, Porsche Cayenne is always the real answer.

For “I need a normal reliable new car,” though, I tend to spit out the Civic or Corolla nowadays. The Civic has a little more enthusiast cred, but both of those are more fun than people seem to give them credit for . Also, they’ll probably outlive the Twinkie you forgot about behind the sofa, so there’s that. Just get a freaking Civ/rolla.

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
09/03/2020 at 01:01

I love the Soul but it always gets shot down because of its looks. (Ironically I suggested the Soul to my ex-wife and she’s the only one who ended up buying one)

Svend > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 01:26

It all depends on their answers to my questions about size, purpose, economy, price, tax band, any marques they specifically don’t like, etc...

I try not to sway them, but sometimes I do sort of lean more to towards a particular car.

The results have been two VW Polo’s, a Ford Fiesta, an Audi Q5, two Honda Civic’s, an Audi A3 and two Vauxhall Corsa’s (that I an remember, there have been a few others).

Kinja'd!!!

LastFirstMI is my name > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 01:36

Toyota _________.

Family suburban SUV? Highlander. Because there can be only one.

Empty nester or young couple? RAV4. Should’ve called it the RAV2 for number of passengers?

Commuter? Camry hybrid, Prius or Corolla depending on budget and whether the commute distance is just hateful or completely soul-crushing.

Suburban but want to look gnarly? 4Runner

Recently divorced lady? Also 4Runner

Recently divorced dude? 86 or Tacoma. Or a used Corolla if her lawyers were better and he’s paying for her new 4Runner.

Frugal millionaire next door? Land cruiser, keep it in the garage, pamper it, then sell it to me in 15 years

Forrest > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 03:21

I like what the Car Wizard says over and over again on his YouTube channel: If you’re not mechanically inclined, and you need reliable transportation, you should just save up a bit longer and get the “Toy-yota.” (He pronounces it like that.)

(Cue the dissenters — “not all toyotas are reliable,” “my land cruiser is a money pit,” “I could buy dozens of Ford Rangers for the price of a Tacoma,” etc. )

JMKarstetter > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 03:29

The Seltos is a good alternative to the Soul, and has AWD as an option.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 04:26

Corolla.

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 04:46

Kia Picanto. Toyota Corolla. Skoda Octavia. Skoda Superb . Isuzu MU-X. Isuzu D-Max. Hino...

Long_Voyager94 > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 06:48

I know that no matter how practical the advice I give, they’re just going to get whatever “makes them look cool” anyway, so I usually just suggest something off the wall so they’ll leave me alone.

Tripper > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 07:07

I refuse to do this as my vision is to narrow. I just tell people I’m a car snob and unless their looking for something older and European, to get whatever cuv has the features they want. New cars are all the same under 50-60k except for the Miata and very few others

My bird IS the word > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 09:15

Kia soul or honda fit. Definetly agree on the rav 4 hybrid. my buddy has one, it gets great gas mileage. He put a lift on it and it has amazing underbody clearance.

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > Tripper
09/03/2020 at 09:30

Oh yeah, I’ve had a few friends ask me what I would get. I always reply that I’m an enthusiast and you should not buy based on my purchases lol.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 09:35

Mazda CX-5

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 09:37

Rav4 Hybrid

Civic/Accord if they want a no-nonsense sedan in either segment. You want something different? Mazda Kia or Hyundai

want AWD? Just pick one of Crosstrek/Forester/Outback depending on Number of kids and dogs you have.

Want a good value for money but luxury and tech? Genesis, any G enesis.

Want a luxury crossover with the badge s nobbery ? just go test drive the Audi/Merc/BMW of that segment and pick one based on your preference for features/tech/lease deals.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 09:38

Generally speaking- ask what they want and confirm their pre-determined inclinations. If it’s something that I think is a bad choice then I suggest the most comparable Toyota or Honda.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 10:31

I’m surprised that it is shot down on looks. Unless they really want a sedan, considering it looks way better than similar-sized “SUVs” from other manufacturers, most of which have a fraction of the utility. The hardest part is the bad reputation of Kia.

Captain of the Enterprise > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 10:51

Usually Toyota, I don’t actually get asked a lot but I’ve recommended the Corolla and Camry to non car people. I’ve had one of each at high mileages and with their reputation for quality and long life I feel comfortable. It’s what I’ve done so far as I’ve needed dependable used cars for driving a lot for school and work that don’t need a lot of work to keep going.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Tripper
09/03/2020 at 11:36

Sure, but you probably also have a fiduciary duty to make sure they don’t show up to your next hangout in a fucking Trax (for example) and then tell everyone else that they ran it by you, the car nut, and you were all for it .

Dr.Jeckyl > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/03/2020 at 11:54

Usually Mazda for all cars and crossovers. It seems a lot of people have an affinity for a certain brand though and they’ll choose something just because it’s a Chevy, Ford, Honda, etc... Example, my mother-in-law’s Traverse blew the transmission. The only thing she considered was a used Traverse or a new Equinox. Nothing wrong with the pick but there are better choices out there.

Even worse than recommending a car are the people that want to take me along to negotiate once they find out I sold cars years ago. No thank you, I tell them the secret though. Find what you like and then know your price before you go in. Walk if you don’t get the price, buy then and there if you do. I attempt to drive the price as low as possible but I know I'm gonna buy if they can hit my target price.

Tripper > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
09/03/2020 at 13:16

Trax? Rogue?...Kicks...the little land rover...everything else... they are all gold mid 90's buicks to me.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Tripper
09/03/2020 at 14:05

...peak RadWood?

Tripper > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
09/03/2020 at 14:12

Hah a gold buick is just what I think of when I have 0/negative interest in a car.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/04/2020 at 00:15

I get the impression by the time 90% of people ask, theyre already detirmined what they want. Gone through it multiple times.