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tbysstudios
OC, CA
34 blogs/166 comments
since Jul 30 2025

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If someone was going to buy a new used car, what would you recommend
Jul 8 2026 07:55AM more by tbysstudios
Tags: Orange County, Random (All tags)

I am thinking of surprising the fruit of my loom with a car the end of this year, but the struggle is on to find the right one. I am a fierce mama bear so safety is paramount but I also want something reliable.

Any recommendations out there on first time cars or cars I should get for a first time driver? I have done a fair amount of research on my own and see a lot about Hondas and Toyotas but I feel uneasy about her being in a small car for some reason, but maybe I am being too paranoid.


Thanks in advance for any insight you all may have
      
There are 21 comments on this blog.
tbysstudios
OC, CA
34 blogs/166 comments
since Jul 30 2025

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Jul 8 2026 08:12AM     link to this

You know that is true, I guess reliable is subjective in this case lol.


Okay that is not a bad deal, I have heard the best things about Toyota in particular so you have inspired me some, thank you!
Fallenangelsinoc
Fullerton, OC, CA
Buena Park, OC, CA Today!
12 blogs/165 comments
since Aug 18 2024

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Jul 8 2026 08:17AM     link to this

Be sure to have AAA , 9
Or anything that covers towing, that way if the car fails , u can get it to the shop or home
SmartK9
Fontana, Inland Empire, CA
55 blogs/381 comments
since Jan 18 2025

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Jul 8 2026 08:21AM     link to this

Ok I’m gonna give my pitch for Subarus I got my crosstrek new in 18 it has 104K miles on it still runs great very low upkeep good gas mileage . Only thing I’ve changed out were the front suspension bushings and rear wheel bearings and my tire guy did that for a third of the dealership rate. Usual upkeep stuff brakes, oil changes trans serviced keeps it running great.

By far it has been the best car I have owned.
MyGuy
Irvine, OC, CA
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since Aug 15 2012

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Jul 8 2026 08:21AM     link to this

A Toyota product hands down.
Camry
Corolla
Prius
Safe. Dependable.
tbysstudios
OC, CA
34 blogs/166 comments
since Jul 30 2025

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Jul 8 2026 08:22AM     link to this

ok thank you, and yes I def do. Top of the line plan on AAA and already used it for a dead battery, it was a lifesaver for my old jeep. I am an original owner on her (2011), and I am riding her til the wheels fall off and she needs AAA for that, haha.
tbysstudios
OC, CA
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since Jul 30 2025

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Jul 8 2026 08:23AM     link to this

I actually want a Subaru after this jeep so that is good info thank you.


And it seems like Toyota is winning this argument which is what I expected they showed up the most in my research.
Sly69
SGV, LA, CA
80 blogs/566 comments
since Feb 28 2011

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Jul 8 2026 08:31AM     link to this

Toyota, Honda, Mazda are three brands that have very good reliability ratings. There are a variety of websites to explore used car availability. Autotrader, Edmunds.com, Cars.com, Carmax.com and. probably a few others. Always ask for a Carfax report so you have a good idea of the car's accident history and a limited warranty from the dealer to cover the first 30 days of ownership. You can find cheaper options from buying from an individual but there are significant downsides to doing that unless you personally know someone. Happy Hunting!
AFMadness
Inland Empire, CA
301 blogs/6774 comments
since Aug 17 2009

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Jul 8 2026 08:32AM     link to this

Yep AAA is the cheapest insurance one can buy.

I use to be a Honda fan, 3 Accords, 88-89, one I rolled up 508,000 but quality has gone down mostly the Civics. And that was with 25,000 mile oil changes with Amsoil. In fact the 18 Camry needs one now, sitting at 212,000.

At some point they are all going to need something maintenance wise.

I've been looking at Subaru's as the quality is up there with Toyota's now.

Have a look at the Consumer Report mag on cars and trucks.
.
littlemissalice
City of Los Angeles, LA, CA
676 blogs/2615 comments
since Sep 24 2015

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Jul 8 2026 08:33AM     link to this

you can also buy used cars at big dealerships
always ask about what the warranty covers
read up on lemon laws
SmartK9
Fontana, Inland Empire, CA
55 blogs/381 comments
since Jan 18 2025

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Jul 8 2026 08:44AM     link to this

Just an FYI if you buy a used car from a dealership or private party and especially the dealer if he posts on the vehicle AS IS or NO WARRANTY then the Lemon Law generally will not help you. Absent fraud on the part of the dealer or private party the Latin phrase CAVEAT EMPTOR , let the buyer beware, comes into play.

Good hunting for a car patience is key here.
littlemissalice
City of Los Angeles, LA, CA
676 blogs/2615 comments
since Sep 24 2015

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Jul 8 2026 08:47AM     link to this

exactly you should always know the warranty/as-is details
dont let issues sneak up and bite you in the booty
June.Moon
Ontario, Inland Empire, CA
Ontario, Inland Empire, CA Today!
140 blogs/3474 comments
since Jul 1 2021

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Jul 8 2026 08:49AM     link to this

Has anyone tried an auction before? I see them on instagram and theyre open to public (no dealers license needed) . You can check out, inspect, and start up the cars before the auction starts. Guess having a mechanic with you would help



Attached Links
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE_zIo3xx3O/
qwiksilver
Burbank, SFV, LA, CA
53 blogs/347 comments
since Nov 11 2012

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Jul 8 2026 09:21AM     link to this

Hands down a TOYOTA! Corolla,camary prius. All extremely reliable. I owned a Honda civic. It kept nickel and diming me. Toyotas haven't failed me yet.
DelilahRose
Burbank, SFV, LA, CA
481 blogs/24821 comments
since Dec 27 2012

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Jul 8 2026 09:30AM     link to this

Kia affordable reliable i have a new kia k4 i love it
DelilahRose
Burbank, SFV, LA, CA
481 blogs/24821 comments
since Dec 27 2012

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Jul 8 2026 09:31AM     link to this

AAA absolutely not the cheapest anymore for insurance
jldsjr1
OC, CA
3 blogs/492 comments
since Feb 17 2009

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Jul 8 2026 09:34AM     link to this

DR is on point.
Kia very reliable.
Very underrated.
Friend has a 12 yr old Kia Forte that runs great
ThroatFan
City of San Diego, San Diego, CA
6 blogs/13 comments
since Jan 14 2025

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Jul 8 2026 10:04AM     link to this

Any Honda or Toyota product is going to be sold. Larger luxury vehicles get expensive to maintain (even Honda/Toyota) when they get past 5 years but if you stick with a Honda Civic, Accord or Toyota Camry or the like, you'll be good.
Sly01
Inland Empire, CA
26 blogs/315 comments
since Apr 27 2008

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Jul 8 2026 10:23AM     link to this

Honda Accord or, Civic Toyota Corolla, Camry, Matrix (if you can locate one with low miles & it’s given a clean bill of health by a certified mechanic) or, Scion Tc if you can locate one that isn’t modified to the moon & back & the Mazda 3 are solid platforms.

Steer clear of vehicles with CVT/dual clutch transmissions, auto start/stop, & electric parking brake
bwana
Santa Monica, LA, CA
149 blogs/6198 comments
since Jul 3 2007

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Jul 8 2026 10:23AM     link to this

Try and buy a car from the original owner. Used car lots buy their cars from auto auctions, and could be salvaged from accidents, flooding, etc...

I have bought cars from car rental companies like Enterprise, who have the vehicle history and sometimes give you a warranty.
ChrlzXvyr
Inland Empire, CA
0 blogs/7 comments
since Mar 6 2024

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Jul 8 2026 10:52AM     link to this

Get a SUV EV, Tesla model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E. They are heavier and have a lower center of gravity than gas cars, which makes them safer. They absorb more energy from impact, protecting passengers. Plus no more gas stations, oil changes or engine maintenance
PappyVW
LA, CA
54 blogs/835 comments
since May 23 2012

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Jul 8 2026 11:38AM     link to this

Lease payments on a model 3 are pretty good and teslas are super safe
That’s what I would suggest
There are 21 comments on this blog.