r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 23h ago

Would you pay $19k for a K24-swapped 1988 Esprit Turbo?

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175 Upvotes

Hey everyone, looking for some advice before I pull the trigger on this car.

I found a 1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo with a Honda K24 swap, and the seller is asking $19,000 firm.

I checked it out in person yesterday. Overall, I really like the car, but I’m not sure if the price makes sense.

Here’s what I know:

  • K24 swap was completed in 2025
  • Seller has a bunch of photos documenting the build
  • Suspension bushings have all been replaced
  • No visible cracks in the body
  • Interior is okay, but nothing special
  • Mileage is unknown
  • Transmission seems fine
  • Handbrake and windshield wipers don’t work
  • The seller did a lot of the work himself
  • Do not have an AC

One thing I’m trying to figure out is the title. The Wisconsin title was issued in July 2026, after the engine swap, but it doesn’t say “Street Modified.” I asked the DMV about it, but I haven’t gotten a definitive answer yet.

The seller says the price is firm, so I’m trying to figure out whether this is actually worth $19k or if I’m getting carried away because I like the car.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 23h ago

One in four new-car buyers is taking out a 7-year loan and paying nearly $10,000 in interest

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79 Upvotes

r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 18h ago

Cool looking 90's sports coupés in Europe below 11000 EUR?

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77 Upvotes

Any cool looking manual sports coupés below 11000 euros that can run at least 8-10 more years (so under 200, 000 or more only if it's a tough engine), in decent shape and with decent repairability? What models fit this requirement?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 4h ago

Considering an Amphicar as a daily driver. Anything I should know?

69 Upvotes

Looking at replacing my current daily ('17 Ram 1500) with a 1960s Amphicar. I live in Naples FL and my commute is about 20 minutes by road over the summer, but during the winter/'season' it takes over an hour due to snowbirds and tourists. I could potentially cut that down by taking the canals.

There's a boat ramp about 3 minutes out of my way leaving the house, and another just a block from my office downtown, so logistically it seems pretty straightforward. I'm a little concerned about getting wet, but I bought a poncho from Walmart that fits over my suit, so I think I've addressed that.

Anyone here daily one? Curious about reliability, maintenance costs, and whether 43 hp is enough for days I don't feel like taking the water.

I'd ideally like to get 10 to 15 years out of it.

Not interested in financing. Thanks.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 23h ago

Im about to be buying another car soon, I really like these 4 but I can't decide

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52 Upvotes

I just need opinions, and/or recommendations, and maybe if someone has owned any of these, tell me about them!(: thanks!!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 17h ago

I’m looking for the least automated vehicles on the market.

20 Upvotes

I want to drive my car myself. I don’t want my car to brake for me, stay in my lane for me, shift for me, anything I can avoid. Let me know what my best options are.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 10h ago

1997 RAV4 vs 2003 Lexus GX470?

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15 Upvotes

Need help making a decision. My 2014 Jeep Cherokee is finally having transmission issues (150k miles) and I know it’s only a matter of time before she needs to be put to bed.

In the meantime im trying to decide between these 2 vehicles, I don’t even need the car to get to work because I bike but I do like to take occasional trips to visit friends in San Francisco and Los Angeles from Monterey. I will be moving from Monterey to Newport RI in 6 months and need to consider that as well. Honestly just want a car that’ll last me another 5-10 years, I hate car payments.

Feels like I either buy the RAV4 and sell it right before I move, or buy the Lexus now and take her the distance for the cross country trek and probably another one down the future (military). Wondering if anyone has experience with these vehicles.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 15h ago

Honda HRV EXL or Mazda CX-5 2.5 Preferred

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10 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I was doing a little research on my next purchase. Came across these two brands and trims that I’m interested and have the budget to go for. Now I can’t really decide( both look genuinely good to me). I personally use cars to get to work. There are occasions where I travel to multiple states so a few hundred miles are common. Can anyone who knows the car industry give me any insights on these two brands? How they run on highways and fuel economy, etc? Much appreciated!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 2h ago

Should I buy an FRS

6 Upvotes

I’m thinking about buying an FR-S/BRZ and wanted to hear some opinions from owners.

I’m looking for a manual RWD car that’s fun to drive, reliable, and looks good. I know the 370Z has more power, but the FR-S/BRZ seems like it would be more fun to drive on regular roads.

For people who own or have owned one, how has reliability been? Is the power enough to keep you entertained, and would you recommend one over a 370Z?

I’m not looking to buy a project car or constantly throw money at repairs. Just want something fun that I can enjoy without dealing with a bunch of problems.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 19h ago

Low-mileage Hyundai Ioniq 6 SEL (update)

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7 Upvotes

Here’s the original post

So I test drove one today. It’s a really sweet car. There’s a charging cable and an NACS adapter included with it at no extra cost. I like this car a lot.

Basically the situation is, I don’t really need a car right now, but I will in a year or so. I’d prefer my first car to be an EV over anything else, and I like sedans. This Ioniq 6 is a really good deal that won’t be around a lot longer.

This one is under warranty for the ICCU and battery for 10 years or until 100,000 miles. It drives well, the interior is comfortable, and I could charge it at home for basically nothing.

I only have $13,000 saved right now. I could put maybe $8,500-$9,500 down, and I’d have to cosign a loan with my parents for the rest. In the end I’ll have to talk to my parents about it and make a decision with their help.

But what do y’all think?

EDIT: Decided not to get it. Don’t need it now, and it would impact my ability to afford an apartment next year. I appreciate all the advice


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 3h ago

Starlet as a first car

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5 Upvotes

Im looking to buy my first car at the moment and saw this.
The owner wants about €3750 for it.
He claims he has changed his oil every 5k km and always maintained it with the instruction guide.
It only has 78k km and he claims it’s rust free.
What do you guys think should I bid like 3k or will that still be kinda overpaying?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 11h ago

94 Accord

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5 Upvotes

Found a low milage 90s accord 128k miles, is this a car worth buying? I am not a first time buyer and im just looking for a daily to get me tocwork and back and sometimes more, obviously i jnow there are rubber/plastic parts to be maintained. Is this a solid deal or should i be wary of such a deal?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 14h ago

Reliable “sporty” car under $10k? Preferably around $7k.

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3 Upvotes

r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 49m ago

Best car for family of 4

• Upvotes

Hello! Just had our second kid recently and realizing things are a bit tight in our Toyota Corolla. We don't care much about cars, just want to get something safe and reliable at the best price possible!

Wishlist:

-- best durability/price ratio (we have been loyal to Toyota but perhaps that's misguided and there are other car makers we should be looking at)

-- room in the back seat for 2 carseats and an adult

-- AC vents for the back seat

-- good mileage

Would be nice:

-- more trunk space, but not sure SUV is worth it in our case

So far coming up with Toyota Camry, but would love to hear what some other good options for the family would be! Mazda3 hatchback? Kia k4 hatchback?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 53m ago

Really like my 2016 Honda Accord Sport but I have to get away from it due to bad luck (and some bad decisions)

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• Upvotes

I am looking to move away from my 2016 Honda Sport with 155k miles. I wish I could keep this car but I have had absolutely terrible luck with it. 3 accidents with it since I bought it 1.5 year ago with 2 of them being rear-ends despite no accidents in over 10 years of driving. 1 accident was my fault. All of damage has been just cosmetic (paint damage and slight body damage) but I am feeling superstitious and just dont feel like this car is for me right now. I just want to get rid of it.

Before the Accord I had a 2016 Ford Fusion SE (I typically maintained it myself) which was really nice in features and ride quality but a little less fun to drive.

My must have's:

  • Equivalent fuel economy or better
  • Android Auto/CarPlay (i really miss having this built in)
  • Reliability (it's my commuter)
  • AWD
  • Decent sized cargo space (with folded down seats or otherwise)

My nice to have's:

  • Being able to tow 1250 lbs or more
  • Manual Transmission
  • Comfortable ride for long distances (10 hours or more)
  • Good sound system
  • Decent interiors

Budget: Around USD $25,000 but can go a little higher if it's worth it (lower mileage or features)

I'm currently leaning towards SUVs. I'd appreciate any suggestions! Thank you!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 1h ago

Kia seltos 2025 S2 vs sportage 2024

• Upvotes

Hello I’m a Young dude gf and 2 dogs.
Currently decididing between these 2 models. Which one would be best? Any known issues with these vehicles? Anyone has one of them? Thank you .


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 1h ago

Choosing an EV

• Upvotes

Currently I drive a 2020 BMW X 3, which I LOVE. I’ve only had it about 9 months but due to changes in our lives, my mileage has increased exponentially and with a volatile gas market I am heavily considering moving to an EV.

Current driving is 100+ miles/day during the week and another 50-100 over the weekend. I live in a suburban town outside a larger metropolitan area. Most of my driving is on hill country roads but several days a week I also battle highway/city time.

Because I spend so much time in the car I need it to be a nice feeling ride or I will burn out. I also need decent vertical cargo space as I am a small business landscaper and pickup plants from nurseries regularly.

We are able to add a charger at home if need be, and we live very close to a super charger.

Price range would ideally be under $30k but that’s not a hard line.

So far my research has me looking at:

Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S
Hyundai IONIQ 5 SEL
Audi Q4 e-tRon Premium Plus

I’d appreciate opinions on these and any other options that come to mind.

It was recommended that I also check out the Tesla model Y by someone who believes the cargo space would work but I’m not sold on that and will need to take a look in person.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 2h ago

What car should i buy

2 Upvotes

I need an electric car, preferably one that's good for city driving. I’ll be using it mainly for work, driving back and forth all over the city. My current car—a 2008 Ford Mondeo—is getting quite old and has given me a lot of engine trouble. I’ve decided to switch to an EV because I can easily charge it at home.

I’m currently looking for an electric SUV, but I’m open to other body styles if there are better options out there. Above all, I need something reliable. What are your thoughts or recommendations on which one to choose?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 2h ago

GMC Acadia or Cadillac XT6

2 Upvotes

Looking to upgrade the wife’s car to something bigger with 3 rows. She currently drives a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek with 95k on the clock and car seats make driving super uncomfortable. Looking to buy something with 3rd row, AWD/4WD, 2021-2023, and ideally under $30k and 60k mi. We don’t “need” three rows yet but having the option of 2 rows with a huge trunk is appealing without the bulk of a full size SUV. I like the idea of driving a Cadillac but my perceived reality of owning/maintaining one is a little daunting. Any others I should look into. I’m not a fan of Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, or Mazda. I do like Toyota, Honda, GM, and their luxury counterparts. Anything else I should be looking at or considering? And/or between these two what would you pick?


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 4h ago

I have a few months to decide on a new car; Yaris hybrid, or Zoe ev?

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2 Upvotes

r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 4h ago

Can’t decide on car

2 Upvotes

Hi all, I’m stuck between an M340i, an M240i, a supra and a TTRS. It will be my daily aswell as a car to just enjoy. Let me know which you think and why!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 11h ago

2007 Honda Accord 200k miles? ($2500)

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2 Upvotes

bad credit so I can't finance without getting an awful rate and I'm moving somewhere in the next 15 days that requires a commute. Getting a mechanic to take a look at it before purchasing but just want some advice.

Is this a car I should avoid?

if the mechanic checks it out and everything looks good, i have some questions

Questions like,, should I negotiate a lower price, buy & then upgrade the car, or just save for something better with having no car payment. Thanks!


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 12h ago

Traffic commuter car

2 Upvotes

I live in LA and have a shit commute at the moment. 12 miles one way but bumper to bumper on the way home so it takes me an hour. It moves in the morning; typically 25-30 min of freeway driving. I’m currently in a 2016 golf which I’ve enjoyed but am starting to think about potentially getting something else because we can charge for free at work and i have the hookup to charge at home. It’s costing me over $70 to fill up these days. Any thoughts? Hybrid, regular or full electric? I usually do CPO. I have two large dogs but they fit fine in my golf now lol. Open to suvs or hatches. Pretty open ended because I’d like to hear opinions! TIA.


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 13h ago

Cool, cheap, and easy to work on cars

2 Upvotes

I’m looking for something someone with little experience can work on and that I can get running for under 10,000. preferably something that comes in bright colors, convertible, something that looks similar to an MGB or MG midget, and from 1965-1998 Manuel transmission is ok (if not preferred).


r/whatcarshouldIbuy • • 17h ago

Is Mercedes-Benz 770K worth it if you can afford it?

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2 Upvotes