If you just need a car for going A to B and minimal user maintenance, get a Japanese (new or used) or Korean (preferably new) car. But avoid CVT, unless they are hybrid, as they don't last long as much as non CVT. The Korean cars may not be at the level of the Japanese cars in reliability and longevity, their new car warranty in power train is pretty good. If you want an engaging car to drive, you shall consider German brands. But with $35k, we can practically only consider VW. Jetta GLI would be great for the budget, but I wouldn't recommend Tiguan as it is underpowered for its size. Jetta GLI has pretty good fun driving mechanism while it can be good for a decent road trip. Other used European cars can be a ticking timing bomb unless you know your car well. If you prefer SUVs or trucks, it is a whole different story. Cars are complicated.
I agree , it’s Complicated .. what German cars and models I can consider .. if i increase my budget
Based model Audi Q3 or BMW X1 are compact SUVs which are good for a couple. Their base price is at $35k. So if you want to add some features, it will go more than that. But the problem for non-VW European cars are operating costs. For many cases they need premium gas and maintenance will be expensive. Even Jetta GLI needs premium gas 😂 Personally I own base model Jetta. I really like my car because it is comfortable and responsive. I've tried other compact sedans, like Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, and Nissan Sentra. But I chose VW Jetta as its suspension satisfies me the most while power train response was decent.
35k, Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XSE trim, or the trim lower but make sure you add Toyota's TSS adas. Don't bother with any other vehicles.
But I don’t have a garage .. or some owned private place .. that has aplug 🔌
Standard hybrid, not plug in
Mainly you should test drive some cars. For budget models, rent one once you have it narrowed down and take a road trip to see how you like it. Toyota makes rock solid but utterly boring cars. Mazda is still pretty solid, but a bit more engaging to drive. Honda sits somewhere in between. German cars have a different personality and will cost more long run, but tend to be a tad nicer, or at least different. Smaller cars tend to be more fun to drive, but also a bit more effort. On really long road trips a good full size will be a less tiring car to drive, but not as responsive the other 95% of the time. That comfort doesn’t come free.
Thanks for the useful information
Get a Tesla model 3
I’m my mind , I always thought electric cars doesn’t have the flexibility to go to nearest gas station .. when you run out of gas. I feel you need to preplaned with Tesla .. my perception might be wrong 😑.. how are we looking at long trips and monthly maintenance costs .. care to correct me ?
TESLA
Honda Accord
Subaru Outback wilderness
Mazda 3 (they have turbo or AWD if you need). When my friend was getting a new car me and him test drove a Tesla, Mazda, Honda and Subaru. we both liked the Mazda the best for the cost (emphasis on for the cost since Tesla is in that list, it was too pricey). The interior is also really nice for the price point. A family member used to work with cars and is huge into them, and also said the Mazda 3 is a really good deal for what you get at the price. I'd test drive all your top picks and decide. Also write out/make note of what you like in a car and how you felt about your test drives. What you want on paper might not be how you feel in practice.
I own one myself (Turbo Sedan). Can attest that it is certainly fun to drive. Almost as luxurious as entry level luxury cars. One downside would be a slightly cramped rear seat but since you're a couple, you should be fine. Definitely go and test drive one.
New or preowned ?
down payment on model 3, put rest of cash into tesla stock. thank me in 2 years
Mazda Honda Toyota. Chose the model and you will find comparable options in each of those brands. I don't personally like nissan
what features are must .. I drive an very old car.. this will be my very proper car .. I hate the fact of too many camrys on the road 🙁
Prioritize safety and security like air bags, theft protection, etc. Then prioritize driving comfort like radial cruise control, ergonomic seats, heated seats, etc.. all wheel drive will last you in snow as well