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Where better to get advice about buying a new car than from an expert who states that “After 15 years of testing and reviewing new cars, here is what I would buy,” as recently reported in the latest episode of the Car Help Corner on YouTube.
“After 15 years of testing and reviewing new cars I’m going to share which ones that I would buy with my own money. Now even though these are my picks based on my own personal taste, my priorities do tend to line up fairly well with that of the average consumer, which are to buy a car that’s well-made reliable well designed and offers excellent value for the money,” states the host (Shari Prymak) of Car Help Corner.
For your convenience, here is a summary to save time, as well as the video provided at the end of the article for those desiring more details about the host’s choices.
“15 YEARS OF TESTING NEW CARS, HERE IS WHAT I WOULD BUY” SUMMARY
BEST COMPACT CAR
Mazda 3― “The Mazda 3 is my personal favorite for many reasons, but it ultimately comes down to this: A good compact car needs to be reliabl,e well-made, and have a low cost of ownership, and the Mazda 3 delivers on all of that.”
According to the host, the Mazda 3 is a sporty model that offers something for everyone.
For example, key points of the Mazda 3 include:
- A very reliable 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission.
- Mechanical problems are rare with a drivetrain shown to last a long time.
- Available with turbo, AWD, and a 6-speed manual transmission.
- Hatchback or sedan body style options.
You really feel like you’re getting a lot of car for the money and a high-quality product. In a time when cars have become ridiculously expensive, the Mazda 3 shines as a bright spot for those with a tighter budget.”
BEST MID-SIZED CAR
Toyota Camry―” My personal favorite midsize car that I would actually buy with my own money is the Toyota Camry.”
According to the host, the Camry has been a reliable no-brainer for many years.
Key points of the Camry the host lists include:
- It’s a historically reliable no-nonsense source of transportation.
- An incredibly reliable and fuel-efficient Hybrid system.
- An impressive 232 hp engine, making it almost as powerful as a V6 from 20 years ago.
- Unbeatable value for what the Camry provides.
Just close your eyes and buy one because you really can’t get more car than this for your money.”
BEST SUV
Honda CR-V Hybrid― “When it comes to SUVs, I would not go for anything too crazy or fancy, just a regular, sensible SUV that will get the job done. And for that, my personal favorite pick that I would go for at the moment is the Honda CR-V Hybrid.”
To meet the “Best Of” expectations for consumers, an SUV needs to be spacious with ample cargo room, feature safety enhancements, and be cost-effective to own.
Key points of the Honda CR-V Hybrid the host lists include:
- A proven 3rd-generation hybrid system.
- It is quieter, has more room, and is more comfortable than Toyota’s popular RAV4.
- Good deals are possible without being put on a waiting list like the RAV4 has become today.
BEST MINIVAN
Toyota Sienna― “This is another category that’s another very easy pick for me. My number one minivan without question is the Toyota Sienna.”
Even more roomy and spacious than the Honda CR-V, Toyota’s Sienna offers these perks over other minivans:
- Possesses AWD and a Hybrid drivetrain.
- It’s the most fuel-efficient minivan available today.
However, getting one is a problem. Chances are you’ll be waiting several months to over a year. But it’s almost worth the wait because the low supply and high demand, practically makes them depreciation-proof, which is yet another nice bonus.”
BEST TRUCK
Honda Ridgeline― “A truck is a vehicle that I have absolutely no use for, but I’ve test driven them all and there is one truck that does stand out to me as being especially nice that I could see myself driving. And that truck is the Honda Ridgeline.”
Despite not being a traditional body-on-frame style truck, the host believes that, realistically, it offers more than enough for most people wanting a truck. Such as:
- A spacious interior.
- A sizable bed with a large lockable storage area.
- A “nifty” dual-action tailgate.
- A 3.5L V6 engine.
It’s also very reliable and I trust it to last longer than just about any of the big three, so I think it’s a truck that deserves more respect than it gets.”
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BEST ELECTRIC VEHICLES
BMW i4― “I’ve test-driven basically all the new electric vehicles that are on the market. And even though there are not too many that I’m fully sold on that I would buy, there is one electric vehicle that I could picture myself owning and driving every single day, and that EV is the BMW i4.”
The host credits BMW for doing what other EV automakers have failed to do — making an EV the way it should be built.
Key point: It’s basically a regular BMW 4 Series that happens to be electric. Nuff said.
If I wanted an EV, the i4 would definitely be at the top of my list.”
BEST LUXURY CAR
Lexus IS― “For this category I would want a car that’s not only luxurious and stylish but also well-made and fun to drive. And the one car in this category that really speaks to me that I would personally buy, is the Lexus IS.”
Beyond being well-made and fun to drive, the host points to these factors he prefers that not found in all luxury cars today. Fortunately, Lexus stuck with what works, and has hung onto features such as:
- A naturally aspirated V6 engine with both a 6- and 8-speed transmission proven to be reliable and long-lasting.
- A choice in power performance levels with the IS-300 and IS-350.
- An even more powerful V8 engine is available with the IS-500.
Because it’s so well-proven, so thoroughly debugged, and made in Japan, let’s face it, with a Lexus, you will not find a more reliable, well-made luxury car for the money.”
BEST GT LUXURY CAR
Lexus LC-500― “If I really wanted to go with a V8 engine, the luxury car that I would personally buy is the next one that’s in the GT luxury category, And that car is the Lexus LC500.”
Key point: The host’s recommendation is based on his observation of why pay so much more for a high-performance luxury car like a traditional BMW, Mercedes, or Porsche, when Lexus gives you that same level of performance and a Rolls-Royce level interior without the excessive price tag?!
I’ve driven luxury GT cars from BMW, Mercedes and Porsche. And frankly, the much less expensive LC500 puts all of them to shame.”
BEST AFFORDABLE SPORTS CAR
Mazda MX5― “The MX5 is the perfect sports car for anyone on a budget.”
Key point: Once again, like the LC-500, the price tag is what makes this the host’s favorite affordable sports car. Why spend 3-4 times more on a sports car that is not as good as the MX5?!
Nothing else is more fun, more engaging, and more sensible: You can get it with a power hard top, but I take mine the old school way with a soft top and manual transmission.”
BEST NOT-SO-AFFORDABLE SPORTS CAR
Porsche 718 GTS 4.0― “If I had the money to blow, there is another sports car that I would definitely take instead. My personal favorite, which is the Porsche 718 GTS 4.0”
Having driven several Porsche models over the years, the host picks this as his favorite for its:
- Level of fun to drive.
- Possessing a high-performance, naturally aspirated 6-cylinder engine.
- A six-speed manual gearbox.
- Old school style analog feel.
- More easily available than the popular GT3 and RS models.
- With its pricing, you would feel comfortable using it as a daily driver.
Because it is ending production this year and will be replaced by an EV version, it is already destined to be a future collectible. To me, this is as good as it gets.”
15 Years of Testing New Cars, Here is What I Would Buy
For new car (owner review-related) articles, here are a few for your consideration:
- I Just Got a 2025 Pilot Elite — 10 Miles After Leaving Dealership, These Popped Up
- I Intentionally Ran Out of Gas in My 2025 RAV4 PHEV
- 2025 Corolla SE 2.0L Oil Leak: I’ve Barely Had It Two Months and Already Have Doubts About the Life of This Car
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and restores older vehicles, often incorporating engine modifications for improved performance. He also covers modern cars—including EVs—with a focus on DIY mechanics, tool use and selection, and other topics related to automotive repair. Follow Tim on Twitter (@TimBoyerWrites), Facebook, and his blog, Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair, for daily updates and insights on new and used cars and trucks.
Image Source: Deposit Photos
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Source: torquenews.com
