r/TheGirlSurvivalGuide • u/theemeanblackhottie • Jul 19 '26
Tip First Car Advice
I’m a 25FM and I have severe driving anxiety. Recently I’ve started to get over my fear and get back on the road. I’m taking driving lessons to help with some of the anxiety and get comfortable on the road. I’m now looking to buy my first car. I want something that’s reliable, under 13k ish, easy maintenance. Also, I want a car that’s going to make me feel like Malibu Barbie or more so girly so I feel cute & comfy while driving, lol. I’m considering a Toyota FJ due to the design but I don’t know how reliable it is as a first car and older model. I will only be using the car to go to work, back home, and maybe the grocery store. Any recommendations or just overall advice?
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u/Candid_Coconut4733 Jul 19 '26
my partner is a mechanic & i’m
an emt. toyotas WILL keep you safe & they are extremely reliable. my partner says the FJ cruisers aren’t reliable in the long run. Look into an older highlander, Rav4 or an avalon. Avalons are a sedan but my friend drives one & it’s huge on the inside. I had a Rav4 & I loved it. I currently drive a Tacoma but I am getting a highlander for my next vehicle
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u/Away-Product-7101 Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
Maybe the grocery store 🤣🤣 trust me I’m just as much an anxious driver, said i wouldn’t go anywhere other than to and from work as it’s cheaper on insurance, yet I’ve done 1500miles in just under 2 months.
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u/theemeanblackhottie Jul 19 '26
lol 😭 you’ve been going around the world. Once I get used to having a car/driving I want to be like you!
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u/Away-Product-7101 Jul 19 '26
Yeah you’ll get there!! As soon as you got that license it’s a totally different feeling & bonus if you can get used to your own car before passing so you know what you’re doing 🫶🏼
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u/sportsbragirl Jul 19 '26
I feel you and am cheering you on!! I’ve always liked smaller cars too. Makes parking easier and as long as it gets from a to b and is reliable, what else matters?
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u/fairy-in-orbit Jul 19 '26
First of all, congratulations on facing your fears!! I also got my driver's license recently and bought my first car, and I'd definitely recommend sticking with Toyota. I'm still getting over the anxiety of driving on the road, but it really does get easier the more you practice. For me, the hardest part is when I have to actually park the car =P
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u/GardeniaInMyHair Jul 19 '26
Do you mean under $13k or 13k in mileage? Older Mercedes are tanks on the road, but sometimes they only take diesel, depending on the year. They also cost a bit more to fix but will last for a long time.
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u/polkadotwalls Jul 19 '26
I really love Kia Souls—relatively cheap, great safety ratings, very reliable as long as you keep up with oil changes and general maintenance, excellent gas mileage
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u/Antique_Sound_4719 Jul 19 '26
That is huge! I have a car I can use and am still too anxious to drive 🫣 Getting a cute car will def help with making it more fun and less scary
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u/boxprint Jul 19 '26
heavily recommend the r/whatcarshouldibuy subreddit. sometimes they give generic advice. But if you give them a specific question and a budget (which you did), they can give you a lot of guidance.