My thoughts on all the previous posts.
I own a 2015 Spark w/ an Auto. It is totally reliable and I get about 37 - 39 mpg on my 80 mile RT commute. It has plenty of power and does fine at 90 mph but does get blown around a bit, not enough to white knuckle and scare you, but noticeable in crosswind and behind semi's. I considered the manual but it does not get any better mpg nor any faster, actually they say its slower. The downside to the auto is that it is a CVT and doesn't hold speed well. Mine isn't base as it has PW but it does not have Cruise Control and I really wish it did as I have to watch the speedo as it seems to slows down at a steady pedal. Mine has 75k on it and I would buy another one when this one dies as it is a great car. You can buy one like mine for $5k, I don't think I would spend the money on a new one.
Nothing wrong with KIA, but parts on most imports are probably double if it does need a repair. While the Spark isn't made in the US, you are still dealing with a mostly US company.
The Spark is simple and I like it. My 2018 Buick with 45k and fully loaded seems to always have minor problems with it that are more nuisance that problems but enough for me to trade it in this year.
My 2019 Frontier Pro4x has 18k on it and I like it as it is also simple. It has a key and a switch. No crazy fobs, push buttons, etc. The bad is horrible MPG, worse than my old Z71 Suburban, and it looks antiquated as it hasn't changed much since '06? The new 2022 Frontier is to be released within the next two weeks and while I am interested, I'll probably pass as I know it will never be as reliable as what it replaces due to the simplicity.
New cars are very complex and very disposable with the electronics. Every few times Apple does an update, the Buick needs the stereo reprogramed. GM only supports the software for a few years after manufacturer and the stereo controls the HVAC and more. Anything else I buy at this stage will most likely need more frequent updates than what is outgoing. While I buy new cars every year or so, I don't want to feel like I have to.
As for electric cars; the most reliable part of my cars has been the combustion engine. The least reliable has been the electrical sensors, computers, monitors, etc. Electric cars replace the most reliable part, the engine, and add an electric motor which has historically been the least reliable. In theory, its awesome, in reality, I believe it makes it disposable like everything else made now that plugs in.
As far as Tesla is concerned, I intend to proceed cautiously. As I understand it, only the expensive loaded models break even and/ or make money. Tesla makes quite a bit of money from selling carbon credits to the Big 3 to offset their trucks, suv's, etc. Once the Big 3 catch up with Tesla with their own products, they will have no need for them and Tesla will lose a major stream of income.
Lastly, someone mentioned the Diesel midsize GM trucks. I like them, and friends that have them seem to like them to. The reason why I haven't bought one yet is because they run up to $50k for a small truck. And with diesel engines come diesel problems which can be expensive when repairs are needed. For the same amount of money, I can buy a nice full-size which I just might do in a few months.
Thank you and I apologize that you had to read my thoughts which may or may not align with your own. I buy a few cars a year so my experience is based on owning probably 50-60 different cars in my lifetime not including the "project" cars that we talk about owning but never actually drive as we are "working" on them. But yes, I have a few of those too.
I know that's not a popular opinion around here.
