u/Chemical_Aside_7256

I am moving to Pasadena CA in 2 weeks from nyc and looking to buy a car as soon as I’m there. I’m new to owning a car coming from nyc so please bare with my maybe silly questions.

I’m torn between fully electric vs plug in hybrid.

My drawback to electric is I love to go on road trips and looking forward to camping outside of CA where charging stations, especially quick ones may not be so accessible. I also do short trips around for work often.

What are people’s experiences with electric and access to charging who do camping/road trips around and out of CA? Is it annoying waiting to charge? Is it accessible in places like Idaho, AZ, Montana?

What are the best electric SUV cars $30-35k and what should I look for in terms of mileage, year, etc.

Or is it better to go plug in hybrid route? I love the Toyota rav4s and have been browsing used younger than 2022 with under 25k miles and all seem to be at least $40k. Is that worth it for this car and a plug in or is a Hyundai Tucson just as good if not better?

Please let me know any thoughts suggestions to any of this!

TLDR - moving to CA looking for car under $35k unsure to go electric or plug in hybrid and if plug in, is RAV4 worth it?

I've been mulling this over for a while and thought it's about time I ask the professionals. I am looking for a fun weekend car that will take care of me as long as I take care of it and is a pleasure to drive.

I'd like to harp on this last point. I currently have a 2014 Ford Fiesta ST, and even though it's fun, I feel limited in my upgrades because at the end of the day, it's a "plasticky" turboed economy car. It's not the car's fault; I am just ready for something that feels slightly more mature to sit in and interact with. I'd like something with a well built interior, manual, RWD, convertible would be a plus as I'll be moving to SoCal. My budget, car purchase + immediate maintenance is ~$13K.

Here is what I've been considering:

BMW 346 330i/Ci: Well built cars that keep going if you keep maintenance up with nice build quality inside and out (not including the cooling system). The only issue is that it's hard to find a clean example with decent mileage. Many high mile examples are available but I'm worried about the price and complexity of doing work myself to keep this car well kept.

Lexus IS300: No convertible which is a bummer and manuals are strikingly hard to come by. There are a couple examples I've found though, sitting around 150K miles. It does seem difficult finding something around the 100K mark. Maybe I shouldn't be so worried about high miles for a weekend car? Also, I'm not sure if it's as spirited as a car as I'd want it to be.

Mazda Rx-8 S2: This is a car I've looked at for almost a decade because of how special I find it to be. I'm aware of its issues and flaws -- which is why I've never pulled the trigger. Minus the cracked dashes and some engine reliability concerns, I'd say they are well built cars inside and out. The budgeting for a motor rebuild does worry me, as I'm sure it'd worry any sane person. -- May I add I'm an incoming graduate student staring at a $50K a year stipend. but... rotary. In my humble opinion, I think this car is at the top of a driver's car (in this price range) when it's in top shape and well tuned.

Mazda Miata - NC: *sigh* Miata might truly always be the answer, I was just hoping I could get something a little more unique, and not having backseats is a minus. -- Earlier versions are cool but I'm 6'2" and I think the NC will be best to sit in.

Thanks for the help everyone! Cheers :)

TLDR - Looking for a weekend drivers car that's easy to wrench on, nice ride quality and will last me if I take care of it. Mentioned e46 330Ci but normal BMW concerns; IS300 but hard to find; Mazda Rx-8, love but it's a Mazda Rx-8 and NC Miata - which I will likely begrudgingly be talked into because MIATA.