Cosmo Picks The 5 Best Cars For First Time Buyers. Where Did They Go RIGHT And WRONG?

I love reading articles like this. Especially from sources that aren't the typical car sites. For one reason because I'm an information junkie and I can't get enough of reading the average non-car person's opinions. Often VERY wrong but at least they give a fresh set of eyes and it helps us understand potential buyers better.

This one is from Cosmo written by Ashley Mateo. Her bio says this: Ashley Mateo is a writer, editor, marathoner, Ironwoman, and yogi. She'll go anywhere in the world once—even if it's just for a good story. Also into: good pizza, good beer, and good photos. One thing that she could probably add to this sentence "She'll go anywhere in the world once is as long as it's a free press junket and I'm happy to push the cars my editors are getting advertising buys from and from companies that have employees I hang out with. Let's face it. You all know that these old school media feature stories are all bought and paid for. We're not blaming Ashley, she's just doing what the higher ups say...THAT'S the way it works and how they get the big ad buys.

So back to the Cosmo picks of the 5 best CARS for first time buyers...Take a look at her/their choices and tell us where she is right and where she is wrong. One of the choices is GLARINGLY WRONG. And 4 of the 5 AREN'T cars LOLOL! Maybe there are more errors, but you all can be the judges.

Best Mileage: Honda Civic
Best Value: Hyundai Kona
Best for Safety: Volvo XC40
Most Reliable: VW Golf...WHAT?
Best Overall: Mazda CX-5

From the article. Click our Read Article link for the full rundown...

"The sheer number of cars on the market can be overwhelming, and the price tags can be downright cringe-inducing. But don’t just go for what your parents had or what your friends drive. Your car should reflect your personality, fuel your ambition, and keep you connected with high-tech amenities — without sending you into debt. Start with one of these five makes and models, all of which look ?? but ring in at less than $35,000..."

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valhallakey - 7/21/2018 3:28:53 AM

0 Boost

In areas with plenty of snow in the winter I would pick any one of the various small SUVs, maybe the Mazda CX3 or Mini Countryman (I think you can still get a 6sp manual in that no?). Or if you prefer a car, perhaps a Subaru Impreza and if you can spring for a few more $k a WRX.

TomM - 7/21/2018 7:01:21 AM

+2 Boost

1- The most reliable car would have to be a Toyota Corolla- low end unit. THe VW does not belong on the list anywhere - but certainly NOT for reliability.

2 - THe Volvo does not belong as a second tier premium car - is not entry level. I would suggest a Subaru probably belongs there.

3 - The Hyundai Kona has only been out for about a year - and does not have enough history to be on that list. However - based on the discounts that Hyundai dealers offer for their cars - It is probably among the lowest priced SUb-compact crossovers - so for PRICE - not for Value - it is at least attainable

In the end - the HONDA Civic should be Best overall. With Front wheel drive - and a pair of winter tires - it will get where you want to go even in snow - it is reliable - it is safe- it is fun to drive - and it retains its value. No other small Vehicle of any type comes close.

MDarringer - 7/21/2018 9:32:07 AM

+1 Boost

So this feckless idiot thinks first-time buyers have $35K to throw around? She could have asked anyone in the car business and found that number to be $10K too high.

First-time buyers need something durable and reliable. The Golf is neither of those.

The Kona is based on well-proven mechanicals and is priced right. The Civic is a good choice as would be the Corolla.

MDarringer - 7/22/2018 11:33:27 AM

-2 Boost

Can you imagine her boyfriend? He's probably wearing ultra tight corduroy pants are are 4 inches too short in the inseam, a distressed Nirvana t-shirt that cost $100, a flannel shirt unbuttoned, Dorkenstocks on his feet, and a man bun. Although he has dangly bits in his underwear, he has mentally castrated himself because testosterone is toxic and it victimizes women.

2ndbimmer - 7/21/2018 9:57:06 AM

-4 Boost

I used to agree about the Civic. However, my wife's friend owns a Honda dealer and Honda cannot figure out the issues with the Civic engine. Sensors going bad, oil issues and Honda doesn't want to help the dealers warranty the engines. My wife's friend told her not to buy another Honda for a few years until they resolve the issue. Imagine being an owner of a dealer and telling close friends to not buy what you sell.

carsnyc - 7/22/2018 9:25:37 AM

+3 Boost

Most reliable, VW Golf. LOL!