I Asked a Mechanic If There Are Any Affordable, Reliable Cars That Also Look Cool
Written by
Laura Beck
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Molly Sullivan
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Finding a car that looks good, won’t break down and doesn’t cost a fortune feels impossible these days. I asked Chris Pyle, an auto expert and mechanic with Just Answer, to recommend vehicles that actually deliver on all three fronts. And he delivered!
Pyle’s picks ranged from sporty coupes to practical trucks, with some fun choices that prove style doesn’t always come from traditional sports cars.
The Off-Road Champion: Ford Bronco
Pyle’s first recommendation was the Ford Bronco, priced between $40,000 and $80,000 depending on configuration. The wide price range speaks to Ford’s strategy of offering everything from basic work-oriented models to fully loaded adventure machines.
“You can go with a bland basic model or upgrade to nicer features and appearance. You also have the option to get the basic one and outfit it with the things you like,” Pyle shared.
This flexibility makes the Bronco appealing to different buyers and budgets. The base model provides the rugged look and capability at a more accessible price point, while enthusiasts can upgrade or customize as their budgets allow.
The Sports Car Twins: Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ
For buyers wanting genuine sports car performance and looks, Pyle recommended both the Toyota GR86 ($30,000-$35,000) and Subaru BRZ ($33,000). These vehicles are essentially the same car with minor differences in styling and tuning.
“It has the look and feel of going fast and hugging turns like a roller coaster. If you like ‘The Fast and the Furious’ movies, you will like this one,” Pyle said about the GR86, though the same applies to the BRZ.
The relatively modest price points make them good picks for younger buyers who want genuine sports car experience without exotic car maintenance costs or insurance premiums.
The Practical Cool Truck: Ford Maverick
Pyle’s truck recommendation was the Ford Maverick, priced from $28,000 to $41,000. This compact pickup fills a gap in the market that disappeared when most trucks grew to massive proportions.
“Back in the day, there were a ton of Ford Rangers on the road. It went away, as well as the Ford Sport Trac. The Ranger came back, but many just want a small basic truck for light duty work and daily tasks,” Pyle explained.
Starting at $28,000, the Maverick is one of the most affordable ways to get truck styling and functionality, making it a strong pick for buyers who want the look but don’t need heavy-duty capability.
The Surprising Choice: Kia Carnival
Pyle’s most unexpected pick was the Kia Carnival minivan, priced from $37,000 to $51,000. His reason: It’s “cool” is unique, but honestly pretty solid.
“Looks like a Ford Explorer but with sliding, easy access doors, and it can tow a boat. Gets like 25-28 mpg and are you ready for this? The second-row seats recline, and they have a footrest. Talk about begging to ride in the back on a trip,” Pyle said.
The Carnival’s SUV-like styling helps it avoid the traditional minivan stigma while also being an all-around solid car.
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