My car (2014 Chevy cruze) blew a headgasket for the 2nd time in 6 months so I think it's about time I get myself a new car, I no longer trust it. This is gonna be the 2nd car I've ever purchased.

My budget is around 20-25k, I really enjoyed not having a car payment for the last several years haha. Im looing for just a regular smallish sedan, i have no kids and almost never have more than 1 passenger. I'm 6'7" so i dont fit in extrememly tiny cars, but i never had an issue with room in my chevy cruze. I live in the mountains of NC, it snows an amount but not enough to worry about it being awd, though I guess I'm not against it (if it gets that bad my dad lets me drive his 1985 s10 4wd to work). Gonna use the car to drive to work, go on trips (I go to a lot of concerts that are 150ish miles away, like maybe 1 a month), and just drive as an everyday car. Would like something reliable as would everyone haha.

I'm not against used cars, I actually never thought I would buy a new car in my life, but the used market is so insane right now from what I've looked at it seems pointless to do that.

Any help, advice, or recommendations are appreciated.