So currently I have no car, my old '14 Cruze blew its 2nd headgasket in 6 months right before Christmas. I'm really hating not having a car, and I don't enjoy the idea of paying $23k for a lightly used civic like the Honda place quoted me on today.

So anyways I can get a new 2023 Corolla SE for around $26k OTD. A little over msrp with some "dealership addons" like window tent, the fancier floor mats, etc. I test drove the car today and I really liked it, no waiting at all, I can get it right now (they actually had 2!). Honda place i went to was not getting a civic in until March. Hyundai place i went to had no Elantras. I'm just a little torn. I really need a car, and I often go on longish trips (~200 miles) to concerts and sporting events, so I don't really want to buy some crappy little beater until the market does or doesn't get better. Id like get something reliable, and I can afford it but I dunno if I should jump on this.

Basically I just want yall to give me your thoughts on the situation, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks a ton.