The best car to buy is not the fastest, cheapest, or most beautiful, and you won’t find the most important spec on paper. Sure, it can’t be too expensive, too slow, too ugly, or too costly at the pump. But more important than any of those, the best car to buy is the one that just works. When you turn the key, the engine comes to life, and you get to where you’re going. Cars symbolize freedom because they let you go wherever you want, whenever you choose. If your beautiful Alfa Romeo Spider is dead in the driveway, though, it’s failed that duty. That’s why Toyotas are so popular.