Just to add a different perspective, when looking at a NEW vehicle, I don't really rate reliabilty !!!
What NEW vehicle isn't reliable? All the Great Walls, Kia's, Jap & Pommy vehicles are very, very reliable and in the first 3+ years of ownership, you get the odd issue with an individual vehicle but there isn't a vehicle made today that has a generic failure within the 3-5 year range IMHO.
So, if reliabilty isn't an issue, what features do I look for? Safety has to be number one, but again virtually all vehicle meet this now (some models like Great Walls may not pass the personal safety factor level). For me ABS and airbags are a minimum and things like VSC, traction control etc... are highly desirable.
While looks is nice, my vehicle would have to be one of the blandest vehicles in the market so I can say that looks is way down on the priority level.
The pretty much leaves functionality/features as THE deciding factor. No good getting a single cab if you are a family of 4. I would have a HUMVEE in a heartbeat, but somehow driving it to work isn't very practical
But the real kicker is price. Ask any dealer what stops a person getting the vehicle they REALLY want and it boils down to $$$. I would have that HUMVEE along with my cruiser if I could afford it. Ultimately is value for money that people really purchase on IMHO
Cheers
Captain