If my friend buys a brand new car, even if it’s a Kia, I would probably tell him he has a ‘nice car’ - mainly because it’s new and clean.
If I am outside and I see a car drive by, for me to remark that it’s a ‘nice car’ would take a lot, lot more - like a car you would see at a car show or something.
If I am buying a car, it’s usually the car that’s at the top of or out of my price range.