Car guys

[Hoosierhawkeye]

I'm looking at getting an upgrade at car since I'm currently driving a '09 focus with 160,000 miles to work, 50 miles each way. Plus I'll be making a bit more money. Looking at small or mid-sized sedans that get good gas milage on the highway. Looking to spend in the range of $15k +/- 5k.

Here is the question, is the "reliability" reputation of Toyota and Honda's worth it. Looking online I can get a 2023 or 2024 Kia Forte or Hyundai Elantra or Sonata with about 30k miles on it for about 18k. If I want to get a Camry, Corolla, Civic, Accord, Fit or Fit for the same price point I'm looking at something that is 3 to 6 years older with about 50k+ more miles on it.

Is like a 2019 Toyota/Honda with like 80k miles on it really going to last me longer and have less problems than a 2023 Kia/Hyundai?

 

[OrlandNole]

At that price point, I'd probably get a 2023 Kia.

 

[BrianNole777]

Good questions.

I'm not a car genius but I have a few ideas:

1.) If you like your current car, I wouldn't immediately buy a new car just because you're making more money. God only knows what will happen with the economy over the next couple years. Save your wealth just in case.

2.) I wouldn't buy a used car with over 30K miles on it if you can avoid it. Try to buy a car with less than 20K miles on it.

3.) Those all look like reliable and safe cars. Test drive them and see how you like them.

4.) Buy a white car. White is the best car color. It's safest, most visible at night and reflects the sun when the weather is 90 degrees out.

Good luck.

 

[NorthernHawkeye]

Honda and Toyota are simply better than Hyundai and Kia.

Maybe look at a Honda Accord, 2015-2017 years, with low miles.

 

[Kelsers]

Good questions.

I'm not a car genius but I have a few ideas:

1.) If you like your current car, I wouldn't immediately buy a new car just because you're making more money. God only knows what will happen with the economy over the next couple years. Save your wealth just in case.

2.) I wouldn't buy a used car with over 30K miles on it if you can avoid it. Try to buy a car with less than 20K miles on it.

3.) Those all look like reliable and safe cars. Test drive them and see how you like them.

4.) Buy a white car. White is the best car color. It's safest, most visible at night and reflects the sun when the weather is 90 degrees out.

Good luck.

What's magical about 30k miles?

 

[NorthernHawkeye]

What's magical about 30k miles?

I was wondering the same thing. Many Hondas can go 300,000 plus miles with ease.

 

[BrianNole777]

What's magical about 30k miles?

Cars can get ridden pretty hard by bad owners. They can do alot of damage. I wouldn't buy one with more than 20K miles myself probably, unless it was a good deal.

Either way, make sure to have any used car inspected by a trusted mechanic before you buy it. @Hoosierhawkeye

 

[hawkcub]

Honda and Toyota are better. But the reliability gap between Hyundai/Kia has shrunk considerably. At your price point I'd go with a Hyundai/Kia vehicle.

 

[Kelsers]

Cars can get ridden pretty hard by bad owners. They can do alot of damage. I wouldn't buy one with more than 20K miles myself probably, unless it was a good deal.

Either way, make sure to have any used car inspected by a trusted mechanic before you buy it. @Hoosierhawkeye

This is crazy thinking. I usually look for used cars with 30-40k miles. Tires should be new and you should be able to drive it with little expense the next 4-5 years. Do you think people go off roading with cars?🤣

 

[Hoosierhawkeye]

Good questions.

I'm not a car genius but I have a few ideas:

1.) If you like your current car, I wouldn't immediately buy a new car just because you're making more money. God only knows what will happen with the economy over the next couple years. Save your wealth just in case.

2.) I wouldn't buy a used car with over 30K miles on it if you can avoid it. Try to buy a car with less than 20K miles on it.

3.) Those all look like reliable and safe cars. Test drive them and see how you like them.

4.) Buy a white car. White is the best car color. It's safest, most visible at night and reflects the sun when the weather is 90 degrees out.

Good luck.

My focus has had some problems recently. 2 days before the interview the right front brake started locking up and we fixed that. Then Friday the check engine light came on with a code about the engine temperature not being high enough. Plus it was reading my gas cap as not being on tight when it was on all the way.

It's a new job and I can't really afford to have a bunch of car trouble and not be able to make it to work. Plus I don't particularly want to get stuck someplace an hour away from home. I just got AAA so that eases things up a bit, but will the Tow Truck drivers give you a ride home or will they just give my car a ride home?

 

[BrianNole777]

This is crazy thinking. I usually look for used cars with 30-40k miles. Tires should be new and you should be able to drive it with little expense the next 4-5 years. Do you think people go off roading with cars?🤣

Some car owners don't get regular oil changes, ride the shift like OP's Mom or generally abuse the car then get rid of it.

I bought a 2019 Toyota Corolla with 20,500 miles on it and there were stains all over the seats and interior ceiling. It was weird.

I think kids spilled soda all over it.

I spent another $400 getting it detailed multiple times and the stains only reduced by 80%.

 

[Hoosierhawkeye]

@Hoosierhawkeye

For example:

2017 Accord Sport
1 owner
47620 miles
4 cyclinder
30 mpg
$18,995

Used Honda Accord for Sale in Des Moines, IA - CarGurus

Browse the best March 2025 deals on Honda Accord vehicles for sale in Des Moines, IA. Save $5,060 right now on a Honda Accord on CarGurus.

www.cargurus.com

Yeah that's just sort of what I'm talking about though. I can gut a Hyundai or Kia that is 6 years newer with 20 to 30k less miles on it for about a thousand dollars cheaper.

Is it your opinion that a 2017 Accord is going to last me longer and be more reliable than a 2023 Kia/Hyundai?

 

[bagdropper]

It's a new job and I can't really afford to have a bunch of car trouble and not be able to make it to work. Plus I don't particularly want to get stuck someplace an hour away from home. I just got AAA so that eases things up a bit, but will the Tow Truck drivers give you a ride home or will they just give my car a ride home?

If reliability is the deciding factor, all other things being equal (you are, after all, buying a used vehicle) this should be an easy decision.

 

[BrianNole777]

My focus has had some problems recently. 2 days before the interview the right front brake started locking up and we fixed that. Then Friday the check engine light came on with a code about the engine temperature not being high enough. Plus it was reading my gas cap as not being on tight when it was on all the way.

It's a new job and I can't really afford to have a bunch of car trouble and not be able to make it to work. Plus I don't particularly want to get stuck someplace an hour away from home. I just got AAA so that eases things up a bit, but will the Tow Truck drivers give you a ride home or will they just give my car a ride home?

That's understandable.

Ford Focuses kind of suck.

A Toyota, Honda, Kia or Hyundai should all be better.

 

[BrianNole777]

@Hoosierhawkeye you can hitch a ride with AAA to your tow destination then you may have to Uber home.

Make sure to ask AAA what their policy is.

 

[Kelsers]

Some car owners don't get regular oil changes, ride the shift like OP's Mom or generally abuse the car then get rid of it.

I bought a 2019 Toyota Corolla with 20,500 miles on it and there were stains all over the seats and interior ceiling. It was weird.

I think kids spilled soda all over it.

I spent another $400 getting it detailed multiple times and the stains only reduced by 80%.

That's why you look at the car first.

 

[NorthernHawkeye]

Yeah that's just sort of what I'm talking about though. I can gut a Hyundai or Kia that is 6 years newer with 20 to 30k less miles on it for about a thousand dollars cheaper.

Is it your opinion that a 2017 Accord is going to last me longer and be more reliable than a 2023 Kia/Hyundai?

Yes! Personally I would buy a low mileage Honda that is some years older. Plus, the annual registration fees will be less and most likely the insurance as well.

 

[The Tradition]

I'm looking at getting an upgrade at car since I'm currently driving a '09 focus with 160,000 miles to work, 50 miles each way. Plus I'll be making a bit more money. Looking at small or mid-sized sedans that get good gas milage on the highway. Looking to spend in the range of $15k +/- 5k.

Here is the question, is the "reliability" reputation of Toyota and Honda's worth it. Looking online I can get a 2023 or 2024 Kia Forte or Hyundai Elantra or Sonata with about 30k miles on it for about 18k. If I want to get a Camry, Corolla, Civic, Accord, Fit or Fit for the same price point I'm looking at something that is 3 to 6 years older with about 50k+ more miles on it.

Is like a 2019 Toyota/Honda with like 80k miles on it really going to last me longer and have less problems than a 2023 Kia/Hyundai?

マツダ

 

[Hoosierhawkeye]

If reliability is the deciding factor, all other things being equal (you are, after all, buying a used vehicle) this should be an easy decision.

I would say reliability/longevity and highway fuel milage are the biggest factors for me. The Kia/Hyundais seem to be pretty on par with Toyota/Honda in terms of fuel milage. My question is more what is going to have the least problems provided I get the oil changed every 2 to 3 months.

 

[BrianNole777]

That's why you look at the car first.

Yep.

The more mileage a used car has, the more problems it may have.

 

[Kelsers]

Yep.

The more mileage a used car has, the more problems it may have.

Then buy new!

 

[BrianNole777]

Then buy new!

Then the car value drops 10% as soon as you drive off the lot.

20K miles is the sweet spot on a used car IMO.

 

[The Tradition]

マツダ

Brian got it.

 

[Kelsers]

Then the car value drops 10% as soon as you drive off the lot.

20K miles is the sweet spot on a used car IMO.

No, one more year/miles you get ALOT more depreciation.

 

[stillh8unlv]

Very easy - Toyota then Honda, then everyone else.

The little bit more you pay for them now, will still be there in resale/trade when you want to get rid of it.

 

[BrianNole777]

No, one more year/miles you get ALOT more depreciation.

I prefer a gently used car but I'm not worth 9 figures like most of HBOT.

 

[Kelsers]

I prefer a gently used car but I'm not worth 9 figures like most of HBOT.

Only 7 here.🤣

 

[grayhair81]

Look for a 2017 Accord. That was the last year they used the 2.4 liter non-turbo. I have a 2012 with 210k miles. I have only replaced brakes and tires. No mechanical failures. We had a 2017 Civic with the 1.5 turbo. Avoid that engine like the plague.

 

[The Tradition]

Look for a 2018 Accord. That was the last year they used the 2.4 liter non-turbo. I have a 2012 with 210k miles. I have only replaced brakes and tires. No mechanical failures. We had a 2017 Civic with the 1.5 turbo. Avoid that engine like the plague.

The newer Hondas are nowhere near as bullet-proof as the Hondas they were making 10 years ago.

Past performance does not indicate future results.

 

[ISUBryce]

I'm looking at getting an upgrade at car since I'm currently driving a '09 focus with 160,000 miles to work, 50 miles each way. Plus I'll be making a bit more money. Looking at small or mid-sized sedans that get good gas milage on the highway. Looking to spend in the range of $15k +/- 5k.

Here is the question, is the "reliability" reputation of Toyota and Honda's worth it. Looking online I can get a 2023 or 2024 Kia Forte or Hyundai Elantra or Sonata with about 30k miles on it for about 18k. If I want to get a Camry, Corolla, Civic, Accord, Fit or Fit for the same price point I'm looking at something that is 3 to 6 years older with about 50k+ more miles on it.

Is like a 2019 Toyota/Honda with like 80k miles on it really going to last me longer and have less problems than a 2023 Kia/Hyundai?

Hyundai Elantra in the 2023 range was a great car. And I swear by Toyota reliability.

 

[NorthernHawkeye]

The newer Hondas are nowhere near as bullet-proof as the Hondas they were making 10 years ago.

Past performance does not indicate future results.

The new Accord looks ridiculous.

 

[onlyTheObvious]

You could get a brand new Mitsubishi Mirage for under $15k.

If it’s just to get you to work why not.

 

[Hoosierhawkeye]

You could get a brand new Mitsubishi Mirage for under $15k.

If it’s just to get you to work why not.

Just looked that up. Dealers are all kind of far away. But it would be something I could consider.

 

[BrianNole777]

Just looked that up. Dealers are all kind of far away. But it would be something I could consider.

You could try to Church when you get your new ride.

When was the last time you went?

 

[Gimmered]

I'm looking at getting an upgrade at car since I'm currently driving a '09 focus with 160,000 miles to work, 50 miles each way. Plus I'll be making a bit more money. Looking at small or mid-sized sedans that get good gas milage on the highway. Looking to spend in the range of $15k +/- 5k.

Here is the question, is the "reliability" reputation of Toyota and Honda's worth it. Looking online I can get a 2023 or 2024 Kia Forte or Hyundai Elantra or Sonata with about 30k miles on it for about 18k. If I want to get a Camry, Corolla, Civic, Accord, Fit or Fit for the same price point I'm looking at something that is 3 to 6 years older with about 50k+ more miles on it.

Is like a 2019 Toyota/Honda with like 80k miles on it really going to last me longer and have less problems than a 2023 Kia/Hyundai?

My son in Kouts is really sold on Subaru and bought an Outback after doing a lot of research on reliability. I trusted his judgement and picked up a Crosstrek for my youngest when his parked jeep got totaled. This was a low milage lease return. Damn nice car. It's hard to beat Japanize cars for reliability.

 

[Gimmered]

Some car owners don't get regular oil changes, ride the shift like OP's Mom or generally abuse the car then get rid of it.

I bought a 2019 Toyota Corolla with 20,500 miles on it and there were stains all over the seats and interior ceiling. It was weird.

I think kids spilled soda all over it.

I spent another $400 getting it detailed multiple times and the stains only reduced by 80%.

Not soda dude, some of us just shoot harder than others.


Also, check Carfax, my kids car has every record of every oil change done, the fact that it was a lease and all the work was done at the same dealer helps.

 

[Gimmered]

Yes! Personally I would buy a low mileage Honda that is some years older. Plus, the annual registration fees will be less and most likely the insurance as well.

Your financing options may not be as good, but there's several good reasons to buy an older low mileage car.

 

[golfinghawkeye]

Check the insurance on the Kia/Hyundai. With the Kia Boys and the ease of theft of older models that has jumped the premiums on Kia and Hyundai models. Personally go with a a boring Camry and drive it into the ground.

 

[BrianNole777]

Not soda dude, some of us just shoot harder than others.


Also, check Carfax, my kids car has every record of every oil change done, the fact that it was a lease and all the work was done at the same dealer helps.

I got the Carfax.

 

[Urohawk]

Spend a little extra and get a Model 3. It's way more reliable than any used cars you mentioned.