What to buy? A older honda/toyota with high miles or another newer model with lower miles?

Question

Looking to buy a used car. $7K-$8K is my range. Just looking for something dependable, okay on gas, & will get me to work everyday. I probably avg 12K miles a year

Everyone rates Hondas & Toyotas very high, but for $7K-$8K, the cars Im finding are 99-02 with 90-100+ miles

Consumer reports also has the 03-05 Hyundai Elantra & Sonata, 04-05 Dodge Neon, the 02 Taurus, 04-05 Ford Focus scoring high reliablity ratings. Online, Im finding those cars with 50-60K miles in my price range.

In your guys' opinoins, which is a better bet for my money? the older higher milage Hondas/Toyotas or the newer lower milage other models.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

If I were you, I would definitely not get the lower end cars, like the Neon or the Focus...but then that's just me, I do like my conveniences. Anything American will need more maintainence work in the long run...Honda and Toyota may need maintenance once in a blue moon, but that maintenance would be expensive since they are foreign. I still think you would pay more in the long run for an American car, IMO.

Answer 2

A lot depends on the specific car.

Before going into that...streer clear of the Taurus.

Elantra and Sonata are both solid cars.

Primarily, the choise should be made based on the individual vehicle. When you look at it, check the oil. Of course the oil should be fresh and clear, but look at the dipstick. Is there black cruty residue down around the tip? If so that is an indication that the oil may not have been changed regularly. Ask the seller about maintenance resords.
If it's a car lot, ask to be put in touch with the previous owner.
Look at the tires for uneven wear.
Look at the seams where the hood and trunk meet the car body. They should be parallel and the same width on each side, and the panels should be flush with each other. If not, the car may have been wrecked.
How do the door close? Does the tranny shift smoothly?


In summary, go over the mechanics of the car very thoroughly.

Answer 3

Newer is always a better choice. In your case, if you are choosing between the sonata, neon and focus, get the focus. You're better of getting a 99 corolla than a new sonata or neon. Those two cars will not last you very long.

The corolla is a battle proven machine. It is effective, economical and if you can find one in good condition that has not been modified, get a 02 corolla. There really arent that many years between the cars you are choosing anyway.

Answer 4

I have bought older cars with ultra low miles. They will give you more problems than a newer one will. If a car sits to much, anything that has rubber type seals in it will dry rot. Once you purchase the car and start driving it, you will have possible issues with the tranny, brakes, power steering and ect. For the difference in price you could do these repairs as they arise on the 97 and still be ahead money wise. I would still get the 05 if the extra money is not the issue.

Answer 5

Don't forget to factor in gas mileage. With the price of gas these days, 12K miles of gas can add up a lot, if one car gets better mileage than another. Me, I love my Honda Civic Hybrid. While that is probably not an option for you, at your price range, I think you do need to think about those differences as well.

Answer 6

in my experience imports are NOT as well built as the domestic cars.. and they don't last any longer..
so be wise and buy the low mileage at a lower price

i personally would much rather have a focus than any import

Answer 7

i have always had hondas and toyotas they are great on gas and cheap to fix.fords are awful constantly being recalled for one thing or another..hyundai is another one they stoppedmake them for a reason and you get what you paid for with them..neons are notorious for engine problems..hondas and toyotas have a higher resale value for a reason..there great cars

Answer 8

http://motors.ebay.com/Passenger-Vehicles_W0QQcatZ6001
Go ahead, look.
http://www.autotrader.com/

Answer 9

get the bus

Answer 10

NEW!!!