Which is more reliable?

[TroopaGuy]

I'm looking to buy a small car for under $5,000. I live in Orlando, FL. The main thing I'm thinking about is reliability.

I'll be paying in full cash. I know about Carfax. I know about getting an inspection before purchase and all that. I've read Buying a Car for Dummies too many times.

My question is, based on what I've seen around my price range, do you think it would be better (more reliable) for me to get an older mid-90's Corolla/Civic with 90,000 miles on it, or should I get a later 2002ish Hyundai Accent with only around 50,00-60,000 miles on it?

I understand that Civics and Corollas are known for their long-term reliability. But I've also heard that later model Hyundais are getting much more reliable also.

I also realize that Civic/Corolla will hold their value much better, which is good since I'll probably resale it in a year or two. But my main priority right now is getting another reliable car to get from point A to point B.

Thanks!!

[Igovert500]

My personal take is go with a honda/toyota. They are so reliable, require so little maintaince, everything for them is cheap, great gas mileage, hold their value well. I have quite a few friends who have early 90s accords/civics and corrolas/camrys. I even had an early 90s accord, and they just last forever, great first cars for younger people too. Slow enough not to do too many stupid things with, and they require little to no maintaince.

My experience with Hyundais is a little less. I have one family friend who has gone through a few Sonotas. I also worked at a dealership, and detailed plenty of newer Hyundais and a few older ones, but I would only drive them short distances, etc. Personally I think they are extremely cheaply made. My friend's Sonotas, while they did take some abuse from his son, didn't seem to hold up too well. As well, I always felt like half the car is made out of plastic. Nothing really impresses me about those cars.

Bottom line, I highly recommend hondas/toyotas, and I've never recommened a Hyundai in my life. Just my .02

[TroopaGuy]

Thanks for your reply. I've talked to a few people and after thinking about it, I will most likely go with a Toyota or Honda. Possibly even a Mazda Protege, but I'm not sure yet.