Help me decide: 2008 Accent vs 2003 Corolla (details inside)

[higherBuyer]

I've basically narrowed my search down to two cars. Which would you choose? Assume good tires and nothing more than basic maintenance needed on either of them. Both automatics.

2008 Hyundai Accent: $6600, 48k miles
-24/33 gas mileage.
-Reliability: good Consumer Reports marks. All green Edmunds marks.
-Safety: NHTSA 4-5 stars (3 stars for side impact) -- IIHS Average/poor/poor for front/side/rear
-Note: the Accent recently had its transmission replaced. The transmission shifts smoothly, has 3,000 miles on it. The seller got the car at an auction I believe. He fixes up and sells cars like this as a side-job. I have good reason to believe that the seller is honest, so assume he is. My personal mechanic has looked at the car and has no concerns about the transmission or any other major issues.

2003 Toyota Corolla: $7500, 60k miles
-25/34 gas mileage
-Reliability: good Consumer Reports marks. A few mild blips on Edmunds marks.
-Safety: NHTSA 4-5 stars -- IIHS good/poor/acceptible for front/side/rear
-Mechanic says the car is in good shape. No red flags.

The Accent is cheaper, newer, and has less miles, but has lower gas mileage and some low safety marks.
The Corolla is older, but still has low miles, is safe, and Toyotas are very solid cars.
I really just want a reliable and economic car for commuting. Some 2-3 hour highway trips every 2 weeks or so.

What's your opinion?

[oldblu65]

Originally Posted by higherBuyer

I've basically narrowed my search down to two cars. Which would you choose? Assume good tires and nothing more than basic maintenance needed on either of them. Both automatics.

2008 Hyundai Accent: $6600, 48k miles
-24/33 gas mileage.
-Reliability: good Consumer Reports marks. All green Edmunds marks.
-Safety: NHTSA 4-5 stars (3 stars for side impact) -- IIHS Average/poor/poor for front/side/rear
-Note: the Accent recently had its transmission replaced. The transmission shifts smoothly, has 3,000 miles on it. The seller got the car at an auction I believe. He fixes up and sells cars like this as a side-job. I have good reason to believe that the seller is honest, so assume he is. My personal mechanic has looked at the car and has no concerns about the transmission or any other major issues.

2003 Toyota Corolla: $7500, 60k miles
-25/34 gas mileage
-Reliability: good Consumer Reports marks. A few mild blips on Edmunds marks.
-Safety: NHTSA 4-5 stars -- IIHS good/poor/acceptible for front/side/rear
-Mechanic says the car is in good shape. No red flags.

The Accent is cheaper, newer, and has less miles, but has lower gas mileage and some low safety marks.
The Corolla is older, but still has low miles, is safe, and Toyotas are very solid cars.
I really just want a reliable and economic car for commuting. Some 2-3 hour highway trips every 2 weeks or so.

What's your opinion?

The two cars statistically are very similar so I would go with the Accent because of it being a newer model , having lower mileage on the odometer , and having a lower initial cost . The listed difference in gas mileage is basically just 1 MPG respectively so that's really not a negative ! The Accent is a slightly smaller vehicle so if that's a concern , then perhaps it could sway your decision . If you need the additional interior space ( however slight ) that the Corolla offers , again that could sway your decision ? The Accent ( being 5 years newer ) may offer more modern technology than the Corolla ? All factors should be considered before making your decision . Good luck and keep us updated !

[ciocoflendar]

I would choose 2008 Hyundai Accent

[MagicRat]

Frankly, both cars are a little overpriced.

Be VERY careful when looking at older low-mileage cars. Odometers are very easy to roll -back, if you have the tools and equipment..... or know someone who does.

Unless the seller has old service receipts showing mileage - assume its been rolled-back