Which one? Ford or Honda? Help!

[Lkat86]

I am getting a new car, and was looking at Ford Escort ZX2s because that was what I had before the accident, and because it had proven to be a good car. It is also around my price range.However, a lot of my friends have been encouraging me to get a honda, but everything in my price range has 100k or over miles. I've heard though that that is nothing for a honda, but I've fallen into this mindset that anything with that many miles on it is too much. The thing is, and this is what I'd like to find out from anyone, is that if it is better to buy a 1999 ford escort with 60-80k miles on it, or a 1993-1997 honda with 100-130k miles on it. I can only spend $4000 max. In the long run, which would last longer? Although the ford has less miles, would it die sooner than the honda? I know it also depends on how the cars are taken care of, but lets assume both are taken care of decently. Which one would ultimately be the better buy and last me the longest?

[drdisque]

a well maintained ZX2 should be very reliable, however poorly maintained ZX2's are a major headache. Hondas seem to deal with being poorly maintained a little better.

[BullShifter]

Go for the Honda, if it has over 100K miles make sure the timing belt and water pump were change or make that the first thing you do.

The key to a good running car is maintenance. I deal with many Honda's w/ over 200K still going go, much better than a ford escort would be doing with 200

[Lkat86]

thanks for the advice. yeah, i've never seen an escort being advertised with over 200k miles on it, yet i see tons of hondas with over 200k that are about the same price as some escorts with less than 100k. that's got to say something.