If you go back more than six or so years, the make of vehicle is less important than the condition. You could find an abused Camry that was traded it, got the lipstick treatment, and put on the used car lot. It looks good, but there are probably significant problems lurking under the makeup.
We’ve had success with GM vehicles. I’d tell you to stay away from GM circa 2009 because of the bankruptcy, but we have a 2009 Cobalt and a 2010 Cobalt, and both perform well.
Toyota and Honda used excellent reliability to build strong companies with lots of repeat sales. I’m on my second new Accord because of the way the first ran. That rise to the top of the market forced other manufacturers to notice and try to emulate them. That’s great for consumers like us. Find a car you like that looks great and drives great, then pay your mechanic for a prepurchase inspection. If you still like it after the evaluation, start talking price with the seller.
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Good comments above. I’m with Corollaguy1 above, hard to go wrong with a Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla that passes a mechanic’s pre-purchase inspection. Even better chances of lasting a long time if equipped with a manual transmission. Fords, GM, VW, Hyundais & Kias, they all make good vehicles too, but from the posts we tend to get here on the cars of those brands, if you go that route, try to be owning it during the vehicle’s first 10 years; best that somebody besides you owns it afterward. People posting here owning Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, & Subaru seem to quite like their vehicles, but sometimes complain about the amount charged for parts and repairs.
My vote would be for Honda first and then Toyota.
My Toyota Corolla is from the 9th generation (2003) and it has served me very well - I still own it (after buying new), so it turns 15 years old next month. I have 285K miles on it - I have changed the usual things for its age, like timing and tension belts, brakes, tires, tie rod ends, lower control arms, axle (I changed it for precautionary reasons), oil pan, exhaust system (original one rusted out from all the salt - live in OH/PA area), and master cylinder.
It will get to 300K alright but I’m looking to change up to a bigger car - in the next few months, I’ll be getting a Honda CR-V, since I am looking to have my next car last me at least 15 years…but preferably 20 years. Saves me A LOT of money in the long run.
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In my opinion,the Toyota Rav4 will outlast the Honda CR-V. The 2015-16-17 CR-V should be avoided because of higher than usual engine and transmission problems.
Have you heard anything about the 2018 CR-V model? The Rav4 was on my potential list but the power wasn’t there and the gas economy wasn’t as good.
All new 2019 Rav4 coming out, with revised engines. If you can, wait for a test drive, I’ve heard they’re quite an improvement.
I don’t think Corolla Guy cares about anything that is not a Toyota. As for 1003 complaints on the car complaints web site that does not mean anything to me . What percentage of sold 2015 CRV 's is that anyway. As I have written before I have looked at that Car Complaints site and I just would not recommend it as a research tool.
@Excalibur If a Honda CRV is what you want buy new with full warranty just like many others do.
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No, I drove a lot of Volvos in my days and they are great cars! I like the new S60 but I can’t afford it.
Hello again everyone…This has really been helpful and your opinions on all the different vehicles really mean a lot.
I have narrowed my choices down to 2 vehicles.
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This wasn’t on the original list but is now available and once again clean Carfax looks good test drive turned out well. 2011 Toyota Corolla S 39,000 miles @ $11,000. 3 Owners
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2013 Hyundai Accent 13,000 miles for $9700. 1 Owner
I’ll be purchasing one or the other over the weekend. So everyone let me know your thoughts and vote. I figured the 2011 Toyota that came on the market over the 2010 from the original post would be a better pick.
Test drives have come out to be great for both and now I am just weighing my options. There close in price and miles too really.
Not sure which way I am really leaning here. The Toyota would have a great resale value later down the road. I know Corolla guy’s pick already 
and I have to agree.
But I also like the Hyundai Accent…Once I hear you guys last minute opinions and think more on it I’ll be making a final decision and I’ll upload a picture of which car I purchase.
Both have different things I like
I wouldn’t worry about down the road resale to much to be honest, you’re not the original owner of either vehicle so you won’t be able to give a complete vehicle history. Have you had both vehicles inspected by your trusted mechanic? I would do that before making the final call. I love Toyota products, but I would probably lean more towards the Accent myself. Fewer miles, newer, one owner history.
could you elaborate on this?
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Lets assume you are not the only one in your family . That said the only opinions that matter now are the person or persons that might need to use the vehicle some time.
Six of one, half dozen of the other. Either should make for a good car. Suggest to price out some common repairs using www.repairpal.com . It can give you some insight into how well the car is designed, how easy or difficult it is to work on. Here’s what I found for water pump replacement
2011 Corolla: $400
2013 Accent: $480
Here’s some other common things that tend to need to be replaced on cars from time to time; see what repair-pal has to say about the price comparison
- cooling system thermostat
- starter motor
- brake master cylinder
- brake pads and rotors
- brake calipers
- catalytic converter(s)
- coil packs
The most important advice is to have the car you decide upon given a pre-purchase inspection by your own mechanic before writing any checks.
I would take the 1 owner vs 3 owner and do not fail to get an independent inspection.