New car: Accent vs. Corolla vs. ?? (rentals, mileage, buy, gas)

[deathduck]

Hi guys, I need some help choosing a car. I'm looking for great gas mileage (most important) reliability (second importance) and safety (third importance)

I'm looking for a car ~10k$ and I have two choices right now:

A 2007 HYUNDAI ACCENT GS for 8500$ or a 2006 Toyota Corolla CE for $12,000

It seems like the accent is faster but the corolla has better mileage and reliability.

I have read about some problems with the accent power/drive train and it seems like there is a high variance in mileage between different accent owners.

What do you guys think?

[trlhiker]

Corolla all the way. Toyotas are well proven, hyundais not so much.

[Jimrob1]

I work for a major rental car agency so I drive a number of different vehicles in my job duties. I found as most people will tell you the Corolla is a very dependable car with a solid reputation for many years now. The mileage is very good as well as most dependability factors with this vehicle. However whether it be a Toyota Dealer or a private sale, a seller usually gets a pretty penny for the vehicle, as in your case $12.000 for a 2006. Now the Accent you mentioned. Hyundai has come a long way and I stress a long way in recent years with all their vehicles. They have an outstanding warranty at 100,000 miles, though Im not sure on used ones. The mileage does seem to vary on these cars but still is good mileage for a compact vehicle. So far the numerous accents we have on the rental lot have been reliable vehicles. We have had accents for about 4 years now, but as with most rentals they are turned back to the manufacture at about 18000 to 20000 miles, and then sold on the used car market. Perhaps the one you are looking at might be one of those lol. I think if it were me, I would go with which vehicle was easier for me to handle money wise. The Corolla has been around a long time and does deserve its reliablility reputation. The Accent has come along way from its early days. Although I do not think it is as solid a vehicle as the corolla, I would not hesitate to buy it if money were an issue. I would not feel I was buying an inferior model with the accent , not a 2007 any way. Believe me there are alot worse cars in the compact market . The Chevy Aveo would be my pick of the worst and least reliable. Test drive both until you can decide and ask lots of questions from anyone, total strangers how they like their vehicles. Good Luck with your decision.

[bhcompy]

i would add a nissan sentra as well. ive always been very happy with nissan products

[deathduck]

Thanks for the nice post jimrob. Looks like I will be getting the Accent because of the ~3500$ price difference.

[maggiekate]

the Honda civic, always ranks top dog! The price difference is alot, however, do a check on which car hold the resale value most?
And if you run the car into the ground which is wise where will you get the service. I have had hondas, since 1980, and keep on getting them.
have a mechanic check it out b4 you buy which ever you do decide.

[Jimrob1]

Originally Posted by deathduck

Thanks for the nice post jimrob. Looks like I will be getting the Accent because of the ~3500$ price difference.

Good for you, that is probably what I would do with such a price difference.

[texdav]

The carolla is a great car for its size;relaible and gets good mileage. It also has great resale value. I know alot of people that have driven the wheels off them. that's why you see so many old ones.

[elgusano]

I used to drive 80k miles per year, and as a result I have gone through several cars. I've never had a Toyota that had less than 320k on it when I sold it in running condition. (Well, there was the one that was totaled by the 17 year old in the Bronco, but that doesn't count.)

I can't say much good about my GMC, Buick, or Ford that I've owned.

So far, our first Nissan is doing well.

[JoshB]

I would say Nissan Sentra, Honda Civic, with the Corrolla. I would stay away from the Accent. Hyundai has come a long way but the Accent just doesn't fit the bill.