My daughter has a 2013 Hyundai with 145,000 miles. Had some repairs over the years and I know more will likely be coming. Value of the car is pretty much nothing as the interior is kinda trashed.
I saw an ad for a 2014 model year, same car but with an upgraded feature package, that has 82,000 miles and cost roughly $6K.
At what point might it pay to purchase the newer car with the idea that overall repair costs will be lower in the next few years?
You should have the 2013 examined closely by a trusted mechanic, as well as determining the probability of any major upcoming repairs (transmission, wheel bearings, total brakes, etc). Given their recommendations, if the guesstimated totals are over the $6k price of the newer vehicle (provided that your mechanic can examine it first as well), your choices are easier.
Hyundai had lots of engine replacements around that time. You might want to shop around for a low-mileage Hyundai that has a relatively new factory-supplied engine.
I once owned a 2012 Sonata that had an engine replaced at 65k miles in 2000 or so. We passed it on to a family member who needed an economical car and it’s still going strong at 130,000 and still has 30,000 miles left in it’s warranty which was extended to 165k miles with the engine replacement.