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.
I have purchased two older cars with low mileage. Be sure to check all rubber components on suspension components. The steel, as in struts and sway bars are fine (unless in northern area where salt is used on roads) but rubber in those components may be totally worn out due to age. Most critical rubber component is the timing belt and cannot usually be checked nor determined if/when it was changed. If there is a service record then you’re good to go. If not, beware. Replacement is not cheap and driving, not knowing, can be disastrous.
You didn’t say which Hyundai model. We’ve had 5 different Hyundai cars in our family and I currently drive one. You can try checking Consumer Reports reliability data. I just looked up 2014 Elantra and Sonata - neither are recommended but Sonata has a worse record.
When cars are 10+ years old it’s important to know the maintenance history such as regular oil changes and any accidents. I’m always more comfortable with a 1-owner used car with service records available.
If a mechanic checks the car out and says it’s ok (maybe other than tires or brakes) I’d probably go for it. You’re getting a 60,000 mile “bonus” for $6K which is a decent deal. Of course, best to negotiate and try to get a lower price, especially if a mechanic says the car needs work. But keep in mind that even if the exterior and interior look good you may be on the hook for a new transmission or engine when it gets over 100k miles. Hyundai offers a 100k warranty on new cars so large failures and claims aren’t that common (again, depends on which model and how well it’s been cared for).
Accent base model. Just looked up the Carfax on this offering. Ugg. Minor damage and five owners. Plus report of it being stolen and recovered. Think I’ll keep looking!