Toyota Yaris Or Hyundai Accent: Which One Should You Choose?
Will small cars and sub-compacts make a comeback with the recent surge in gas prices and the very limited availability of electric vehicles? Probably not. However, those who want to buy a pre-owned vehicle still have an interesting range of choice.
Are you one of them? Two models appreciated by Quebecers for a long time and now abandoned by their makers stand out: the Toyota Yaris and the Hyundai Accent. But which one should you choose, knowing that you’re looking for a moderately aged model? Here’s what you need to learn about them.
Toyota Yaris
One can rarely make a mistake by purchasing a used Toyota. As a matter of fact, the brand’s excellent reputation in terms of reliability is no coincidence and, with minimal maintenance, these cars can last for a very long time. So, don’t be too afraid of high mileage.
But the downside is a higher value that will make you spend more money. The Yaris isn’t the most exciting to drive either, with only 106 horsepower, but it has the best construction and will serve you well for many years.
Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent also deserves your consideration. Sturdy and safe, it easily stands the test of time and generally costs less than its Japanese rivals. You can find a 2015 or even a 2016 example for $10,000 or less, which is not the Yaris’ case.
Since its redesign in 2011, the Accent also proved to be surprisingly reliable. It offers more power (up to 138 horsepower depending on the year) and a more convenient cargo space, but its fuel consumption is higher.
Sedan or Hatchback
By the way, both the Yaris and the Accent were available in sedan and hatchback format. However, as of 2016, the four-door Yaris was in fact a rebranded Mazda2, which had nothing to do with its predecessor. You’ve been warned.
No matter what your choice is, it’s better to go with an older model that has been well-maintained and has a known history (CARFAX, SAAQ, RDPRM) than a more recent one that raises too many questions. A complete inspection is also crucial to avoid a bad purchase. And remember that rust, even just a small area, is your worst enemy.