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Question: I am considering buying a late model used car ... specifically a Hyundai Sonata.
I am conflicted - they are both the same model - in like new condition - but:
2015 Sonata only has 21,000 miles. It has some extras like a rear view camera (very cool in my opinion)!
2017 Sonata has 42,000 miles on it - double than the older car. Just the standard features. It is actually several hundred dollars less in price! Two years newer.
Both are "certified."
Both are in like new and appear to be in perfect condition. Both are attractive, conservative metallic colors.
The difference in those years is little to none. 21,000 miles is nearly 2 years of driving for the average person. I'd take low miles, unless there was a generational change in the vehicle that made it worth while to update.
The difference in those years is little to none. 21,000 miles is nearly 2 years of driving for the average person. I'd take low miles, unless there was a generational change in the vehicle that made it worth while to update.
Thanks. I'm leaning towards the older one because it has such low miles ... mostly because the exterior style is almost identical to the newer one. They didn't revamp the grille design until 2018.
I'd go for the 2017. Miles don't concern me as much as age because in Wisconsin cars build up rust through the winters, so newer is better here. We use way too much salt on our streets. I'm not sure if rust is a concern in Philadelphia though.
42,000 miles is on the higher side for a 2017 car. Check the carfax to see if it was a rental.
You get a lot of nice features for your money with a Sonata. It's a nice looking car!
21k on a 2015 implies city/short trip driving to me which is harder on the car. 42k on a 2017 I would guess highway commuter where most of those miles were fully warmed up.
How much driving are you going to do annually? With the 10year/100k warranty in place on CPO which would you hit first on which car?
My concern over model year and mileage would be maintenance.
Can you get records to either?
Assuming both were properly maintained and it can be proven, I would probably go with the 2015 not because of the mileage but because of the features. A rear backup camera is a really nice safety feature to have. In my opinion, when you spend time with your car, you're inside of it 99% of the time so you need to enjoy that experience.
I consulted a good friend of mine. The high miles on the newer car sent him a warning signal: he said that 42,000 miles on a car that is essentially 1 ... 1 1/2 ... 2 years old tops is abnormal. He said "I'm willing to wager he was either driving for Uber or Lyft! Or perhaps he was making deliveries. The 2015 has much fewer miles and is in such pristine condition because it was a leased car. Go with the 2015!"
Yes, I am convincing myself the rear backup camera is a nice feature.
21,000 miles is probably a lease car. Some company probably had a 3 year lease contract. I've bought used off lease cars with low mileage. All were well maintained with maintenance done according to schedules. Ask to see the maintenance records. That's the one I'd buy. 41,000 is too much mileage IMO.
I swear they moved this thread to the Politics forum.
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