Hondas and Toyotas with 200k+ miles?

Looking to get my very first car! I'm looking to get a Honda Accord probably 1999-2002. The only ones in my price range the mileage ranges from 150k-300k. Is that bad? I heard Hondas run forever. But I want a reliable one! What about toyota camrys of corollas 1999-2002, with that much miles? Reliable?

The reliability of ANY used car depends mostly on how it was treated and maintained by previous owner(s). Just because a brand of car has a good reputation for reliability does NOT mean that EVERY one of those cars will be reliable for over 300k miles.

If you know nothing about cars, then you need to find someone you can trust who DOES know, and get him/her to assist you in choosing which used car to buy. It's ALWAYS a good idea to have a used car inspected by a knowledgeable mechanic to make certain it's safe with no MAJOR defects before you agree to buy it.

Any 4 cylinder Asian vehicle is lucky to make it to 200,000 miles. The motor and transmission is worn out by then. If you want a vehicle and it has over 200,000 miles on it a GM car with the 3.8 motor is the only one I'd consider. Check the color of the oil on the dipstick. Check the color of the ATF and if it's brown and smells burnt take a pass.

Toyota and Honda both make very good cars. But you can't base any of that on an old car with high miles. Current Condition is the ONLY criteria you can use. If the car has been well cared for and is in good running condition it will be a good car for you.

Keep your expectations low. Cars that old with that many miles are going to have problems, Count on it. Expect it, budget for it, prepare for it and when it happens you won't be surprised.

Reliable in your price range just isn't going to happen.

150K is not bad, as long as you have documented proof of all maintenance.

No proof, no buy.

I'd only consider a toyota, honda transmissions have been weak for a while. Over all, temper your expectations, an older toyota with 200k should last another 10-15, which is at least a year.

If you want to keep it for another 10 years then, good luck with that. Any car that has already made it to 200k, AND has been well maintained is a reliable car. I know tons of cars that can't make it past 60 -100k without falling apart.

Just set a realistic goal of xxx number miles until I replace it, and you will be fine. Is it at the end of it's useful service, sure, but if you pick the right one, you'll squeeze out another 20k miles as long as you don't go crazy.

Every rose has it's thorns.