Should I buy a Honda Accord or Hyundai Sonata, and why?

This is my first car purchase and I need a little help.

To each his/her own.

The Accord and Sonata are both good quality, reliable, safe, and fuel efficient automobiles. You can't go wrong with either.

Have you test driven both? When you do you'll know.

It all depends on condition. I drove a new Hyundai Sonata (2013) provided by my insurance company after someone texting destroyed my beloved Saturn. I was very impressed with the car. But I can't see the cars you mentioned. I don't know what model year they are nor do I know the condition or options. Given that; no one here can adequately answer your question. Given that; anyone who gives you a definitive answer is erroneous. Perhaps if you could post links to the dealer sites for these cars it would help. On the other hand an in-person examination will be requires. Perhaps one has been severely neglected and leaks every possible fluid, the transmission shifts erratically, the ball joints and struts are shot and the tires are bald.

Take each car to a mechanic (who has no connection with either dealerships) and have a thorough examination done. If the dealer refuses to let you do this, they are not a legitimate operation and should be avoided at all cost.

My mechanic says Hyundai is "junk".

Get what you like best. Personally I'd buy the Sonata.

Both are good options. Finding a quality used car goes well beyond just the make and model. The MOST IMPORTANT aspects of finding a good used car is based on not only the make and model, but also must consider The car's age, miles and overall condition of the vehicle.

A well maintained, low mileage, one owner car that has never been wreck is what you need to look for regardless of who made it. Even a Honda Accord is a bad choice if the car has been abused, neglected and not maintained the way it should.