Are Hyundai Santa fe's Reliable? I've seen quite a few with high miles. Can't quite afford used Honda/Toyota's I'm the same price range,?

Are Hyundai Santa fe's Reliable? I've seen quite a few with high miles. Can't quite afford used Honda/Toyota's I'm the same price range,?

As long as maintenance has been done, yes they are reliable. For some reason the depreciate faster. It's not unheard of to see them well north of 200,000.

My mechanic says Hyundai is "junk"

They are not as good as the Hondas or Toyotas. You may have to get a bit older Honda or Toyota or take your chances with a less reliable Hyundai.