Buying car for grandson, suggestions ?

[SailinAway]

Originally Posted by bigdog

What are Forum member thoughts about Hyundai or Kia vehicles ?
Dependability and maintenance ?

Kia's mechanical reliability has improved tremendously as the company has evolved. I recommend looking at the Kia Soul, very high marks for reliability, though its gas mileage is low for the class.

For the grandson, at $5000 I would have recommended a Chevy Sonic. Reliability is among the best of subcompacts. $2000 more would get a better car, though, under 100,000 miles.

In the used-car market you start with a list of your top choices and then settle for what's available, especially if you're in a hurry. My choices for a compact or subcompact hatchback when I bought a car a couple of years ago, in order of quality (mainly mechanical reliability), were:

1. Kia Soul
2. Chevy Sonic
3. Nissan Versa Note
4. Honda Fit
5. Scion xD
6. Hyundai Elantra GT
7. Chevy Spark

That list is based on a lot of research and reading the professional reviews.