Ask an expert

I am looking at purchasing a second hand car. I have narrowed down to two options

A 2004 Hyundai Sonata with 225km on the clock and cambelt due at 250km had it looked at by mechanic who said he would charge 800-1000 for the cambelt snd thst rhe car was excellent considering the high kms.

The second is a 2000 Primera, chain driven with 167km. Aesthetically the Primera looks a bit more beat up than the Hyundai.

Both buyers are asking 1000 (Primera) and $1500 (Hyundai)for the cars. I prefer the Hyundai as its newer looks less banged up but feel I cant justify purchasing it only to end up payin another 1000 on the cambelt in 25000kms time. The primera seems to struggle when I accelerate, might just be because its less powerful than the Hyundai. Mechanic said personally he would take the Hyundai despite the high kms as they're a bloody good car.

As long as everything else gets the thumbs up, are high kms a deal breaker

It may pay to follow your mechanics advice if he has seen these vehicles.
If you can only afford a higher mileage vehicles that's fine but you need to be aware that they may require more maintenance.

The primer is a good car but if it looks in worse condition than the Hyundai go for Hyundai, they are both cheap cars and the price difference is negligible.