I'm looking to get rid of my 2002 Honda Accord. It's been fine for me (although the engine is burning oil, and the transmission might be going bad), but I do want to get something newer and better. I know the best bet would be a Toyota, but I've been looking around, and they either just cost way too much money and is outside of my $15,000-20,000 budget, or the ones in that range are pretty poorly maintained. Even the private sellers are pricey. So is there any other brand that could be recommended for a long lasting car? If so, which make, model, and year ranges should I look for?
I hear ya. There is definitely a "toyota premium" on the used car market. But it is not that Toyotas are that much better than others, it's just that they are consistently good. Other makers put out some good vehicles too, you just have to be more selective.
What might be best depends on what sort of car you are looking for. Generally the other Japanese makes are pretty good, especially for units manufactured in Japan. The big 3 are relatively spotty, but there are a few peaches in the basket.
In general, the only broad recommendation to make is to avoid the Korean makes as well as the europeans. Some European cars can be quite good (well, except for Land Rover), but there the issue is that if something does go wrong, repairs tend to be $$$.
If there is a car you are interested in, take a look on carcomplaints.com. They can tell you what problems are common with what models, and what model years are better than others [don't compare one model to another, though, because the ratings are relative to quantity and can be misleading.]
cost way too much money
better to pay a little more up front, then being bled dry over time. Toyotas are WORTH more.
If you avoid models known to have problems Hondas can be quite good (the one you have has lasted over 20 years), and newer Mazdas and Subarus can be OK. Nissan and Mitsubishi are lower quality and tend to have serious automatic transmission problems.
Avoid Hyundai and Kia vehicles. The reasons why are detailed in this site's Hyundai Motor Group topic. Unfortunately most vehicles from the U.S. manufacturers are problematical as well.
Be sure to have any vehicle you plan to buy subject to a thorough inspection by a good mechanic before purchase. If the seller refuses this, run away.
Honda Mazda Subaru have some reliable vehicles
The only brands I would consider buying for projected reliability and lower cost maintenance with respect to the industry are the following:
Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura, Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki.
