13. 8th Gen Honda Accord

The 8th-generation Honda Accord is a surprisingly fun, practical, and affordable used car, particularly for someone on a budget. The 2.4L K24 is relatively tame in stock form but is known for its durability and ability to handle high mileage, while the 3.5L V6 provides considerably more performance. The sedan offers a spacious interior and usable trunk, while the coupe is arguably the best-looking and most entertaining version. Even with over 200,000 miles, the interior and chassis of a well-maintained Accord can hold up remarkably well, although lower trims are pretty spartan by modern standards.

Reliability is generally excellent, but maintenance is critical. Common problems include alternator, ignition-coil, and crank-position-sensor failures, but the biggest concern is neglected oil changes. Dirty or low-quality oil can cause the VTC actuator, timing components, camshafts, and oil passages to wear or become clogged, potentially leading to cold-start rattles, misfires, oil consumption, or even catastrophic engine damage. Valve adjustments are also important at higher mileage, and the automatic transmissions should be serviced with genuine Honda ATF. V6 models have the additional concern of Honda’s VCM system, which can contribute to oil consumption and carbon buildup. Overall, though, a properly maintained 8th-gen Accord—particularly the K24 four-cylinder—is one of the better choices for someone looking for an inexpensive, high-mileage daily driver.