It’s really two questions: Is it smarter to buy and old car versus new? I say ‘yes’ because the resale value doesn’t drop as fast for a used car. My approach is to buy a 4-year-old or so car that I don’t have to finance to afford. Then I expect to spend a budgeted amount for maintenance each year instead of paying a lease or car payment.
The other question, should you buy Honda vs. American. Currently I would buy a Honda. GM and Ford are both saying that’s based on old information, but I would tend to wait and see. So lets see how these wonderful new Impalas are doing four years from now.
Every American car (all Fords) I’ve owned died at 10-years/150,000 miles [dead means the engine or transmission failed in a manner that would cost more than finding a used replacement]. I’m at that point with my first Honda. If croaks, I’ll change my mind.
My major complaint about the Honda is that the sun visor is disintegrating.