Midsize sedans
Used Toyota Camry vs Honda Accord: which should you buy?
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-06-22
The short answer
The two default picks for a dependable used midsize sedan. The Accord drives more like a sport sedan and has a larger, more refined cabin; the Camry leans toward comfort and has the longer track record of trouble-free high-mileage examples. Either is a safe buy with records.
Model years
2007–2024
Mileage outlook
Camrys routinely exceed 250,000 miles. Watch for interiors that look more worn than the odometer suggests — a classic rideshare tell.
Model years
2008–2024
Mileage outlook
Accords commonly run past 200,000 miles. Highway-driven examples with records age very well.
Toyota Camry
A used Toyota Camry is a strong buy with two caveats: 2007–2011 four-cylinder cars can burn oil from piston ring wear, and Camrys are heavily used as rideshare and fleet cars, so check the wear-versus-mileage story closely. 2018+ models have an excellent record.
Known issues to check
- 2007–2011 2.4L (2AZ-FE): oil consumption — check the dipstick and ask directly about oil top-offs
- 2007–2011: some automatic transmission hesitation complaints; confirm smooth shifts on the test drive
- 2012–2017: very reliable; main risks are accident history and deferred maintenance
- 2018+: strong record; verify no rideshare history and that recalls (fuel pump) were completed
What to verify
- Dipstick oil level and consumption history on 2007–2011
- Rideshare/fleet history: title, wear, and the seller's story
- Recall completion via the VIN at NHTSA.gov
- Smooth, hesitation-free shifts on the drive
Honda Accord
A used Honda Accord is a top-tier pick if you screen the engine by year: 2008–2012 V6 models with cylinder deactivation (VCM) can burn oil and eat motor mounts, and 2018+ 1.5L turbos need oil-change proof for the same dilution issue as the Civic. The 2013–2017 four-cylinder cars are the sweet spot.
Known issues to check
- 2008–2012 V6 (VCM): oil consumption, fouled plugs, and engine mount wear — ask if a VCM disabler was used and check for misfire history
- 2018+ 1.5T: oil dilution in cold climates — demand oil-change records
- 2013–2015 CVT models: generally solid, but confirm CVT fluid service
- 2008–2010: premature rear brake wear was common; not serious, but check pad life
What to verify
- Oil consumption and plug history on 2008–2012 V6
- Oil-change records on 2018+ 1.5T
- CVT service proof on 2013+ four-cylinders
- Engine mounts: no clunk on throttle on/off
How to decide between them
On the used market, the better specific car almost always beats the better model on paper. A well-documented Toyota Camry can be a smarter buy than a neglected Honda Accord, and the reverse is just as true. Build a comp set for each, match the model year to its known issues above, and price in any maintenance the records do not cover.
Once you have a real listing for either one, paste it into DealScan to get a deal score, the red flags, a fair price range, and the questions to ask before you visit.
Found a listing for either one? Check the actual car.
Paste any Camry or Accord listing and get a deal score, red flags, and the price you should actually offer.
Check a listingToyota Camry vs Honda Accord: FAQ
Is the used Toyota Camry or Honda Accord more reliable?
Both are popular used picks, and reliability comes down to the specific model year and how well the car was maintained more than the badge. Match each car's year to its known issues — the Toyota Camry watch-items and the Honda Accord watch-items are listed above — and prioritize the one with documented maintenance records.
Which is cheaper to own used, the Toyota Camry or the Honda Accord?
Total cost depends on purchase price, insurance, fuel, and repair risk for the specific year. Use DealScan's free price checker on each to compare fair market values, and factor in the known repair items for each model before deciding which is cheaper to own.
Should I buy the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord?
The two default picks for a dependable used midsize sedan. The Accord drives more like a sport sedan and has a larger, more refined cabin; the Camry leans toward comfort and has the longer track record of trouble-free high-mileage examples. Either is a safe buy with records.