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Japanese & Korean Used Car Buyer's Guide: What to Know Before You Buy!
Japanese and Korean vehicles dominate Colorado Springs used car lots for good reason — but every brand has specific years and engines to watch out for. After inspecting hundreds of Asian vehicles, here's what we tell our
customers before they buy.
Toyota & Lexus
Most are excellent. Avoid 2007–2011 Camry and RAV4 with the 2.4L engine — they burn oil through bad piston rings.
The 3.5L V6 is bulletproof but needs a water pump around 90k miles. On Tundra and Sequoia V8s, listen for exhaust
tick and budget for air injection repairs.
Inspection tip: Check for pink coolant residue at the water pump and ask about oil top-off habits.
Honda & Acura
Four-cylinder models are safe bets. V6 models have a timing belt that must be replaced every 105k miles. No record?
Budget $800–$1,200 immediately. V6 Odyssey's and Pilots with cylinder deactivation burn oil over time.
Inspection tip: Timing belt history first — before you check anything else.
Subaru
Head gaskets fail on 1999–2012 EJ25 engines. Budget $1,800–$2,500 if not already done with MLS gaskets. Newer FB engines
can burn oil. The 3.6R six-cylinder is the pick — no head gasket or timing belt issues.
Inspection tip: Look for oil leaks at the head gasket seam and ask about timing belt history.
Nissan & Infiniti
V6 engines are strong. CVT transmissions are not — shudder, hesitation, or RPM fluctuation means trouble. Budget $3,500–$5,000 for replacement on high-mileage Altimas and Rogues.
Inspection tip: Accelerate gently and at highway speed. Any shudder, negotiate hard or walk.
Mazda
SkyActiv engines are solid, but 2014–2018 2.5L models can crack cylinder heads. Check coolant level. Older turbo Mazdaspeeds need enthusiast-level maintenance.
Inspection tip: Low coolant or overheating history is a red flag on 2.5L models.
Hyundai, Kia & Genesis
The Theta II 2.4L and 2.0T engine recall is massive. 2011–2019 Sonatas, Optimas, Santa Fes, and Sorentos can seize without warning.
Call a dealer with the VIN to check recall status and engine replacement history before buying.
Inspection tip: Low oil on the dipstick of a car for sale? Walk away.
Mitsubishi
Overlooked and often undervalued. Outlanders are decent buys. Budget for timing chain service on higher-mileage 4B11 engines.
One Piece of Advice
Spend on a pre-purchase inspection. A seller who refuses is hiding something. We'll put it on a lift, scan for codes, and tell you exactly what you're buying.
Schedule a pre-purchase inspection at Westco Automotive.