Honda Accord 2.0 EL AT (2008–2013) (Discontinued) - ฿1,249,000

On a used Honda Accord 2.0 EL AT, start with the 5-speed automatic gearbox: drive it from cold and feel for slurred or delayed shifts, because this is the single most expensive thing to put right. Then look underneath for rust and scrape marks, since the 140 mm ground clearance means many cars have grounded on ramps or driven through standing water. Finally, check the service records and the state of the suspension bushes and air conditioning, because a tired big sedan hides small costs that add up.

A used Honda Accord 2.0 EL AT typically trades in an indicative range of THB 300,000 to 600,000, depending on year, mileage and how well it has been kept. Set money aside on top for a full inspection before you sign, plus the usual first-year items on an older car: fluids, belts, brakes, suspension bushes and tyres. Budget for insurance, annual tax and fuel as ongoing costs too, and remember parts and labour for a midsize sedan are dearer than for a small car.

The Honda Accord 2.0 EL AT is a midsize sedan at 4,855 mm long with a 536 L boot, so it is a clear size step above a compact sedan like the Toyota Corolla Altis and gives you more rear legroom and luggage room for the same money used. The Mitsubishi Galant plays in the same big-sedan space, so the choice there comes down to condition, parts availability and how each car drives on the day. If you mostly do short city trips alone, the smaller car is easier to park and cheaper to feed.

The Honda Accord 2.0 EL AT returns about 13 km/L, which is reasonable for a midsize sedan but behind what a modern compact or hybrid manages. If most of your driving is stop-start, expect that figure to fall and your fill-ups of the 65 L tank to come around more often. On steady highway runs it is at its best, and that is where this car makes the most sense as a monthly proposition.