Used Azera purchase good?

I'm looking at trading up from my 1998 Camry to a Toyota Avalon or
Hyundai Azera. I need something with more room, but it has to be just
as reliable. Neither Honda or Nissan make a sedan in the large form
factor.

How is the Azera? Is it a good car? Any opinions vs the Toyota
Avalon? I would be buying used in the 2005-2007 model year for
either.

 

The Avalon is similar in quality to Camry, which is pretty good, although
there may be some minor transmission shifting problems around that time
frame (you can determine that by driving it).

The 2008-09 Accord is fairly roomy, but I guess you are looking for some a
few years older.

 

I've yet to be sold on the idea that Hyundai's long-term reliability
is comparable to Toyota's. Hyundai's new-vehicle reliability reached
a high point around 2004 or 2005, and there hasn't been enough time
for a determination to be made on whether this translated into long-
term reliability.

That having been said, I think the Azera is a fairly solid vehicle and
a good deal for the money. Check the warranty history on any 2006
model prior to purchase. Hyundai had a problem with the timing chain
tensioners for that model year (and, actually, I think about a month
or so into 2007 MY production). If a problem with the tensioners
arises outside the warrany period, the expense to replace will make
you very unhappy.