Most cars are pretty reliable nowadays. I’m kind of doing the same search, but I have a 122 mile round trip commute. The Kia apparently has a fairly frequent timing belt change cycle. Meanwhile, the Toyota 1500CC (In my older Scion xB) uses a chain. It should last as long as the cylinders, theoretically.
That’s a good point: timing chain vs. timing belt models. Timing-belt replacement by a competent mechanic every however many miles the model requires runs close to $1000.00 because the good mechanics want to replace everything under the timing cover all at the same time to avoid problems down the road.
I’d be pretty concerned about buying a used belt model as to how old the belt might be unless the seller had shop paperwork proving the last time it was replaced. Otherwise, I’d probably just get it replaced as soon as I bought the car.
Depending on the Kia
2007 Rondo 4 cylinder has a chain instead of a belt. It does not get my recommendation as a good commuter car though.