If I'm not mistaken KIA got bought out by a larger manufacturer a few years ago (when they woke up). Might have been Hyundai.
I wouldn't say Toyotas are more affordable, because Honda, kia, some other makes are generally cheaper on the used market, but it's with good reason. You're right about toyota engines. My family has mostly had cars from them over the years and have gotten lots of mileage with few repairs in terms of maintenance. So I'd say you're paying a bit more for a reasonably treated Toyota that'll take you a lot farther than something like an Hyundai Elantra.
Reference: not a car guy, but I know too many mechanics and I know what brands/models usually shit the bed
Important questions you should ask yourself (exclusive to your area):
● How much am I willing to pay on gas and insurance every month? (On top of regular payments, unless you can actually pay it all up front)
● How much will i be driving it, how far? (Everyday commute to school or work, distance to friends, other resources)
● What will I put in the car? Will I drive people around very often? (Sedans vs. A hatchback or SUV, or even a light pickup)
● Will I have money in the bank to repair it in case of an accident? (You should see the cost of tesla repairs holyyyy shit)
Toyotas are your best bet for mileage and repairs imo.
If you know people who personally deal in cars or insurance, I'd reach out and get some professional opinions. You'll see a diversity of opinions on here, mostly because people are from all over. My Nigerian friends love Toyota Pickups, my Canadian friends find that hilarious, and anyone recommending a fiat or another smaller model is more than likely in Europe where the roads are different.
Ultimately, do what's best on your wallet in the long run, especially if you're trying to up that credit score in the future.
I bought a used 2010 Toyota Matrix that was at 230km when I bought it about 2 years ago. Haven't had a single problem driving it, and we're at about 310km right now. Only thing I've had to get replaced were the breaks, and that was mostly due to a road-trip via Chicago this summer.
I like what others have said so far
Do your research, find relatively low-mileage cars (high mileage means less cost, yes, but that also means more repairs are likely needed in the future), and ALWAYS inspect the car when you go check it out. See the title and see if it's been in any crashes/accidents/recalls. Check for obvious damage on the outside of the car. Some places are pretty scummy and try to hide some obvious red/orange flags. Also check the fuel economy. Some cars are absolute gas GUZZLERS regardless of make and age. Anything above 25 is fine and once you hit the 35+ then you're golden. My parents drive a car with a measly 20 mpg economy and they're always complaining about how much they have to refuel. Mine averages 25-33 most days and I refuel once, maybe twice a month.
Otherwise, good luck! As for models, I can second the Honda CR-V since I had a roommate who drives a 2004 CR-V with like 400k miles. It broke down while I was living with him but considering the age I was surprised it hadn't broken down much sooner, and the fix was relatively easy and affordable through a mechanic.
In Germany one of the biggest aspects in picking a brand would be your local mechanics (what parts the good ones have access to (at least here a ton only repair one brand), which ones are just out to scam you, etc)
Just asking older people in your area whove gone through a ton of brands in their days that helps a lot.
Idk if that really applies to the US, but might be worth a mention
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