As long as you can afford it, do you prefer to buy new when you buy a car?

[AwakeAtLast]

45. I've done both

I bought a new Toyota Camry in 2005. It is now paid off. We do general maintenance on it and it still runs like it always has even though it has 260,000 miles on it. Our 14 y/o will probably get it when she gets her license at 16.

In 2010 I found a 2000 Toyota Avalon with only 56,000 miles (I know!) on it. It was loaded, too (moon roof, electric seats, dual heat controls, etc). I snapped that puppy up quick. It is also paid off, we do general maintenance and it still hums along nicely with 125,000 miles on it (I don't drive as far to work as my husband does). It will take a lot to get me out of that car. I love driving it!

I have bought other used cars that did not work out quite so well. Here's what I think helps when buying used:

Buy from the companies with the best reliability records.
Get the lowest mileage you can find no matter the model year.
Get the most upgrades you can find (so no base models).

I am by no means an expert on cars, but I think following those three things would help me weed out potential problems.

We are going to be in the market for a Toyota Tacoma in the next year or two. I'm pretty sure we're going to look for a used one.