Need help deciding what car to purchase

[skim milk]

I've been pondering the lease option for a while but the 12k/15k mileage limit is impossible for me. So I'm left with the option to purchase a new/used vehicle.

Should I get a used vehicle or a new one?
My range is around 20k. I could splurge and get a G37 or something but I don't know.. I should hold off until I am better off financially.

I prefer a japanese car.. currently a new Honda Accord is top of the list.. any thoughts/comments?

 

[cprince]

Honda Fit, Toyota Matrix, Scion are in your price range......

 

[xanis]

Hyundai Sonata maybe?

 

[boomhower]

What do you need and want in a car? High gas mileage? Creature comforts? How many people do you need to move? How about room for cargo? What style do you prefer, i.e. 2 door, 4 door, hatch? Stick or slush box? Just need a bit more info to be able to give a reasonable recommendation.

In general it is better to buy used and let someone else take the depreciation hit.

 

[ManBearPig]

i like my 2007 Camry alot. Cost around 20k.

 

[Arkaign]

The question of finances, combined with high mileage requirements adds up to one thing :

DON'T LEASE. You end up with nothing to show for it. If your finances fail to improve, or you get 'downsized', you don't want to be stuck in the cold in 2-3 years.

If you get something with high resale value, like an Accord or Civic, you can purchase it, and have the best of both worlds. If you pay it off in 3-4 years, it will be worth plenty at trade-in, so the next car you go for will be that much cheaper. Or, in the event that your finances aren't so hot (or you just want to save more $$$), you can keep driving with NO car payment. Win/win.

 

[Riverhound777]

If your thinking you should hold off until you are in a better financial place, than you really shouldn't be spending 20k on a new car. Go pick up a used Civic, Camry, Protege, ect. for under 10k and call it a day.