Financially, the big problem with new cars is you lose a decent fraction of car worth the second you drive off the lot. So you're paying a premium to get one th

Financially, the big problem with new cars is you lose a decent fraction of car worth the second you drive off the lot. So you're paying a premium to get one that has never been owned before. Further, insurance is likely going to be more expensive. Used cars, while more economical, have the issue that you don't know how the prior owner and/or drivers treated the cars. Hence, I would ask for a Carfax or owner history and favor a car that was previously leased over one that was a rental. Leases usually have pretty low mileage because they get expensive for the person leasing when they go over the limit. Also the leases often offer free maintenance, so you have a good chance of getting a car in good mechanical condition. I'd aim for a two year old previously leased car. Subarus are great mid to higher range cars while Hondas are nice for the lower to mid range. You'll get a good price, a car that has a good chance of being treated properly and having lower mileage, and a better insurance rate.