GA_googleFillSlot("Forums_ROS_300x250_noad"); Hi, I'm looking to spend less than 20k. I'm planing on moving to LA where there is a lot of traffic. I'm considering a new corolla with gets great fuel economy or a used 350z, BMW 3. Fuel Economy does matter to me, but I sometimes feel the corolla doesn't have enough power. My options are to get a new corolla witch is fuel efficient but not all that powerful or a more powerful used car. What's your opinions?

-Thanks

BTW: looked at civic si = manual only :frown:

First question. Can you work on cars yourself, or do you have to have a mechanic (ether dealer or independent) diagnose and work on the car? if you have to take it somewhere to get worked on, get a new car. if you can work on it yourself, then you can get a lot more car for your money buying used AND you'll avoid the initial depreciation hit.

For example my BMW 740iL was a $70k car new. I bought it a few years back for $7500, avoiding that initial $60k+ depreciation, and have maintained/repaired it myself for an average of $400 a year in repairs.

I'd go with Camley if you don't have any preference. Great milage and almost no maintenance, meaning no headache. I'm not big fan of Japanese car, but fact is fact. just my 2 cents..

If I had 20k to buy a new or used car , I'd buy the newest used car of the type I want . You miss the huge initial depreciation of a new car but yet you still have an almost new car . " Win-win " situation to me !