New vs used + a few questions

[Isisinabi]

I'm starting my year long search for a new vehicle. I want to save up for a year and do a lot of research and buy the "right" car for me.

Here are my choices so far:

• 2006/2007 Mazda 3, 5 door wagon
• 2006/2007 Nissan Altima/Sentra (I love their Intelligent Key option)
• 2006/2007 Scion tC
• 2006/2007 Scion xD

However, there's one more car that's thrown in the mix:

• 2009 Chevrolet Camaro

I know the price tag is going to be way out of my league, in the $25k-up region. My first question is, do any of you have any idea what the cost of upkeep would be on a car like that?

Second question, as far as buying new vs used, would the warranties be better on a new car vs a barely used car (say under 20k miles)? I don't think I need to buy a brand spankin new car, but everyone keeps telling me that's the way to go. Considering my choices above, which would be the best route to take?

[sickcallawayc12]

Are you kidding? Whoever told you to buy new should be slapped. There are so, so many used cars flooding the car market right now its ridiculous. You should be able to find a great deal somewhere with a good warranty.

As for the Camaro, its probably gonna be close to the most current gens. It doesn't sound like a whole lot has really "changed" with the new Camaro.

[drdisque]

I don't know why you are saying nothing has changed with the Camaro. The chassis is completely new, the electrical system is all new, and the engine is a thorough evolution of the previous engine.

If you are going to buy new, the xD is way under your price range and is frankly a very cheap car.

The Mazda 3 is a fantastic car with great design and also handles well. The new Altima and Sentra are vast improvements over the previous generation (especially the Sentra) and aren't bad cars either.

The tC is a very stripped down car based on the previous generation Camry, then dressed up to look sporty. I wouldn't buy one, but if you like it go ahead, you won't regret buying a car you like.

[Isisinabi]

The real selling point for the tC for me is the panoramic sunroof. I love sunroof/moonroofs (moonrooves?) option, I am dying to have one on my next car and to have that big of one has to be nice! Plus it basically has what I want standard. I haven't test driven anything yet, as if I do it, I'm afraid I'll like what I test drive and buy something .

I am looking more at the Mazda3 and the Nissan Sentra. Ordinarily I'm not an options person (other than sunroof/moonroof which is a must for me) but the new Nissan Intelligent Key system is just incredible...and probably expensive to fix. I got the chance to sit in a Altima who had it and while it was a bit big for me, I really liked that feature.

Now the Mazda3 would be competing with the xD, as I love hatchbacks, but if I'm not mistaken the Mazda3 blows the xD out of the water as far as performance (and looks really).

Before I decide on a Mazda3, which looks like it may end up being the winner unless I test drive it and hate it, are there any others that are out there that you guys would think would fit?