For 20K would you buy new or used?

[spd5512]

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

[Chris V]

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.

[optimaPlus]

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..

[oldblu65]

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 !