You might try to get a copy of the April 2009,
Consumer Reports for
"Most bang for the buck." Their methodology (pp. 18-19):
"combining good performance and reliability with a low owner cost over the first five years"
"nine vehicle categories"
"A low price doesn't necessarily make a car a good value."
"overall road-test scores"
"five-year owner-cost estimates"
"predicted reliability ratings"
"more than 300 vehicles ... tested"
So let's take a look at their results in ascending cost:
- $325 - Toyota Prius - family car
- $330 - Volkswagon Rabbit - hatchbacks/wagons
- $330 - Mini Cooper - sporty cars
- $340 - Honda Civic - small car
- $380 - Toyota RAV4 - small SUVs
- $440 - Honda Odessey - minivans
- $440 - Toyota Avalon - upscale car
- $500 - Hyundai Santa Fe - midsized SUVs
- $525 - Honda Ridgeline - pickup trucks
I too enjoy a used car, especially after the 3/36000 warranty expires when the first big price reduction occurs. I bought my 2003 Prius with 49,300 miles and it has more than 118,000 miles over 3 years later. It has been and remains a good car.
Ultimately it is a decision each must make weighting the price-performance tradeoffs.
GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson