I've always owned a used car, because to me it just makes more sense than to pay constantly for a lease or a new car payment and not have anything to speak for all those bills at the end of the day. You also don't have to sweat bullets each time it gets a small ding or scratch that it's value is going down and you won't get your money back. 

A tip I got from my parents is to choose a car you really like and then shop for it used, but the latest model. So, for example with the 2010s starting to hit the market now, shop for a 2009. It will still be "new," but have depreciated tons for you to easily knock k off the price for practically no reason other than a few months have passed!

Also, another tip I received from a trusted family friend mechanic is to shop for used cars at a dealer of the same make. Chances are if somebody traded in their Jeep to get another Jeep it's b/c they were REALLY pleased w/ that car and don't want to change brands. 

I agree with Erica to use Consumer Reports. It's always great to hear personal advice and tips, but double check with ratings there. It's a really trusted source and we use it to get everything from water heaters, to washing machines, to phones. If you are going to go used, I would suggest something like CARFAX reports, etc. to double check the VIN history. Last year while shopping for a used car at a dealer a too-good-to-be-true deal really did turn out to be that - when I checked it's VIN history, turns out it had been in a major accident. The salesman didn't mention this, and the body had extensive work to cover it up. 

Good luck!!

you should get the 2010 genesis couope..nice car, not too pricey :)

Mary, moving? why?

I think you're hitting on all the basics--cute, comfy, functional and affordable are all the things I consider.  My rules of thumb are to never buy a car in it's first model year (let them workout the kinks), and to negotiate like a mad woman.  Dealers make far greater profit on used car sales than they do on new car sales--it's true!  Also?  If I have a bad experience at the dealer, I would never buy a car from them.  I love VW, but had very bad experiences with both my local dealers and switched to my 2nd choice brand as a result.  Don't tie yourself to people you don't click with for years and years of maintenance.

omg that car is bleeeee

Sabrina - I posted about my experience with SmartCar on my blog (see posts here - http://morethanmary.com/search/smartcar) and disclosed that the loaner I drove was through PR.  Although Taiwan is right, most dealers will let you do anything you want these days.

Erica - I have done EXTENSIVE research online.  However, when it comes to some things - like ordering food, picking a dress for an event, or buying a car - I can be pretty indecisive if I have a lot of options.  

You're not wrong in saying my ego would like to drive a "pretty" luxury car, but I have also looked at Toyotas, Hondas, etc.  And as I have stated before, the "cute" factor does play a role in my decision making if I am having to settle for a car that doesn't meet all of my standards (when buying a bargain, no matter what it is, you always compromise something).

Taiwan again is correct in saying that the reason I ask for your opinions here is because I like personal referrals.

1968 FIAT 500. There's nothing cooler...

You don't need sponsorship...

I can walk in and ask for a car for a week... I never did because I don't want it to be on the street since a scratch would make it mine... but I know many people who rent over the weekend.

Consumer Reports? How do we know Consumer Reports isn't just full of "sponsorship"? Google? any car company can make a page and talk about how good it is...

she wanted a first hand recommendation!

@Sarina ask a big dealer and make sure you really show you are looking to buy a car... most of the time you have to leave a car and a refundable deposit!

I personally know a friend who told the dealer that he can't make a choice until is busy wife can make time to visit.. then the dealer goes "take it for a weekend"!

I am sure being apart of a media outlet (with ties to fastlanedaily) could help for a few extra days :P

Mary, why are you asking random viewers for advice? Haven't you ever heard of a little magazine called Consumer Reports? Or used Google? You sound so lazy. 

I think you're having a hard time picking out a new car because you either want a car for free through some sponsorship deal (care to disclose why you got a Smart Car for a week??)  or want a glamorous or trendy car but can't afford one. 

People get new cars every day... it's not that hard. If you want something practical, fuel efficient and cheap, get a used Toyota Yaris or a Honda Fit or a Scion. But something tells me your ego won't let you drive such a plain and unglamorous car.

Can you please tell your audience how you both got to drive a Smart Car for a week? Did you pay for a week long rental or did you get it for free? 

Also, are you taping in a dungeon? The sound quality is terrible on this episode.