Ask HN: Should I buy used car or new?
Brand? How old it should? Odometer?
Used cars, while more economical, have the issue that you don't know how the prior owner and/or drivers treated the cars. Hence, I would ask for a Carfax or owner history and favor a car that was previously leased over one that was a rental. Leases usually have pretty low mileage because they get expensive for the person leasing when they go over the limit. Also the leases often offer free maintenance, so you have a good chance of getting a car in good mechanical condition.
I'd aim for a two year old previously leased car. Subarus are great mid to higher range cars while Hondas are nice for the lower to mid range. You'll get a good price, a car that has a good chance of being treated properly and having lower mileage, and a better insurance rate.
500-2500 1988+ civic with less than 160k. Make sure timing belt has been done if over 80k.
2500-5000 Should get you a lot of choices, go for the best maintained. Well maintained 100k is better than poorky maintained 50k. Avoid european makes, luxury cars, suvs. Japanese is still best, but many others are fine.
If buying used, get a mechanics opinion. If seller refuses, walk away. Do not buy anything with no title ot errors on paperwork, leins, or from someone not on the title. If unsure, call the local police and ask to run the VIN, creeps will get scared off. Buy the car as-is, never with promises of fixes. Get a signed bill of sale as well as the title and any emissions required.
Beware fresh paint jobs, new axle/suspension, new motor, and other big work a car should not need unless wrecked badly. A wrecked and repaired car is never as good as new.
Best model - new model intro year - 1 year
Odometer - less than 60K
Brand - I stick with japanese made (old heuristic but till good enough)