Depends. When I worked, I bought new cars, took good care of them and drove the wheels off them. So, if you intend to keep it a long time, new is good. On the other hand, a good used car is less expensive as the depreciation hit was taken by someone else. And yes, research your cars first but, a good used car can last a long time to. My 98 Tahoe (last new car I bought) looks and runs great as does my 2003 minivan (bought used in 05).