I haven’t owned a car in 25 years, but I guess I’d buy a Honda.

You’re going to post pictures of your new car, right?

Heaven forbid if you want to trade it in early. They will offer to purchase the car from you at the going rate for that model, and if it is (it will be) less than what you owe, you are responsible for covering the difference. We have leased two cars, and with the last one, we swore NEVER AGAIN. Car depreciate most drastically in the first two years, so you are driving their automobile, while they still own it, and eating that depreciation each month, then, again, since you do not own it, you cannot get any cash out of it like you would if it were yours and you sold it.

DO go buy a car that is 2-3 years old- possibley a lease turn-in, it won’t have more than 24-36K miles on it, and someone else will have eaten the depreciation. Best deal, smartest move for the money. We did this when we traded in our last lease, starting with $0 due to lease, and purchased a three year old family vehicle for 12K- less than half what it cost new.

As far as models, Honda’s are practically bullet proof- the epitomize reliable. I personally like VW’s- and the Jetta is a fine, well handling, economic and fuel efficient car. Plus, they’re kinda cool, with a little panache.

You can buy at MSRO at South Bay MINI in Torrance. They’re fuel efficient, fun and hold thier value better than any car on the road currently.

I’ve had mine for almost three years and do not regret it at all.

UNless of course you are strapped for cash, HAVE to have a new car, and the residual is a steal.

Otherwise buy used.

I am going to also add another plug for buying used BMWs and mercedes. It is something nice in your life, it isn’t that expensive, and the value is so much better.

For a real value – try a late 80s early 90s mercedes c class. Classic looks, marvelous enginering (nothing like the solid thud of the doors, and will go 300k easy), safe safe safe, and fun to drive. RWD is the way to go, nothing feels qquite as good as getting that locked in feeling as you go around a turn. And in So Cal, you won’t have any weather problem. Plus they have a little prestige, as in tasteful non-ostentatious car.

This year is reliable – without the multiple electronics that have problems in later years. The requirements are you have to be willing to do the regular maintenance. If you are a drive it till it breaks only – forget about it. If you maintain the MB it won’t break! A good shop is a good idea, which are prevalent in so cal. You should be able to find one in good condition down there.

I picked up my 98 c280 with 80k miles for less than 8k.

SImilar analysis for the BMWs- but they don’t seem to be as affordable for similar years. And audis – I like too.

Another great option would be a 1996 or 1997 vw passat. They don’t have the good looks of the 1998-2004 models, but do have good quality, decent gas mileage, and are a rreally good bargain. I recently saw a 1996 wagon in great condition with 60k miles for $6.