<prompt> Human: Looking at Honda CR-Vs in particular as they consistently are highly rated not only for safety, but reliability and pretty decent performancefeatures. Thinking the LX or EX model would do. I looked at the new to compare prices to the older models and these damn things just dont depreciate. I go back several years and STILL these things hardly depreciate at all. If I wanted something around the 12,000 range Id have to get around 85,000 miles and Im aware they can go to 200,000 miles, but quite honestly Id rather avoid the extra miles and just get a newer car if the difference in price is hardly going to change anyhow. The argument with getting a used car vs a new one has to do mostly with rapid depreciation. These cars DO NOT have that issue whatsoever. For a 2-3 grand more I can get a brand new car, whatever color and features I want, and I wont even have to worry about being underwater. That 2-3 grand is pretty small in the grand scheme it would seem, because Im the type to drive into the ground for sure. Im thinking 15-20 years out of this thing. Even if I wanted to trade-insell Id be in good shape.Ive always bought straight cash. I dont think itd be very beneficial over financing since I can get a really cheap rate and saving 24k and having it sit sounds like a missed opportunity vs investing since Im thinking a 3-3.5 rate would definitely be doable. I can put a respectable down payment down. Am I being irresponsible. Should I always buy 12,000 or less cars? I know I could get a cheaper car, but an SUV would come with many perks and allow me to do a bunch more recreational activities, load my cargo, and just overall allow me to enjoy my driving experience more. I currently have a Honda accord that works and all, but thinking ahead and to be honest I dont enjoy driving it much. Maybe thats towards the bottom of the list, but just a thought. Any advice?  <response>: Am I being irresponsible.No. Should I always buy 12,000 or less cars?No. As long as you can afford it, you can buy whatever you want. Any advice?Shop within your budget. 