<prompt> Human: Im looking at a 2012 Hyundai elentra or a 2012 Ford fiesta. They cost 19k and 13k respectively. The interest rates are about 4, and both have mpg of 30 city40 highway. I make about 25k a year, but I live with my parents so I have very few expenses. I have owned multiple used cars in the past and they have all turned out to be very expensive money pits. What does rpersonalfinance think? New or used?Edit: Thanks for all the responses! A little more info since most people are recommending that I not buy new. I have 2,000 that I was going to use for a down payment; should I buy a used car off craigslist with the money instead? I am not very knowledgeable about cars and I worry I will pick up a lemon. Most cars with good reputations have in excess of 200,000 miles at the 2k price point. I like the good gas mileage and the confidence of buying new.tl;dr If I dont buy new, should I gamble on a craigslist beater?  <response>: You make 25k a year, buying a new car is going to consume most of your salary for an entire year. Isnt that scary? My annual salary is several times the cost of a new car and I ride a bicycle everywhere.Have you considered alternatives? Cycling, public transit, carpooling? If you have no option but to buy a car, then buy a reliable, efficient used car. And get it checked out by a mechanic first. 