I'm hoping some of you can share your opinions on this matter.  I read a few articles online that are pro-used car and some that are pro-new car which didn't really sway me from one decision over another.

Since I live in a major city I never had the need to get a car since public transportation is very convenient.  Even when I moved out to an apartment of my own, I didn't see the need and really wanted to save money.  Of course there were times I needed to do some heavy shopping so I hitched a ride with my then boyfriend to where-ever.  

After my break-up and upon involving myself in more outdoor activities, I find myself in a lot of situations were I do need a car (for convenience's sake).  Public transportation fails me when I have to get to a destination at dawn and buses/trains are running at 30+min intervals.

Having said that what I'm looking for is: 

* Safety
* Good trunk space for groceries and small furniture
* Easy to park.  (Obviously suburbans or a hummer is out of the question)
* Gas mileage / Eco Friendly

Some concerns / things to consider are: 

* Bad drivers scratching my parked car (I wouldn't care as much if my car was used)
* Bills adding up on fixing a used car
* Since I don't have much driving experience, I am not a very good driver

I will opt for financing if I decide to buy new and I'm not looking for anything expensive. So price is somewhat flexible.
user
I'm a new driver and I would like to buy a used
assistant
I'm hoping some of you can share your opinions on this matter.  I read a few articles online that are pro-used car and some that are pro-new car which didn't really sway me from one decision over another.

Since I live in a major city I never had the need to get a car since public transportation is very convenient.  Even when I moved out to an apartment of my own, I didn't see the need and really wanted to save money.  Of course there were times I needed to do some heavy shopping so I hitched a ride with my then boyfriend to where-ever.  

After my break-up and upon involving myself in more outdoor activities, I find myself in a lot of situations were I do need a car (for convenience's sake).  Public transportation fails me when I have to get to a destination at dawn and buses/trains are running at 30+min intervals.

Having said that what I'm looking for is: 

* Safety
* Good trunk space for groceries and small furniture
* Easy to park.  (Obviously suburbans or a hummer is out of the question)
* Gas mileage / Eco Friendly

Some concerns / things to consider are: 

* Bad drivers scratching my parked car (I wouldn't care as much if my car was used)
* Bills adding up on fixing a used car
* Since I don't have much driving experience, I am not a very good driver

I will opt for financing if I decide to buy new and I'm not looking for anything expensive. So price is somewhat flexible.
user
New or used car, safety, gas mileage, ease of parking, bad drivers,
assistant