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 car if it is affordable. I'm looking for opinions of those who have been in this
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, bills, and good driving experience?
assistant