[Soliloquy]

A new car loses a huge amount of value the second you sign the paperwork to buy it.

I'd look at what you need and want in a car. Look at what be will cost. Then look look at what a car that's 2-4 years old will cost. Also look at safety features that may not be on a 4 year old car but will be on a car that's 0-1 year old.

Just something to consider.

We were very happy buying a used car from Carvana.

Any time you buy a used car, you need have it inspected by your own mechanic. "Certified used car" means almost nothing. If you are buying used in the traditional way, that means you have the car inspected by your mechanic BEFORE you buy it. If the seller won't allow that, you walk away.

With CarMax and Carvana, you can return a car for a full refund, no questions asked. So you have the appointment for the inspection all set before you buy.

Credit unions usually have the best rates on car loans, unless the manufacturer is offering one of those super low deals on interest.

Never buy a car warranty unless it is a manufacturer warranty. The 3rd party warranties that dealers will try hard to sell your are worthless. Those companies often dissolve as soon as they get a lot of sales, then reopen under a new name and LLC.