[twoplustwo]

Because everyone always says slightly used it better financially than new we have ALWAYS look at used first.
However, most of the time we found that it is not a better deal because we can find a baseline model of something for the same cost or LESS than a slightly used because it's very hard to find baseline models slightly used. Our theory is people who want baseline dont trade them in a year or two. And we drive the cars until they are old (10 or more years) so we get our value from them.
That said this most recent buying time - the Toyota Sienna (mini-van) didn't have a baseline - they started making them all fancier and in turn drove up the cost. And then we found a 1 year old Honda Odyssey that was a GREAT deal (had some very, very minor body damage - 2 scratches, not even noticeable unless I pointed it out and it was a baseline. It was a lease that was driven a year and we had the paperwork that it was not in an accident that required a claim). In this case it was a significant savings over new so we got it. Oh and it was certified Honda used so warranty still in place and as new financing (0.9% for 4 years which we paid off early).
So I would not rule out new or used but look at both and find the better deal overall. If you look and look you will know a good deal when you find one. Of course, you have to be strong against sales people. which I am. My husband is not. When we were buying the RAV4 he drives the sales guy and i couldnt close the deal so he had to get the GM and he came out and was all - at the price you are requesting my sales guy will make no money, don't you think he did a good job and deserves a commission? and my dh turned to me and said He makes a good point and my head just about exploded.
eta: I live in a very low COL area so that sales tax is not going to be a large factor in new versus used.