[Red_Baron]

I don't shy away from used but if you are buying something a couple years old and have to use financing, the interest rates can push you close to buying new with all the factory sponsored low rates. I can fix almost anything car related so I do have that luxury. I personally try and buy the best vehicle for the purpose I need it for within my budget, regardless of whether it's new or used. I do keep tabs on the potential problems for a given vehicle and account for the cost or difficulty of the repairs.
Being fairly knowledgeable about cars, mechanical repairs, and automotive body work makes it easy to asses the condition of a used vehicle despite any dealership cover-up attempts are made (these are few and far between and really only applicable when buying something older, reputable dealerships will not do this and usually correct the problems rather than risk passing them on to customers).
Last vehicle I bought was due to the rebates being offered as there were many used ones selling for as much or more than I paid new.