I know! 
Some right owld 'wags' in 'ere ey Wenchy?
Going back to the new v 2nd hand choice arguement.
New, for:
It's new, so you know it's history...well nearly.
Did you know that ALL new cars have usually been driven by up to approx 11-15 different people before you reach it?
Nice to know that no one has ever owned it too.
Breaks down? Under warranty, so no hefty repair bills, just the annoyance, but you'll usually get a courtesy car for free. Most manufacturers include 3 years RAC/AA/ Greenflag breakdown cover too.
New, against:
Price, and an immidiate big loss /depreciation as soon as they register it in your name.
The worry of it getting damaged. Some like me get paranoid, and end up parking it 3 miles away from the supermarket to avoid it getting whacked/scratched by other inconsiderate arses. Some like our Nick for instance, don't give a flying duck however...it's JUST a car.
Whatever.
2nd hand. For:
Price. Biggest slice of depreciation will have been suffered by the first owner. Most of it's early days problems will have/should have been sorted under warranty.
Balance of manufacturers warranty if the car is under 3 years old ( for most models, more with Hyundai and Kia to name two)
2nd hand. Against:
What has the car been through? How was it treated? Has it ever been damaged. Is its service history (essential) genuine?
HPI'ing it normally reveals any adverse history, and most if not all reputable garages would do this check as a matter of course.
Always a good idea to ring the previous owner for a 'friendly chat' if you can obtain his/her details.
If it breaks down out of warranty, you are on your own. Beware of 2nd hand dealers warranties, as they normally have limits on how much you can claim per breakdown. READ the small print to discover WHAT exactly you are gettin'.
Buying privately you won't be offered a warranty, and you'll have no come back whatsoever if it was described reasonably accurately in the first place.
If for instance, the ECU ( brain for the car) coughs its clogs, you are quite often looking at a 4 figure sum to get it replaced. Lights coming on on the dashboard can sometimes be a quite expensive pain to rectify too..airbag, engine management etc.
In a nutshell, buying new or very nearly new is the safest but most expensive option. 2nd hand has the financial benefits, but beware of how/where you buy it. Take an expert with you, and don't buy a car on your own. the salesman normally see wimmen as 'easy meat'. Not that I'm suggesting you are my little cherub.
Of course you have always got the 'banger option'
Couple of hundred quid for a 10 year old Fiesta with a bit of tax and MOT, and if it breaks down or fails the next MOT, you simply weigh it in at the local scrappie, and probably get 50 snotters too! Lafin!
Just make sure you've got breakdown cover though, as you'll probably need it at some time during ownership.
