I have been driving now on a regular basis for about a decade (didn't have a car until out of college). Both cars were used Hondas. The first one was a 1992 that I got in 06 and kept until 12. I sold it for the same amount I paid for it, so I only spent money on repairs and insurance in the time I owned it. I sold it as my brother and his wife were going to trade in her 03 Honda Civic which was in great shape for almost half of blue book value so I agreed to take it off their hands
. With my first car I drove it daily to work but didn't have a long commute. With my current car I don't use it often as I commute into NYC by bus 5 days a week, but we have taken it on a few road trips so that balances the wear.
My husband lived in NYC so he has never had a car. He is itching for something fancier so I think the compromise is in 1-2 years when we are better settled in with the baby and finances we will shop around for a Honda sport. By then I think there will be more used ones to choose from, I refuse to buy new and when we do trade up I will only buy cash. I can't stand the idea of paying interest on a car payment, the only debt I will take on is a mortgage. I paid $1000 for one car and $5000 for the other so when I hear of people paying $20-$30K I can't wrap my head around it. That is a lot of trips to WDW lol.