Buy Certified Preowned and get something that has just crossed the 40,000 mile mark. If you look at used car prices, you will see a precipitous drop in price, just after you cross the 40K barrier. Get something nice, just comming off lease. Buy the extended warranty up to the 100K mark at least.
We buy two year old lease trade ins (I am currently driving an 03 Explorer that came w/23,000 plus change mileage.) My husband buys our cars from the dealer who originally leased them out (you then have full maintenance history) and on the price, he negotiates down past the cost of the best extended warranty (above and beyond the Factory Certified warranty). We also go for the lowest deductible (you can get them to negiate on that as well) on warranty repair work. Right now, I am on my third transmission for my Explorer (a nightmare at the dealership) but, only had to pay $50.00 as a deductible (and they provided the rental too). Good luck...and go for 'Certified' by the manufacturer 'pre-owned' so you don't get a flood car.