It’s ironic, but when I was poor I purchased new vehicles. Then, as time went on and my situation improved, I bought used ones. I must have learned something along the way!
I think the best of both worlds, at least in a normal market, is to buy someone’s leased car they traded in. The first owner payed for the biggest depreciation. I got a used, nice, solid mid-range car (not an econo box, not luxury) for less than some little new car you would not want to take long trips on the highway in.