Yes, despite my ranting about how New(er) cars suck, I am still looking at one. I've kept my 98 Legacy for the last 15 years, and it has 310k on it now. I also have an 87 Brat that I bought for $400 8 years ago, and planning to sell that as well(valued around $3k+ currently). So obviously I keep my vehicles for long periods of time.
I've been looking at the Ford Fiesta ST, which has been getting a lot of good reviews. There are almost none used, so I'm looking at new. Looks like I can get one for about $18-19k. If I keep it as long as I've kept the Legacy, buying new shouldn't be an issue from what I can tell. Giving up the AWD might be a little rough, but the fun factor of the FiST should make up for it. Plus, if I keep my foot out of the throttle, people have reported up around 40mpg on Fuelly. I am getting tired of the constant attention my vehicles are starting to require, and parts for the Brat are getting harder and harder to find now. I bought a 2002 E350 a few months ago($900, did some repairs and could flip it now for at least what I'm in it for) to turn into a Sportmobile like camper. So a commuter/city car, being the opposite of the E350 is what I'm looking for. And I don't need another project vehicle. I just want a car to drive, and nothing more(not something I've had in the past 10 years, I've always been doing something to them).
I'm sharing, to see if maybe I'm overlooking something before I commit to buying a new car. So your thoughts are welcome.