Funny Zig, I typed up a reply earlier about almost going with Toyota last year when I needed a new car (was looking into the 2000's Corolla's which seem to have legendary ratings), but I ended up scoring a good 2002 Honda Civic.
It was a case of family knowing someone selling a car for a good price, so that's always been the best route for me. I've still only gone used, enjoying that cheap premium and all. The 2002 is the newest car I've ever owned.
I really, really dislike how electronic and plastic looking newer cars are. I almost got a newer 4 door Civic sedan, think it was maybe the 2010 model. But when I test drove it holy hell that thing ran like crap, it was insanely rough and felt terrible. I went from a 1995 Civic that felt like a go kart, but luckily my new one feels much heavier and better than that one. This is pretty much 100% on point:
My car history:
1993 Town and Country monster thing
1996 Acura TL, ran over a cylinder block one night that bent the frame. Went through 2+ radiators or something after that and it was never going to be the same again and always had overheating problems. Then the head gasket blew. I miss those leather seats and seat warmers!
The kicker is my Acura blew up within the same week I moved into my first apartment four years ago. So... unfortunately I was in emergency mode and had to buy something asap. Cue the Black Civic of death.
1995 Civic Black, I went about two years driving this without the odometer working... no worries! I got a good feel on the RPM's. It had so many other problems and became a ticking time bomb. Pretty sure I got jipped for what I paid for it. The mothers "son was a mechanic so he really made sure the oil leaks were plugged up!" yeah right. I just let it get towed for pennies. When I went ~70mph on the highway it seriously felt like one little pebble would have sent it crashing, so I avoided the highway all the time. The CD player never worked and I never bothered to replace it. Wheel bearing was all screwed. etc.
The 2002 Civic had one owner, all their car history and work done to it, etc. It was definitely a blessing!