The real key to older used car ownership is having access to a competent and reasonable auto mechanic whoever that maybe. If you don't it can be an unpleasant experience in both maintenance/repair costs and frustration.
There are specific cases where buying brand new is better than used. For example a close friend bought a 2006 Saab 92x Aero(rebadged Subaru WRX) for brand new $18.5k with GM/Saab massive rebates. She drove three years/50k and sold for $15.5k. Saab covered first 2yr/24k maintenance and after that she ignored 30k service and simply changed oil/rotated tires. $3k is not bad for three years service + some oil changes.
There are specific cases where buying brand new is better than used. For example a close friend bought a 2006 Saab 92x Aero(rebadged Subaru WRX) for brand new $18.5k with GM/Saab massive rebates. She drove three years/50k and sold for $15.5k. Saab covered first 2yr/24k maintenance and after that she ignored 30k service and simply changed oil/rotated tires. $3k is not bad for three years service + some oil changes.