Our most pressing need when buying a car, over above the usual issues of economy, safety, eco-friendliness, visibility, etc. etc., is how to accommodate our large rescued greyhound-cross. We go on very long journeys about once a month and it is essential, I think, that he can lie down in comfort, and not with having to keep his legs bent. He stands 28" (71cm) at the shoulder and is 42" (107 cm) from his nose to the beginning of his tail. At the moment we have a car with a pretty big boot but would like a smaller one that is more economical to run and easier to park. Should we buy new or second-hand, given that we have the cash? We are the kind of people who have always bought their cars quite old, for the equivalent (of prices now) of about £3,000 - £4,000, choosing tough and durable models, and then driven them until they develop major problems, and then saying goodbye. We don't, really truly, care about cars that much and this seems the cheapest way to drive. Now, however, new cars are getting cheaper and cheaper, and there are many, many discounts on them. We actually have funds to buy new - but is this now a better idea than buying a 2-3 year old car?