re: Best car for ~25k. What would you get?

These days, the difference between new and slightly used isn't all that much. It definitely depends on what car you're looking at, but it may only be $2500, and if you can get 0 interest on a new car, you'll make most of that money back in saved interest.

My parents bought Camrys (one green and one blue) in 1996. Dad kept his until 2010 when he upgraded to another new Camry. Mom got a Highlander in 2012, and in 16 years, neither of those cars had any major problems, and were hardly ever in the shop for little things. Dad upgraded to a 2013 Camry on a trade-in special, and the redesigned Camrys are really really nice. Touch screen (not navigation) built in Bluetooth, a VERY peppy engine with a ton of getup. And they're pretty sporty looking. If I wanted a car, they would definitely be the first thing I drove.