If I were you, like the other tsikoteers have said. Save the money first, lalo na may baby ka pang darating. Priority ko muna yang family bago ako kumuha ng bagong car since meron pa naman ako nagagamit. After a year or so, if stable na, doon pa lang ako kukuha ng bagong unit.
Back to topic, in the given situation, walang sariling garage, I would pick a second hand car, syempre kung ang makukuha mo eh yung talagang walang hidden defects saka wala na nga masyadong iisipin na baka magasgasan pa. hahaha.
Base lang po sa experience ko, last May 2014 lang ako nakakuha ng first car ko, at ang hirap pala ng may new car. Takot magasgasan, tapos yung mga pampunas eh yung microfiber pa ang gamit, pero pag 2nd hand car pwede na yung mga pinaglumaang damit, mahal ang PMS kasi casa price (siguro mga 2-3 years pa bago ako umalis sa casa for PMS), sa 2nd hand, pwede sa trusted mechanic na lang. But then again sir, it's just me
Yung kaibigan ko nga just bought a 2003 suv. Naisip ko sana he just bought a brand new one na lang. IMHO, nothing beats a brand new car. No disrespect sa other forumers that bought 2nd hand cars. It just that luma na talaga yung suv na yun. Yes, its working fine now but who knows after a year or two years maglabasan yung mga sira nun.
Got cars previously all on cash basis. This time however, I opted for a car financing. There is nothing wrong with financing, as long as you are aware of what you're getting into. There also situations where you really need to get a car but buying it cash is impossible for the moment.
Pag bangko ka kukuha ng 2nd hand, sure na repossessed vehicle ang ibenta resale nila sa iyo. Mas mataas pa o mahal. Better scout sa mga car dealer ka nalang at pwede pa ma-test drive. In terms sa payment pwede mo cash o financing rin. Just my opinion to share, coz i've experience transacting when we purchased a vehicle with a car dealer.
I got this same dilemma before. I have cash for buying a car. My budget can get me a brand new hatch back or a 2nd hand SUV. I ended up getting the latter because of space and height advantage for flooded areas. Ang challenge lang is dapat marunong ka magcheck sa 2nd hand cars and you have familiarity on car/engine maintenance or at least where to look / troubleshoot something. kung totaly wala, I suggest getting a brand new car for a piece of mind.
Brand new na pasok sa pera para less worries, focus na lang sa pagdating ng baby and enjoy. Mahirap maraming isipin kasabay ng pag alaga kay baby. Sigurado puyat-puyat kaya dapat reliable ang car panghanap buhay.