Car Shopping

I am in the market for a car new or used. I have made a comprihenvise list of of the pros and cons of buying new versus old but then there is the whole question of budget. When shopping for a car weather new or used the question of gas consumption maintanence and repairs mustbe considered, especialy with today's gas prices.
I could get a new car which is:

• low in maintanance cost
• fuel efficient (depending on the make and model)
• but a high purchase or lease monthly payment

I also could just get a used car which is:

• low in monthly purchase payments
• potentialy high maintanance cost
• and ok on fuel efficiency (depending on the year)

Decisions, decisions, what to do.