Depending on the interest rates offered, I'd go for a used 2006 - You can get them for $14-15k w/ 5-10k miles.... You wont lose anything really on that low milage of a car and you'll save beaucoup cash. My 2006 does have the tranny issue, but the dealer is fixing it for free and I paid 26k... so 15k with a small issue would be totally welcome

Sorry I couldn't answer any of your original ?'s.