What first-time buyers should optimize for
Reliability
Service network
Parking and driving ease
Reasonable repair cost
Good resale
A first used car should reduce risk, not increase it. Simpler ownership, predictable maintenance, and easy resale matter more than aspirational badge value.
Cars with strong used-market depth are easier to buy, inspect, compare, and later resell.
That depends on city traffic, comfort preference, and total budget.