First car dilemma - someone talk some sense into to me

[bjl584]

Sounds like you made a decision.
I would go for the newer car option as well. That car should last all through high school and college, and probably beyond.
It would be nice to go out into the world without having to worry about transportation for a while.

[Jluke]

I have been seeing where people say to avoid KIAs with GDI engines.

You may want to look into this further either way