Get the car that you can afford and makes you happiest.
Once you do buy it, go and enjoy it!

 

I guess you may pay for it now as well, but the '09 will hold its value better since it is an updated design. The '09's may be a good "value" new, but they are one year old cars. Typical year one depreciation is over 20%, so if you don't get that much off you've lost out. An '08 may have less issues, but unless it is a lot cheaper, you don't get much value. I think most of these points have been made. Good luck and lock in those profits!

 

I'd go the 09 unless you really cant afford whatever deal you can swing. I've owned both and while the 08 has some things that you could argue were lost with the upgrade (mainly engine note), they're more than outweighed by the vastly upgraded convenience widgets (PCM, bluetooth, proper ipod) and the extra power.

 

There is a substantial difference in the handling of the 2 cars - drive them and see for yourself. New suspension parts and PASM really make the front end planted, a lot less pogo-sticking.

Unless price is your primary driver, there is no basis for not buying the 09 IMNSHO