Wow that's bizarre! I totally know what you mean about the post-accident trauma... I was SUCH a ridiculously cautious driver -- and nervous -- for months after. I'm really just getting over it now, which is great, almost 7 months later.
I bought my car new but MSN was the site I used mostly as well: web page - they have info on both new and used cars and lots of reviews. You could also just try googling the make/model/year and see if anything interesting comes up.
Best of luck! Whichever you choose, I'm sure things will work out well - you've already had your car trauma, right? (That's what I tell myself anyway...lol)