New Car

[Lemur]

I want to try one of those classy European cars like a Saab or Audi (the cheaper models of them - something $35K or less).

One of the nicest things about Audis, BMWs and Benzes is that they lose value very quickly as compared to the Japanese sedans. Even better, there are lots of idiots who lease them for three years and dump them back on the dealer. For a well-built car three years is nothing.

By way of example, my BMW 3 would have been about $40k brand new with all of its options. I picked it up when some dentist/lawyer dumped it at the end of its 3-year lease for closer to $20k, and it was in perfect condition. And nobody makes a nicer 4-door sedan than BMW.

I realize it isn't your money, so the value proposition isn't as compelling as it ought to be, but please, buy used. It makes so much more sense. And high-end dealers offer fresh warranties on their used cars. (My BMW, for example, got a new 3-year/100k warranty when I bought it.)