Some accessories can make a car more desirable than you might think.

I'll see your Smart car and raise you a 928:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...ointheback.jpg

You can get a really nice one of these for about $5k, save a bucketful of money on insurance because you don't need full coverage, and have $10k in gas money left over to blow. Plus, as you can see, it has tons of 'cargo' room. :D:D

Tis a total no-brainer.

Heck, if one got a N/A 944 (again, about $5k for a real nice one, depending on year) they could still get really good mileage while they were at it too.

http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/c...4-1982-f3q.jpg

I do not see a 15k investment, plus interest, plus the requirement to carry full coverage on a financed vehicle as a "smart" way to save money.

This is likely a better small car.

http://www.fiat500.com/eng/