[onewhippedpuppy]

I'm a college student. I've owned multiple Porsches, BMWs, and an Audi. The ONLY way I would suggest buying a used German car right now is if you have a garage, a good set of tools, spare time, and the ability to repair issues that are minor-medium in severity. German cars give a superior driving experience, but they require more maintenance and repairs. If you don't DIY, just remember that a decent indy wrench will run you $100+/hr for labor, with the dealer being far more expensive. Also, parts costs are pretty easily 2x more than a comparable Japanese car. So, if you want a really great, fun car, that may require some wrenching time, have at it.

Now, if you're still reading, I'd go with something Japanese. You can pick up something that is still fun to drive, but will only require oil changes. Much better for a busy student. The Mazda3 and 6 are both great cars, if you're lucky maybe you can find a good price on a Mazdaspeed 3. The Maxima and Altima are also sportier than the average Accord. If you want an upgrade, pick up an older Lexus, Acura, or Infiniti.