[onewhippedpuppy]

Jim, I tried to buy a Miata a year ago, couldn't force myself to do it. It drove great, was priced well, but I couldn't get past the hairdresser car looks. Plus, I really don't like convertibles.

Regardless, I need a sedan for those times I haul the kids. Sadly, generally speaking, I can get a better condition Mercedes with less miles than a similar accord. For $5-6k I can pick up a '97 E420 with about 100k in nice condition, or a '97 Accord with 150k in ok shape. Sadly, the popularity of commuter cars with the sheeple masses keeps the values high, and these owners don't tend to take very good care of their appliances. Plus, I'll end up with a car I hate. It's funny, because I always start car shopping looking at Japanese cars. After looking at a plethora of neglected Accords and Camrys, I always come back to Europe.

I really don't mind doing the occasional repair or maintenance, and $500 every six months is still cheaper than a car payment.