[MrBonus]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

I was looking in that time-frame as well. Bought in November of 2012 after looking seriously for six months, but casually for three years.

I also had to overcome the wife's objections. She still isn't 100% on-board. She does recognize how much I like to drive the car, so at least she's not p!ssy about her lack of enthusiasm. For the n0-0b looking to buy, read anything and everything you can. There will be contradictory information and advice. That's where you have to use your best judgement. If you feel comfortable swinging a wrench, then the possibilities open up a bit. If you are more of a checkbook mechanic, then you might want to think carefully about increasing your budget. $20k isn't much these days, and that was my hard limit back in mid-2012. I got lucky finding a decent driver-quality car for considerably less than that.

Have you used the "appreciating asset" angle with her? While I have never viewed cars as an investment, it's easy to justify it when you can sell the car for more than you have into it.