[speeder]

I think it's either going to be a slightly used Prius or I do the BMW experiment. The Prius has the lowest cost of ownership/usage hands-down but the dirt cheap entry price of the BMW makes it close, ie. I do not think it would depreciate much in a year or so. I'd keep flipping into newer ones before the miles got too high. If the BMW was a major PIA, I could dump it and say uncle at the Toyota dealer.

FWIW, a newish Prius and a BMW have about the same curb appeal in L.A. to most people. Both are popular, common cars that are considered upscale but definitely not flashy. Priuses have completely taken over the taxicab business in major cities, they simply do not break and have decent room inside. I just want the sportier option.

A domestic BMW clone is a possibility, newer Hondas and other Toyotas just make me want to hang myself. Sorry to anyone who's making payments on one. I like all of the Asian SUVs but wrong for this gig.