I think 50k for a car is a bit ridiculous unless you're pulling in $150k+. For more modest salaries, a nice stylish car with some extras can be found with the

I think 50k for a car is a bit ridiculous unless you're pulling in $150k+. For more modest salaries, a nice stylish car with some extras can be found with the VW Jetta, Saab 93, and Volvo S4. I drive a 93 and love it. It has, in my opinion, much better style than most American and Asian cars but is still cheaper than a German car. During GM employee price, I think the 93 started around 20k. I haven't looked at car prices during the auto market downfall, so I'm not sure where there at now. The problem with any European car is upkeep. I can do my own brakes and other minor repairs, so I'm not so worried. If you don't have money to spare for repairs later on down the road, buy a Toyota or Honda. Parts and labor on European cars are a lot more than on more mass-produced cars.