Budget depends on the milage of the car. Probably in the 25K range. Spend to much and you wind up not getting a "free" car. Also the larger more expensive cars are going to typically cost more to run and use more fuel....

Those cars would certainly fit the bill.

For transportation I like a few year old; BMW, Mercedes, even a Porsche 944(s, and turbo). They all hold their resale at a certain point. Most have a cult following and a few are decently maintained. Drive them for a few months and then sell them. Seldom lose money on them this way. Some are also cheap enough that I don't worry about driving them in salt less then stellar road conditions.

These are good as well:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/merce...em320222122150

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GREAT...em190201456205

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1983-...em200203460265

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Prist...em250218545701

Nice thing is a lot of the cult following types take care of them.

If was myself and since single don't need that much room. Like these, best heaters in a car. Heat almost instant even in Toronto middle of winter.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1983-...em320222255012

I had a 2002 VW Jetta TDI wagon and it was awesome. I drove it hard and still averaged about 40mpg. The only problem was it's a personal car, and not great with the car seats for the kids in the back.
I sadly parted with it and bought a Honda Odyssey- it has been absolutely awesome so far. Other than the Sienna, the competition doesn't come close (and the seats in the Toyota are no where near as comfortable). The Odyssey is heavy and safe feeling and full of airbags all the way to the back. We've had over 70 inches of snow so far this winter and it has not had a problem with it. It will also hold 4x8 sheets of plywood and swallow everything we used to put in the Suburban for our trips up to the property in Canada. Not one single visit for warranty work, just oil changes and no scheduled tune-up for 100K miles. We've been getting about 20 mpg in town and 26-27 on the highway. I even pull my fishing boat around with it no problem.
I know their is a negative view from many towards a mini-van, but for us, it was a no-brainer with the need to haul a lot of stuff but still get good mpg.

That boxy Toyota Scion gets about 37 mpg and has all kinds of room for about $18,000.00 new. My son bought one for the same reason you describe, and I was amazed with it.

so whats the scoop on the mini coopers ??

Personaly i think they look cool in an ugly way

are they good on fuel ?? are they expensive to buy ??? what is maintainance like on em ??

Camry hybrid gets about40, depending on how you drive. It was one one only three cars to get 5 stars in every crash category by NHTSA

I haven't seen any Smart cars on the road except in Montreal. From what I read the mileage isn't that great. I would imagine a 11:00-20 truck tire looks pretty big from inside one. Doug

I have a nostalgia love for the mini, was excited and happy to see the new ones come out. When I was 14 my older driving age Brother's friend had the original. Had pin ball machines at my house, played all the time and was good. Used that skill to bet Mark for Me taking his mini out vs my cash if I lost. I won a lot and drove around in that mini enough, its almost my first car! Forget name of company. Currently my Brother belongs to some time share deal that gives access to a wide range of fleet vehicles. The new mini is one of those vehicles. So gave them a go. He still lives in Vancouver. Rains a lot and these cars are not good in bad weather. Great summer toy! Not a good commuter if you live in places that have less then stellar all year weather. Overall great vehicle, made me feel 14 again winning Marks Cooper S for the day!

My key reason besides like almost driving my cars for free. Sold my 928S4 and 500sl yesterday. Both bought them at around $10K each. Drove them for almost 2 years, had fun, spent a few bucks on service item on the 928 and only changed radiator and oil on the SL. Sold them both for $15,500. Add in repairs can safely say, I broke even and having decent looking Porsche and Mercedes cost me nothing to own. Why buy new and lose money (depreciation) plus only have one car versus 5 or 6 to play with. $25K budget can buy some really cool transportation, even buy 3 or 4 really interesting fun toys that can free when you sell them! My $20K for 2 decent cars has turned into $31K so both in the end cost me nothing................

These became free:

Older Mercedes Turbo Diesel is the way to go. 2.5 gets 38 + mpg on the road,a little less around town. They hold there value if you keep them nice.

Agree. If my wants and needs had to be more practical that is what I'd get. The nice thing they have a following. Have had people with brand new SL's, etcetera. Buy these for a second car and mainly winter use; because they don't want to expose their main car to snow and salted/sanded roads.

The main problem I've had with both BMW's and Porsche's. Breaking down on road trips and trying to find an independent or even dealer service. Mercedes roadside assistance is like having a friend in the know when your in the middle of nowhere. If I ever have known kids or wife, etcetera if they like it or not they'll be driving a Mercedes something!