Don't worry Mitlov, it will be cheaper in the states.
So how is the negotiation with the wife going? Are we talking 128 or 135?
I did the percentage calculations because, if the ratios were the same, a 128i would only cost $25,000. That's pretty awesome. And we'd definitely be talking 128i--I work in Medford, Oregon, not New York or San Francisco
The negotiations are dead in the water, because (1) I have a $33,000 intra-family loan to pay off first, and (2) we have to come up with money for a down payment on a house. I agree that both of these things should be done before I go out and buy myself a second toy car, particularly a Bimmer. However, she does appear to be on board with me trading in my Legacy in a few years for a used sport sedan, provided the price is reasonable. Something like a five-year-old TSX, IS250, G35, CTS, or 328i sedan (those are the main contenders; outside of warranty, reliability of most European marques become a risky bet). That trade-up would hopefully cost $10,000 or less, depending on what I get, and would occur after paying off the loan but before buying a house.
I'd also consider a proper sport sedan that wasn't a luxury sedan, if it handled well enough, had a decent interior and sound system, and felt enough like a dedicated driver's car. I have high hopes for the next Mazda6, and I'd kick myself in the nuts for a Mondeo.
My Legacy's suspension feels soggier by the day. It's only got 14,000 miles on it. Either it's gone downhill fast, or I didn't notice when it was new.
[/tangent]