I was driving around San Jose today looking at new cars. My faithful 1989 Acura Legend, which I love, is about worn out. Contenders to replace her. I've priced out the costs of various options and accessories to bring all to about the same equipment level:

An Acura TL, listing at $34 K (I’d get it in Redondo Red Pearl).

*Plusses: (a) The dealer is near where I live. (b) I like my old Acura, that go-kart feeling of sitting quite low and feeling the road-rumble.

*Minuses: (a) Some say that Acuras’ front-wheel drive doesn’t handle as well as rear-wheel drive, not that I’ve particularly noticed this. (b) Same old, same old.

A Lexus IS250, listing at $34.4 K.

*Plusses: (a) Nice modern shape. (b) Cool red color on the lot. (c) Feels very smooth and lively on the road.

*Minuses: (a) Cabin seems a bit small. (b) Hard to get it in all-wheel drive.

BMW 325xi, listing at $36.7 K (in the all-wheel drive version; rear-wheel drive would be $34.7 K).

*Plusses: (a) Fun to drive, feels very solid, brakes great. (b) Roomy cabin.

*Minuses: (a) Poor color selections, somewhat stodgy appearance. (b) If I got it, I’d become *aaugh* an aggro BMW driver! (c) costs a bit more.

Mini Cooper S, listing at $25.7 K.

*Plusses: (a) $10 K cheaper than the others! (b) Better fuel efficiency. (c) Cute. (d) Made by BMW.

*Minuses: (a) Dealer is far away and I haven't gotten up there to drive one yet, but maybe I will soon. (b) Possibly will feel cramped. (c) Possibly not as safe.

Opinions? Experiences with these cars?

Metadoubts: maybe I should be looking at hybrids or at cheaper cars or at two-seater sports cars.