i was in the same situation u are anon. about 9 months ago i was shopping for a car under 30k for a graduation present. i looked at most of those cars you are looking at, but the 05 models of course. what i decided on was the acura tsx. its an amazing deal for the quality of car you're gettin. i drove it off the lot for 27500. what makes this car especially appealing is that it comes with 2 interior options: navigation system (+2000) and brushed metal/wood paneling. and the only other thing that was optional is the color of the car. EVERYTHING else is standard: leather seats, xm satellite, dual ac, duel power seats, duel heated seats, sunroof, wheel locks, the list goes on and on. acura doesnt spend alot of money on advertizing because they sink all their money into their cars and their customers. like, if you need any major maintaince, they will drive a loaner (free of charge) to your house and pick up the acura, and when it's done they will drive it back to you and pick up your loaner. anyway, i cant say enough about the car AND the company. its hard to find companies that really strive for quality and customer service like this anymore. and to boot its a nice fast car. and consumer reports and lots of other car mags give it a "best buy" tag. okay, ill stop talking now.