Looking to buy first car. Recc one under 15k

I think having a lease has probably sheltered you from a lot of the costs associated with car ownership. Repairs for my 3 series cost a ton, but it is a very nice car. Jaguars and Benzs are going to be a huge pain in the ass, even relative to a 3 series. Audis aren't too hot either. The Infiniti I would do more research on, I do know that newer Nissans/Infinitis don't have the same good reliability as past models. Can never beat a Honda IMO especially as a student

7th and 8th gen Subaru WRXs can be had within your price/milage limits, those are fun cars and reliable too.

I had a new 2002 Jaguar for 3 years and never had to do a single thing to it. No warranty work done either. The Jaguar of old, with its need for repair is way behind us. That doesn't stop the stories being repeated though by people who never owned one.

Why not just buy out your lease and wait until you finish your studies to get something different. I can't imagine the accord residual is more than 15k. Additionally there is a thread somewhere about CPO that you should look at. The last thing you need is car hassles while studying.

I personally wouldn't buy a European car that was <$15k. One of my favorite cheap underrated cars is the last Mazda protege, or you could even get a Mazda3 for well under your budget. Not sure if it fits your definition of "sports sedan" but they're actually pretty fun to drive, and very reliable.

In your budget, get a used Civic Si. I would not touch... anything else you recommended, really. Not used and not on a budget, anyway. Agnacious' suggestion of buying out the Accord is a pretty good one, though, depending on your terms. Sportiness is overrated, especially when your first concern should be school.

I don't know if you can find one in that price range but I'd look at an 05/06 Lexus IS300.

I might be wrong about the Jags as I am just talking about what I've heard and haven't owned one/known any one with one.

As far as the repairs though on luxury cars go, repair bills like $2K+ are not uncommon at all. My 3 is an 03 and has a few $2k+ bills already, and it only has 108K on it.

I think around 03-04 Maxima started slipping I think, but I think I might be talking out my ass... worth researching

Toyota Corolla. Best Car Ever (never owned one though, I like the sensibility of them though)

I think you've only got a few viable, reliable, enjoyable options: Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla. Of the three, I'd probably go with the Civic. I've never had a single problem in over 8 years of driving them. Forget old European or American cars out of warranty. They are potential liabilities through and through. You might also look into a slightly used CSX or even an older TSX. The TSX has the secret word built into its name.

P.S. My recs are for new or very slightly used cars. I wouldn't personally buy a car with more than 25k miles on the odometer.

The OP probably won't like my suggestion, but as a fellow and poorer college student, I picked up a 2000 Ford SE wagon off of Craigslist for $3800 at 90k and at damn near perfect condition. Drives like my gf's newer model Corolla but the parts and insurance are hella cheap and descent on gas too. There are reports of some problems with this model and year, but just like any car, it depends a lot on the past owner and how the car was kept. My Ford should last me at least into the mid 100k.

My 2nd car is a '99 Civic SI... if you can find one in nice shape, they are super fun toys. I found a great deal on one two years ago with 40K miles for only $7300... 10K miles later (I barely drive/sits in the garage) I think I can sell it for $10-11K+

take the bus like every other undergrad.