[derryck]

Originally Posted by catherinelam

I know, which is only a few months away...
OP doesn't state that the car needs to be bought tomorrow. It's just a suggestion....

But he does state that German cars are out due to reliability concerns. You can't go wrong with a Toyota or Honda. You can also get a very mildly used TSX for that price and if performance isn't a concern they're wonderful cars.

[druu]

A gently used TSX or TL wouldn't be too bad. The TL gets decent mileage if you don't floor it every chance you get. The pre facelifted ones (models ending at 2008) are getting pretty cheap now and will last forever if you take care of them. My old 2000 TL bought new in 2000 lasted 235k (2000-2006 may she rest in peace). I sat in a new mini countryman recently. And while I can't speak for reliability. It was really comfortable and really big inside. It was a non S model, but if performance is not an issue, it certainly has a lot of utility for under 30k new.

Edit : I just priced a moderately spec'd Countryman S model, and it ran around 31k (tech package + auto trans + paint). There is tons of room in that car, would definitely be a good family car.