My two cents.

Smarter to put the money down on a loan or lease of a KIA Soul. What you save in fuel cost will probably make the payments. If it brakes they fix it. It is the lowest full in cost new car you can buy and it is fun.

Lets put it this way. Used german cars w/o a warantee can take away all your money. Or, almost live forever. Spin the wheel. (I know it is not really german.)

However, I have had my 2000ML from new with 150k. I think I have had $1000-$1500 repair bills about 3 times during its life. They can have problems but I think they can be a great used car if you can do some work yourself. Because they have been around a while and typically have the same issues I actually get better dignostics info on the web than from the dealer. Parts are not to bad if you shop. I think front rotors and pads bought here was just over $100 and was delivered fast to my door.