What can you get for your passat in the used car market?
What do you like about the Psst?
What do you hate?
Use that to form a short-list for a new car (new to you used car)
Cars I think are great bang for buck
1) Lexus GS400/430 with 100K+ miles for 7-9K USD
2) Toyota Avalon touring – not sure on price
3) Infiniti M35/45 sedans – a blast to drive, depreciation is high so buy used
4) BMW 328i / 528i if you can get a good price used
5) Subaru legacy – underappreciated midsized sedan (can get AWD)
6) Saab 9-3 or 9-5: terrible resale could mean a bargain for you