I'm in the market for a mid-level sedan, purchased second hand. I've done a bit of test driving, and as expected the usual suspects top the list: BMW, Infinity, Lexus, Audi.

I like to drive my cars a bit harder than the next guy and would prefer a stick, but finding one here in cell-phone fairyland is next to impossible, so I'll settle for an automatic (even god-forbid paddle-shifters) if the deal is worth it. Don't care too much for all the techno-gadgetry as I believe that takes away from the driving, but if it's poorly implemented (like with the BMW-7 series) then that's a huge factor to the negative. I have about $30K-ish to spend and was wondering if any of you had some recommendations - would love to heard from across the pond as well. Here are my thoughts/concerns:

BMW 5-series
This tops the list, not so much because it's the fastest, but because it handles so well. Love the looks, the creature comforts, it's available w/o nav, and there's occasionally one with a stick out there. What concerns me is reliability and cost of ownership. They tend to have electrical problems and may be more complexly wired than needed. The i-drive is an exercise in frustration too - both times we were given a demo by the sales person they struggled with it - and these guys are supposed to be selling me on this "feature"! I know about the transferable 4-year service plan, but I plan to own this sucker for 10 years, so would like to know that this car will hold up and not cost me an arm and a leg to keep.

Infinity M-series
OK, am I the only one who sees that it looks like an Altima? Aside from the looks, I do like it. It's got a lot of get-up-n-go, and handles surprisingly well. Some concerns I do have are the road/engine noise (can this be made better with non-stock tires?), having to choose between the more sensible M35 and the more capable M45, and that Nissan is a bit new to the performance game. Do they do transmissions well and built to last? Do they do AWD well? Does all the technogadgetry last? I'm also going to hard on the looks a bit more - Nissan seems to have stagnated in the last few years and hasn't been able to come up with anything new and attractive design-wise.

Acura TL/RL
Hate the looks of the RL, so unless it's a real bargain that's out. The previous TL looks OK, but the new ones with that absolutely ridiculous smile grille make me wonder where Honda's head is at. That's the best they could do? Someone need to get fired. I just can't bring myself to go with Acura - too many compromises - and don't even get me started on the overpriced Crosstour-rebadged ZDX.

Mercedes CLS
Now that's a beautifully-designed automobile. I'm no fan of the recent re-design of the whole Mercedes line with those oversized emblems on the front (insecurity issues?), but the previous generation is Jaguar-like sexy without the latter's mechanical nightmares. But that's just the problem - it's too feminine. Of course, my wife loves the car and it's at the top of her list. Performance is fast but handling is typical Mercedes - wooly.

Audi
OK, ten years ago, the 6 series was revolutionary and beautiful. Today it is so dated, it makes me yawn. Performance is OK, but nothing to write home about either. The 8 is a bit better but still looks ordinary. Some other concerns I have with the 6 and 5 especially is the cramped interior - huge cars with way too much beef in the doors, sides, and around me. That said, the low road-noise was exemplary. Only the 8 series is roomy, but then I'm left wondering about cost of ownership again.

Lexus
The post-2006 LS is near-perfect, but a bit over my budget, even used, so that leaves me with the ho-hum looking GS. Performance is OK, but despite the specs, it just doesn't even come close to the Krauts. If I settled on this car, it would have to be for one awesome deal, and frankly the Lexuses stay pretty pricey.

Anything I missed? I considered American brands, but frankly they don't even come close. Nothing from Ford or GM impresses, and I'm not ready to drive a Fiat made here.

Ahem, so if someone owns a Jag and a Rover, can they say I bought myself a nice pair of Tatas?