I'm saving for my next car to get in about 1-1.5 years. I'd say I'm going for an '03 since it's my second car and I want halfway decent, but I'm not going any lower than '02 unless there's like a really good deal on a model 1-2 years older.
I personally think a lot of European cars look kinda funny. But if it works good and at a good price, that's what matters more.