I am getting a car; what car would you recommend?

All good choices if you don't mind dropping the cash. I dont like having car payments so I only buy what I can buy in cash, which is always a 5 year old (or more) car. As long as it has new shaken I am good to go! 2 years of freedom from "the man". ;-)

During the winter in Tokyo and northern Kanagawa areas, would you think a rear-drive car can manage the occasional snow? I used to drive the front-wheel drive in New York (almost all of New York except for the Adirondacks regions) and during the major snow storms, I used to drive it with the all season tires quite well. I am not sure how bad the typical winter in Tokyo would be.

PS. I just settled on the Mazda RX-8. I could have picked the Mark X; but, I decided to go for a fun-to-drive car (while I still have that option).

Couple of tips:

1) Buy a Japanese car. That way you won't have issues with spares. As an example, the replacement cost for a Mercedes Benz E-Class engine is around $30,000USD. A Toyota engine, even if for a Lexus, won't cost you that much.

2) Get a vehicle that is more than 1 year old, as the vehicle will do the majority of its depreciating in the 1st year.

3) Try to get an ex-lease vehicle, as they have been maintained to a high-standard.

4) Get a car with gadgets (e.g. aircon, GPS, all electric windows etc.) they increase re-sale.

5) Don't get a car that's too old, as the inspection costs sky-rocket.

6) Measure the parking spaces you will be using (at home and work) and buy a car that will fit in them. You'd be surprised how many don't check first.

There are more, but I have a lecture to run to.

I think you might have some fun driving the MKII Focus ST.

http://www.ford.co.jp/servlet/Conte...25&pagename=FJP/DFYPage/Default1024&c=DFYPage

I only with Ford would have made this car here in america too. But it looks like I might get my chance at getting one while I stay in Japan too.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I am expecting my new RX-8 in the mid September from the factory. It comes with the nav and Bose stereo with the iPod adapter among others. I cannot go for a used car as I have an allergic reaction toward the used car (I only buy cars new).
I think the snow season in Tokyo is not bad compared to New York. I think I should be able to manage it with this car (if needed, I can get the snow tires).