Funny. I have been giving this issue alot of thought. I used to get a new or almost new car every 2-3 years. Also did the same with the wife's car. I Have owned BMW's, Hondas, citrons, mazda, and peugots. The only thing that work out financially was two, the citron and the pug. It also funny that these where the two cheapest cars out of the lot.

So, when I heard the Cf production may stop in 2007 I started looking at alt. This is what I found 645 ci Bmw's 9 month old cars 10-15k on the clock with lot of options £44,000.00 with a bit of negotiating would get it for £42,500.00 or so. This was a £55,000.00 car and has lost £1388.00 per month. Porsche has lost about 300-400 per month in the first year for a 911 carrera. (Basic one)
Merc 500 sl about £1000.00 per month first year.

Maybe I am getting old but, perhaps keeping a car until the tires fall off is the best strategy.

My father has a 1969 ford P.U. bought from brand new for $2,999.00 tax and license out the door. He has done the following over the years two new eng, new tranny, overall rear end, new upholstery, new paint. That's the major work plus all the normal maintenance stuff. In 36 years he has spent $23,000.00 on this truck. Our cars have already lost £10,000.00 in the first year.

I think I will be keeping the CF for a few years to come.