[JoeT]

The reality is that there's a "theoretical floor" on all the brands. If bought right, you can drive any of these cars and not lose your shirt (providing you take care of it)

And each brand has it's own "floor". For example, You likely can't go wrong with a well built Factory Five at $30k, just like you can't go wrong with a $45k SPF, a $55K ERA, etc. The market may shift a bit, but if you buy a well built car well it shouldn't beat up your wallet 3 years down the road