How much handling do you need in Salem OR anyway? The downside to the Aurora is the Northstar engine. They like to use oil, burn premium and when it's time for engine repairs, they will be pricey. Better to go with a 3.8 V-6 FWD GM full-sized model and have an easier engine to deal with for the long run, use regular, get decent handling in snow with the FWD, be comfortable, nail out 28 MPG HWY at a minimum and on top of that, if your buddy goes to the dealer-only auction in PDX, he should be able to nail you out a LeSabre for under $7K that isn't a high-miler.
If you insist on the "sports" part getting satisfied, you will pay for it and not get as good a deal as going with a standard full-sized sedan. However if it's sporty sedans you want, check out the Cadillac STS's. You will be back to dealing with the Northstar and burning premium though.
Going foreign means paying a premium for the hot brands. It means paying more for parts and repairs. It means having a smaller, lighter car, which isn't a good thing if someone piles into you. Ever see all those big pickups and SUV's out there? We had a wreck south of Bandon last year in which a Honda got cut in half. Methinks I'll stick to Detroit iron where possible.
Rick
