Cars: $25,000-$35,000

Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, Dec, 2000

Audi TT Roadster

This front-wheel-drive convertible can run with the best, thanks to its 180-horsepower engine.

COST | Bottom line

* Price as equipped: $33,750

* To buy: $865 a month ($6,750 down/9.5%/36 months)

* To lease: $435 a month ($4,000 due at signing/$22,258 residual/36 months)

Stan Olsen Auto Center, Omaha

Infiniti 130

Power and precision handling make the I30 class leader for the third year in a row.

Mazda Millenia S

Regardless of when the new millennium really begins, the 2001 Millenia offers sleeker styling on the outside, a spiffed-up interior and a sprightly supercharged V6.

BMW 325xi

An all-wheel-drive system based on the company's SUV makes this sporty car an all-weather winner.

Lexus IS 300

This new entry, with a 215-horsepower in-line six, is primed to run with the BMW 3-series cars.

2001 Car Guide

For an explanation of our scoring system; see page 115; see Kiplinger's Car Finder 2001 at www.kiplinger.com