The Accord would seem like the logical choice, but since it's replacement is not so far away I'd go for the Passat. The Lexus is a nice car but it is too unrefined, and I hear the gearing in it is appalling... The Passat is the best looking, it has the best quality cabin and has a classy image. The Accord will lose a fair chunk of it's value when the new replacement comes. The price difference between an '03 old model Accord and an '03 new model Accord with more or less the same spec on carzone is at least 4 grand. Factor in also that the Accord is as dull as ditchwater and the Passat suddenly seems more appealing...