Some further points:

- Yeah, I was wrong in putting forth leasing new as a better alternative to buying new. Especially with a good credit rating.
- I would still never pay interest on any depreciating property. Plunking down 100% cash is cheaper, easier, and less dumb.
- If your object is to buy a car that runs well, there is never a need to buy new, as someone... *scrolls up* Raistlin said. Stepping just one year back cuts your price by at least 33 - 50% no matter where you look.
- Nissan is not a very reliable Japanese model. My dad owns a 1996 Nissan Maxima and while it runs, it doesn't run well. It requires far more maintenance than it deserves. Honda and Toyota are much more reliable (and just plain better) car companies. I would attribute your used Nissan car experience to Nissan sucking rather than used cars sucking. The same extends to Infinitis - while they start out nice, they have an ugly later life.
- Just some numbers: Average miles per year is 15000, and if you want your Honda/Toyota to last that, expect to keep it at least 10 years. My 1993 Camry LE (~1 year used at time of purchase) has 168000 on it and still runs like a charm (with the exception of one radiator mishap). I expect it to run beyond 200000. I would not expect that out of ANY other car make (edit: oops, except Honda or old BMW).