I was leaning towards waiting for the 2013 Ford Fusion, with its Aston-ish looks and high tech level. Two things stopped me: Ford's early estimates priced a loaded Fusion around $5k more than I was willing to spend, and test-driving the GTI Autobahn sold me immediately on it.
Something to keep in mind is that domestic cars have some of the (if not the) highest discounts/incentives in the business.
I have heard of people (already) getting $32k-$34k Fusions for well under $30k out the door.
A co-worker got a $28,xxx Malibu last year and paid a hair over $22k for it.
And someone I know got a $44,xxx LOADED Durango for $35k OTD.
I know for a 100% fact (from employees) that the Big 3 will knowingly overprice their vehicles and then offer larger discounts to induce sales of the car. People who don't any different think they are getting a great deal when in reality the car was just overpriced and paid what it was actually worth.
Paying $22k for a car priced at $28k sounds better to customers than paying $22k for a car that should have been priced (and is worth) $25k.
You don't get that with a GTI. Next time around, don't let the MSRP scare you off. Chances are you can get an good deal on an otherwise overpriced car.
MOST of the domestic cars (even seen it with Z06/ZR1) are offered at large discounts. Figure 12-15% off MSRP. VW is about 6-8% on average.
$30,000 GTI at 7% off = $27,900
$32,000 Fusion at 13.5% off = $27,680
SEE...
This also makes sense when you actually look at the quality and corresponding prices of the domestic cars. I scratch my head many times trying to think how the domestics actually think their cars are worth as much as the MSRP indicates. I just have to remember that something is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay. And people who buy domestics aren't willing to pay very much for those cars...