What is a good car for a small business owner?

I started a company doing frelance technology consulting three years ago and got my billing up to 8k a month, where I can afford a new luxury car, (have owned BMW and Infinitis in the past).

I think I am sensible enough that I am going to limit my budget to 18-20k. Any reccomendations based on that budget?

I spend a lot of time driving between appointments.

Emotionally, I want to get a late model used luxury car but the prudent side of me is saying to go even lower and get something like a used Malibu for 10-11K.

Currently in a two seater 96 Ford Ranger, which I bought when I decided to jettison my bills beginning with car note back when I started my little company 3 years ago. It is so small I have never driven a client in it and I try to hide it by parking it far away when meeting potential clients.

Although I'm a big adherrent of US automobiles, two cars that have impressed me lately are the Volvo and the Suburru, both foreign designed and smaller than counterparts like Cadillac or Lincoln. Suburru is owned by General Motors. Both cars are well-built, stylish and functional for anyone who has to be on the road very much. They're both well-appointed, and have a luxurious feel to them. Looked at both for a second car, a car for my wife, but she opted for a used Oldsmobile. Either might be a bit more costly than your budget but worth it, I'd say. Late models run $18 to $24 K and up for 2002 to 2005 models.