Cars, Cars, Cars

Well, I've recently come across some car difficulties. This specific difficulty resolves around my brakes, esp. my right front brake. There is a significant grinding noise when stopping and upon visual and tactile (touch) inspection, there are some impressive grooves on the rotor. I've just received word from Midas and I need new pads across the board, a new rotor on the RF, resurfacing on all four, and an oil change (that was my request). The cost is a bit pricey, but brakes are needed (1 of 3 essentials: Start, stop, and turn). This got me thinking about future automobiles. Granted, I want this current vehicle ('97 Ford Taurus) to last me another 2-3 years (currently at 130k miles, brakes/tires/an electrical issue have been the only fixes thus far), but eventually I will purchase a new vehicle (used, but new to me) and it will be my first self-purchased car. Anyway, here are the 4 vehicles I am currently considering and the factors I deem important. No specific order.

1. Ford Mustang: 18/25 mpg, 38" headroom, 43" leg room, 13 cu.ft trunk, V6 or V8 (GT), 210-300 hp $20-26k new (the coolness factor is huge on this, but very bad in crappy weather...rain/snow...possible to have one that was abused {ran hard} by previous owner)

2. Ford Five Hundred: 20/29 mpg, 39" headroom, 41" leg room, 21 cu.ft trunk, V6, 200 hp, $23k new (the Taurus replacement in the Ford line, a full-size family sedan, a solid good car)

3. Dodge Magnum: 19/27 mpg, 39" headroom, 42" leg room, 27 cu.ft trunk, V6-V8Hemi, 190-350 hp, $23-32k new (non-Hemi version is affordable, love the front end look, so-so about the wagon style back, kinda like a "on-the-ground SUV")

4. Dodge Charger: 19/27 mpg, 39" headroom, 42" legroom, 16 cu.ft. trunk, V6-V8Hemi, 250-350 hp, $27-32k new (pricier, but cool looking, newest of the 4 I'm looking at, thereby more expensive resale)

For a point of comparison, here are the Ford Taurus specs: 20-27 mpg, 40" headroom, 42" legroom, 17 cuft. trunk, V6, 150 hp, $22k new (love this car, perfect size, but they have been d/c by Ford, so in 3 years I won't be finding these as good used cars)

All of these cars are similar in dimensions, so the deciding factor will most likely be what can I afford and what kind of deal will I get and which drives the best. Kinda fun to think about, but nothing's locked in. Who knows what'll happen in the next 3 years...I sure don't. Thoughts/comments/opinions appreciated.