Shouldn’t that be ( We are going to make a decision ).
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Exactly.
Or she makes the decision and I just live with it. 
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Problem with a used Audi or BMW is the previous owner. A higher percentage of these owners tend to drive their vehicles hard, and most don’t know the first thing about maintenance.
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My opinion is that the Accord is the best possible choice of the ones you listed. I’d look for a certified pre-owned V6 model if I were you - and if that fits your budget. I’d also suggest considering a Camry V6 SE if you can find one. Both are sub-6-second cars to 60 MPH. That is as quick as the Euro models in that price range (or faster). If you want to support CarTalk indirectly, consider searching on BestRide.com.
When buying used cars, the best rule of thumb is buy Japanese. Take a look at your European and American choices above, what is the common theme in your comments about them?
oh, NO! not “Japanese vs. the-rest” thread ! 
in fairness, I see some similar correlation of “econobox vs. the-rest” in the comments above, the more luxurious -> the more breakage/troubles to expect, so no surprises on this one.
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I don’t think any of the cars you listed sell under $20,000.
They all can be had for under $20k in South Texas. I’ve researched all of them with the parameters I listed.
That is because most of them are due for scheduled service that can be really expensive.
Maybe? Maybe not?
Why guess? Do a web search for the maintenance schedules for all the cars you are interested in. Check the mileage on the specific car you like, and then check for maintenance that should have been done recently and will be due soon. Ask the owner what maintenance was done and see if any expensive items need to be done. If the owner has maintenance receipts, they are your guide.
+1
But, as Ronnie Reagan said, “Trust, but verify”.
I would not take anyone’s word for the maintenance record of a used car. Only hard copies of maintenance receipts–which can be compared with the mfr’s maintenance schedule–can verify a vehicle’s maintenance.
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That’s because a lot of people run away, with good reason, from used Audis. They’re great cars until the warranty expires… 
Agreed. 6 grand more will get you a TLX SH-AWD tech with less than 30,000 miles. Or upping your requirement to 50,000 miles can get you one for around 18 grand.
Obviously from that paragraph, I second the recommendation for the TLX. Really great car, especially in the AWD/Tech version. The TLX, btw, is based on the Accord - just has a better engine and a much nicer interior.
I’d agree with most of the other posts that your leading candidate on this list should be the Honda. That being said, since the redesign a couple years ago, you might want to consider the Mazda6.
I’ve got a 27 year old Lexus coupe with the indestructible 2jz engine. It still runs like the day I bought it. If you absolutely positively must buy a used luxury car then I would suggest it should be a Lexus.
Anyone considering buying even a 5 year old Mercedes, Audi or BMW should get their head examined. The Audi I owned a few years back was an unmitigated disaster. It would have been cheaper for me to go to the ATM every morning, withdraw a bunch of hundred dollar bills and light them on fire.
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My dad often picked up clients in his mid-sized, aging Oldsmobile that even had some wear showing on the interior. But what they always seemed to notice and comment on, even to our family at his funeral visitation, was how impeccibly detailed CLEAN and neatly uncluttered he kept that car inside and out, and how he treated everyone from the lowliest office clerk and janitor to a company president with the same courtesy and respect. Even now, years after Dad’s demise, people in business speak to me about Dad’s character, how he treated people, and even how that always clean, neat car impressed them far more than any newer luxury car someone else drove ever has.
So my advice is buy something reliable, stay within your safe budget, keep the car well maintained and impeccibly clean. The clients truly worth impressing will value character every time over status symbols.
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If you want decent power and AWD, how about the 2017-2018 Ford Fusion Sport?
If you’re set on a luxury brand without expensive maintenance/repairs, then I’d second Acura or Lexus.
I use two local car mechanics for repairs/maintenance. Both take a deep unapproving sigh when I mention BMW or Mercedes. A repair nightmare with hugely expensive parts and both over-engineered beyond normality. Luxurious and good driving cars…but at some point you’ll need maintenance.