Focus on the long term durability, safety, and Volvo persona. If she is concerned with image, then a Volvo has it's own flavor of coolness. It's just not in the empty glitzy sort of way. Volvo's have a reputation for being owned by Bankers, Lawyers, and Doctors and carry a persona of frugal wealth. If she is attracted to you as an up and coming lawyer, it would also stand to reason that she would be attracted to a Volvo. In addition, everyone still looks at an older Volvo and perceives value, while other cars that are newer are perceived as low budget piles of junk. It is much cooler to be a woman of taste and drive a Volvo that holds respect. Maybe that will work.

Not to mention the fact that the Volvo will run far longer than anything else you might buy in that price range. That helped me and my sweetie save for a house. My wife used to drive a Nissan. I thought I would have to pry it out of her cold dead hands. When it began to get gapping rust holes in it while my 5 year older Volvo was still in pristine shape, she became more receptive. Now I think I will have to pry the Volvo out of her cold dead hands.

Note: The ideas and opinions expressed here are provided as-is. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. The user assumes all risk and liability in applying said ideas and opinions to his own girlfriend. (Sorry...couldn't resist)