The wife wants to change her car
 

and we have allocated 20k to do it!
I would never spend more than 10k on a car because I always end up modding it but her majesty wants more.

We have narrowed down the list to a Focus ST, A3 2.0T FSI S-Line or a 2.0 GTI. I don't mind a slightly higher mileage as it will be below average by the time she wants to change again. Comfort is important, though gadgets aren't.

Anything I should look for? Any thoughts?

Nice D3 4.2 diesel? :D

You could get a lot of A3 for your money. I find the focus a bit stiff and rattly (a guy at work has one) and the GTI is a bit common in my opinion (you might want to look for a GT TDI and with a chip it should be as fast if not faster).

2005/2006 S4s are down to 20k if you're prepared to go that old. Or even...

http://pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1345141.htm S4 cab?

I'd go for a BMW 135I 306 BHP nearer 350 with a map and does 0-60 in 4.9 seconds and being a BMW handles great. If you don't trust her with rear wheel drive how's about the new S3? I think a new A3 is coming out soon so bare that in mind. I'd have a good speccd Volvo C30 over the A3/Golf to be honest. The quality is very good and they look great with all the sporty bits on them, don't see many on the road eiheir, I really think you should test drive one. Let us know what you decide +++

This one floats my boat http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...&category=9835.
To get it past the boss all you need do is re badge as a Roller or Bentley or something and she'll not only be happy with the car, but also dead chuffed that you cared so much!

ROFL.. It's cofirmed; your stark raving mad. My missus would floor the peddle once and **** herself and you can guess who would be to blame and clear it up! :tuttut:

Seriously, have a look at a C30. I sat in one recently and was so surprised. It looked amazing in 'R Design' spec as well. Who wants a common and boring A3/Golf? Also when I worked at Oxford Audi I was in a A3 S Line, it was brand new and I'm not sure if that could be the reason why but oh my god. It was such a horrible ride, jumping over little potholes, I've never been in a car that rode so cr*p. Plus a new model coming soon. C30 C30 C30 C30 :love:

Steady.... You know you posted this on an Audi forum right ?... :p

I know but no Audi looks as good as this, the Alfa Brera is what I would go for, but thought the Volvo was a more sensible suggestion. Look how good it looks here... In budget and looks :love:
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1263929391

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1263929478

Sorry Amar, I come from an era when Volvos were spat on in the street. The Alpha however, I hadn't thought of an Alpha, that is such a pretty car. :love: