Primera, Mondeo, Accord, Mazda6, Avensis etc etc.

As tempting as the "more for less" stratefy appears, some of these cars could be more of a hindrance than a luxury in certain urban environments. Yes, you learn to cope, but why cope when life can be easier?

Lancer, anonymous unless an EVO or lookalike, overlooked otherwise and an excellent no nonsense all round competent vehicle, as was Carisma (1.8 GDi best avoided).

Available as quite quick but still anonyomous form as 2.0 litre sport estates.

I think there is mention of the best value and most reliable years on the right of the page in the WD item.

I can afford an EVO but rather not stump up the regular eye watering costs of keeping one fettled..;)

Plenty of 1.6 and 2 litre NA Lancers about that would make fine cars, you could do far worse.

Thing is, despite the price bracket anyone is looking at, its nice to have someone that you can be proud to own...I too like the S60 and it has a bit of class and presence, lovely interior strong engines and a decent chassis.....they can burn oil so check level and condition if you look at any, cambelt also important. That 5cylinder noise too, yes! If any warning lights on, electronic throttle can be an issue, not massively costly though.