Right - update.

The cars I went to see were both dog rough though I did like the cars in general (just not these examples). So with that in mind have upped the budget slightly and found 2 that look to be worth the extra.

Skoda Octavia VRS 2.0t fsi

or

Seat Leon Cupra R

The Skoda is more practical, huge amount of space, is a bit more grown up/sensible and feels a bit newer inside.

The Seat is quicker, stops and goes round corners better. Less space but still enough for my needs. Would clients think it's a bit chavvy?

Might need some help deciding on this one, head says Octavia but heart wants a hot hatch again...

Why not look at the diesel versions.... the sporty ones are fast. For £6k you are in Mk2 Leon territory. Though that Mk1 Cupra does look nice. AND it's a 20VT like the Coupe.... albeit 5 valve per cylinder rather than a 5 pot.

We had a Mk1 Cupra (180bhp) and currently a Mk2 TDi 140. The Mk2 has more rear legroom. The 140bhp or 170bhp 2.0 TDi's are awesome in 4th gear. They can be remapped to over 200bhp.

I like the touches of the Mk 2 Leon - the side mounted wipers, the hidden rear door handles, the curves. The Octavia is very nice inside, but I find the exteriors are a bit "old mannish."

As an alternative, the Superb is supposed to be, well, superb.

If you want to know anything, drop me a PM. Chrissy has had some Mk1 Cupras too I think.

I've had diesels for years and to be honest just fancy a change. I'm luckily in a position where I can alter the milage I do.

The mk2 Leon doesn't do as much for me as the mk1 for some reason - I think I've always driven slightly older cars so anything that feels "modern" I just don't get on with - I much preferred the e46 330d to the E90 when test driving them. Superb I think is just a bit too big for me but I'll have a look.

Thanks for all your help on this, to be honest I think I'd be happy with either so will probably just go and see both cars and pick the better looked after example.

Fair enough. The original Leon is still a great looking car, and the 1.8T engine is a peach. Love the alloys on the Cupra R.

Watch out for dodgy coilpacks though.

Having spent most of yesterday driving around the country to try different cars I've decided on the Octavia VRS estate. Just felt a bit more practical and modern than the LCR.

Having driven the petrol and diesel, both with and without remaps I think I'm going to go for the petrol. The mapped diesel, though quick just had too short a power band. The 156 felt like it had a lot more usable able power though probably less bhp on paper.

Found a great spec and condition petrol vrs, pretty much every option, stainless exhaust, good history and low milage. It's priced quite highly but the main problem is.... it's yellow.

I like the colour but the other half really doesn't. Options are:

1. Try to convince her otherwise (any advice on that?!)
2. MTFU, buy it and take the grief (can always get her a paper bag)
3. Wait for another similar spec/condition car to come along in a different colour

Well I went for option 3 and will be picking this up this evening…