What would you buy?

[Scott]

For me it would be a Mercedes c220 cdi albeit only 170~ BHP but in AMG flavour what it lacks in power it more than makes up for in looks.

They're okay, I wasn't too keen on a colleague's one though sadly!

Volvo.

I might be wrong here, but I think they make a few different cars and models... Care to narrow it down?

Hm,

306 D turbo, replace the AC, fit a 2260vk, and you are sorted.

IIRC that should come in arond 7k under budget, allowing for 7k of winmods.

Doesn't quite fit the reliability and build quality bit though