freaking out about having to buy a car.

[tulip]

You have gotten alot of miles out of that Audi, Smilingcat! Good for you. Older Audis (and maybe new ones, I don't know) are expensive to repair, and with so many miles, it probably would be a better use of your money to get a different (new or used) car.

I can only say what I would get...it's kinda fun to dream, right? Well, first off, I love my car. It's a 2007 VW Rabbit and it holds everything I need it to and then some. It's also very fun to drive. I would only get a hatchback or wagon. If not the Rabbit, I'd look at a Toyota Matrix, Mazda 3 wagon, and maybe a Subaru wagon but they get pricey very quickly if you want anything other than the basic of basics. My VW is a base model, but it has things like seat heaters (not practical in LA!), blinkers on the side mirrors, electric mirrors, etc. The base Matrix had none of those things. I like a warm bum!

I would really prefer a diesel hybrid, but since I can't have that in this country, I'd settle for a diesel. VW makes Jetta and Passat diesel wagons. The diesel VW Jettas, all Passats and all Rabbits are made in Germany. The gas Jettas and Beetles are made in Mexico. There have been reports of quality differences. All I can tell you is that my Rabbit (made in Germany) has been fantastic and that my brother's Jetta (Mexico) had multiple problems. It was totaled while parked (no one inside/hurt), which was a blessing.

Audi and VW are sister companies, so that's why I bring it up. I also really like the Audi A3, but it was over my budget. Best of luck in your car hunting!

EDIT: I'd also go for the Honda Fit. I did not like the Prius because the view out the rear window is very limited. I need a big view. It was also about $10k over budget. Nothing like a small budget to focus ones choices, eh?