Fair enough Rich. Would I be making a big mistake to buy a mk6 1.6Si for the time being and also buy a 2.0 Zetec lump and spend some time buying bits and building it up?

If I could achieve around 180bhp in an Escort I can imagine it being plenty of fun. Would love to keep the Beemer but I'd rather be spending that money on stuff I want than giving it to the insurance co. Plus when I go to court it'll look good that I've downgraded to a slow car

My finances are starting to look good. I've got a loan through my old mother that's consolidated everything so I'm only paying the one bill each month now. It's so much easier. Feel like a weight has been lifted!

Once I get the insurance and running costs down I'm on easy street.