Thanks for the replies guys - i've been busy over the past couple of days researching some of the cars that were suggested both on here and on another forum.

The e46 320d tourings seem like the best value for money at the moment, and there are three good ones I'm looking into at the moment. I think out of the above its probably the least likely one i'd get bored of, coupled with the excellent spec that the SE's come with (cruise, auto dimming rear view mirror, steering wheel controls, rear parking assist) it seems like the winner. I've also noticed that if I can find a Y reg one it'll save me £50 on tax a year, plus those ones do not have the butterfly inlet valves that are known to cause engine failure.

Thanks again.