vxr's are good cars, handling is a bit iffy if you like to push it but as a everyday car there good, comfortable and ive not heard of anyone having reliabilty issue with them, only whe people have messed witht hem ahve they had issues, megane are just the ugliest hatch in the world ever and french electrics giv no end of trouble but do handle well, mk1 focus rs are as good if not slighty better than the astra due to the better handling but getting on a bit now and still strong money but if you look you can find a bargain. early vxr's are knocking £6k now and thats alot of car for your money.