Civic Type R (FN2) but what car next?

[Anatonic]

So thought I'd contribute with a couple of pics of my pretty bog standard FN2 - bar the more effective discs/pads and the 18" rotas with Eagle F1 Assy 2's on...

It has been a trusty steed for coming up to 2 years and has been a hoot, but in all honestly I find myself stuck with what to move onto next. The FN2 isn't quite the car the older DC2 and DC5 are in the pure Type R ethos - it is admittedly a watered down Type R for a wider market, but it does still make me smile and has a LOT of toys which have made it great daily driver as well as fun when I want to open her up a little on the back roads.

I have about £2000 of finance tied up in the car and with trying to save for a house and the requirement for something a little more comfortable, I don't know where to go to next. I've looked at Clio Trophy's and smaller hatchbacks but I really could use a little more room than those and they can be quite uncomfy on longer journeys (I'm 6'3"). I'm looking at ST220's (having had a Focus ST prior to the Honda) as they are quick, practical and comfortable too with the heated Recaros - they are also attainable within my budget (even if I have to trade in to a dealer). But I'm now even considering a T5 Volvo - super comfy and at the end of the day something that is comfy with a good stereo is what counts when sat in traffic in the mornings. An Impreza has crossed my mind also - I quite like the WRX Wagon's but I'd love an STI, but I think my budget would be looking at early 2000s Bugeyes and more expense.

My mileage is only about 12k per annum and so I don't think a diesel is worth the extra outlay. But what else would be a sensible move that would free my financial obligations and obviously help when I come to mortgage application? At the end of the day, I'd rather my money go into bricks and mortar than a car, hence why I don't want finance when my partner and I apply for a mortgage - and I can always look to having a nicer car when I'm established on the property ladder.

I know some have told me to pay the £2k and keep the Honda, but I don't have a problem on my salary with insurance/running costs of a car, but that £2k of finance outstanding could be better used elsewhere for the time being...

[Anatonic]

Thanks guys!

The only thing it really needs if I kept it is lowering a touch and that would sort out a little bit of the crashy ride, maybe a Milltek exhaust to make it a little more fruity (I wouldn't have got away with something like the Martelius with my neighbours!) and that's about it - the rest is styling and/or mods for minimal gain.

I realise a lot of people think I'm mad for changing, but it might be also worth pointing out I'm looking to do my bike test in the future, and I see that as getting my thrills, rather than a car. I spend 90% of the time in the car to and from work and it's usually stuck at 40-50mph on A-roads in a long line of cars. I love my music and although I'm not looking for a wafty barge - I just want something with a bit more comfort / refinement that isn't underpowered either.

I did look at S60R's but the whole angle gear/spline to the rear wheels that fails puts me off - I don't need 4WD but if I did, I think a WRX is a better shout for that. I've been looking for a good few weeks now and just haven't seen anything yet that floats the boat... I'm based nr Oxford and don't mind travelling but I guess Christmas is bound to be a slow time of year - perhaps into 2013 and I'll start to look again!