I fell in love with the Civic Type S as soon as I first saw one but never really expected to be able to afford it. Honestly, the Toyota Auris was the most expensive car I had been looking at - others were the Renault Clio (what was I even thinking?!?) or the new Corsa. I tried the Auris - I found it a bit too large to be honest and the Clio - which was simply the dullest thing I've ever driven. The clapped out '95 Escort I already had was more fun to drive!
Fortunately my local dealership had an ex-demo Type S for sale which I test drove twice, fell absolutely in love with and after much haggling, bought today. I've literally managed to save over 4 grand over the price of a similarily specced new one.
Admittedly, being as it's a Sunday, I haven't actually had my credit agreement accepted yet, but I see no reason why it won't be so fingers crossed! If all goes well I pick it up on Thursday - I don't think I've felt this excited about anything since I was a kid!