I don't know if Opel (GM) is very popular there but if Opel Astra is available, I would definitely go for it.

Beetles are too impractical; the boot/trunk too small, and the roof makes fitting a roof rack hard. 

Audi S3 is a 3 door edition, and while pricy its depreciation should be pretty low. that depends on how you drive it of course, and what state you leave it in.

I've heard that Japanese cars in general are supposed to be very reliable. My neighbour's relatives go round recommending Mazdas to all and sundry.

Prius is overrated and way overpriced. If you are concerned about the environment buy a Harley - much better on gas and much more fun to drive.

The Beetle looks cool, but the interior is pretty useless; try to use the back seat, or the trunk. 

We had a Golf for four years, and liked it very much; no problems at all, lots of trunk room for a car that size, and very fun to drive. I've heard other people say they have mechanical problems, but we didn't. 

My brother-in-law had an S3 (the sport version of the A3) and found it very fun to drive, but very expensive to maintain. He was glad to get rid of it at the end. 

If you're concerned about the environment, have you considered a TDI Diesel (like the VW)? They're *very* efficient.

The Prius is overrated and overpriced; however, I'd probably get one as it seems to the best option for a hybrid these days. 

If you are interested in a Beetle, why not the Mini? Way cooler looking and still small.

> (BTW: for those of you who don't know what RFC stands for... Request for Comments) 

Really ? I thought it was Request for Cars. I was about to get you one and since all you wanted were comments, I thought I leave you this then ;) Enjoy dude :)

I'd get A3 or Golf GTI just because they are better cars in my opinion. 

I've test-driven Mazda 3 and wasn't all that impressed with auto gearbox and interior (dashboard looks cool though), but overall it's a good car. It would be by 3rd choice. 

So my list is: 

A3 - best of the lot 

Golf GTi - very good car, fast, but its shape is quite old 

Mazda 3 - nice overall 

Prius - bloody ugly piece of work 

Beetle - too impractical

If you're interested in Golf GTI take a look at Honda Civic Type-R as well. (I wonder though if it's actually available in US at all...) Slightly smaller, but better performance and much sportier feel over all. And none of those wimpy traction control or ESP thingies...  

I did consider Mazda3 GT when I was in the market a year and half ago, but in the end after several testdrives felt that the build quality seemed a bit shoddy. Lots of squealing from the interior and the front end seemed a bit loose. IMHO, A3 is just an overpriced Golf and I would rather buy Golf GTI that A3.

>(Einar... I am waiting for your visit :-). 

Damn straight! ;-) Just back from a visit to 

Cornell last week, and everything now is about 

paperwork..... Which as you know may take a 

while. Which basically means I'm treading water 

until I leave.. possibly in January. 

As for cars; I'd go for a Golf TDI, preferably the mk4 (make 4, the latest is the mk5 - too round, I've got a mk3, which is good, but too old now). Ideally get the 2.5litre (what's called the  

GT TDI - fantastic power, awesome milage) 

A3 is nice (and is _only_ in 3 doors - at least 

that I've seen?), but pricey (S3 even more so) 

However, the car to REALLY go for is the  

Golf R32... Mmmm... Fast... :-) 

p.s. buy used through Ebay.

Look at the Subaru Impreza, they have a hatchback body style, its been around for a while, you can get as much power as you like, four wheel drive and rally car handling, very reliable and well made. 

The WRX is fun, the STi version is insanely fast.