You will all be glad to know after much deliberation I have bought a car. Its a 2000 Passat TDi Estate. Dark Red in colour and looks very good for its age. It has 106,000 on the clock and full service history. It was bought from a retired couple - it was actually their son's car and he got a contract abroad. Also showed me a full inspection report which his son had just got done recently. Its MOT for one year and has road tax till the end of April. It cost 3,4000. The couple just live five minutes from me and seemed very genuine (although I suppose you can never tell). So hopefully all will be well. Now I just need to get a tow bar fitted - oh well what overdrafts are for!!!!. Thank you all so much for your help, your advice and comments have been really really helpful.