Haha thanks spin, I am actually considering the F1s, but they will have to wait a while unfortunately - having spent the 23k, I need to give it a few months to find out how much money I (don't) have left any more [

]
The worst part's gotta be the M25 between about J8-J10, normally the stereo's on too loudly otherwise [

]
CKB, hear what you are saying ref the 23K, part of me will be wishing the tread away when I get the GTi but my bank balance will be begging them to last ! F1's definetly the right choice, fantastic grip even in the wet, look good on the rims & possibly quieter.
I took another GTi out this morning (unaccompanied) as my dealership have a new demo (74 miles on the clock), there was some wind noise at 80mph plus but nothing too intrusive, it was also on 18" so it was good to check out the ride, I was more than happy with that also, in fact I would say it was superior to that of my A3. I did discover one small rattle that seemed to come from the passenger window but was very apparent so would assume it would be easy to locate. All in all I was very impressed and loved the new look black 2006 dash & wheel. I have every confidence in the car now and the dealership so roll on October, they have agreed to let me take the car out on a weekly basis if I wish - it was termed my 'GTi fix' to make my wait easier, there is a lot to be said for small family run dealerships
The GTi really is a special car due to its all round abilities, it may not be an Audi inside but the package as a whole equals one big smile, a definite thumbs up IMO....