I'm a VW/Audi fan. So I'm going to recommend the GTI/Passat or an A3/A4. For style/space I'd recommend the A3 (though the GTI isn't bad) or the Passat. I got a

I'm a VW/Audi fan. So I'm going to recommend the GTI/Passat or an A3/A4. For style/space I'd recommend the A3 (though the GTI isn't bad) or the Passat. I got a chance to drive my uncle's new passat (with hacked/tuned computer - squeezes like 65 more horses out of it) and thoroughly enjoyed it. Plenty of room inside the car which is important for me, I'm 6'7 and had no headroom/legroom problems. The GTI is pretty awesome as well. All fall in your price range, pending options. But if you're going to be test driving some, check out the A3, Passat and GTI.