I had a Mitsubishi Mirage before i bought the XR6T. I was contemplating buying a Jap car ie WRX or Skyline, but was reading the Sydney Morning Herald Drive section one day and saw that a Turbo was coming out. Went straight down to City Ford to get more info, noone knew anything.. a week later they had the info and mine was ordered. Ive driven Ford's most of my life.. AU, Laser's etc. But I believe i have made the right choice with the BA. I think its an excellent car, fantastic to drive and looks good too! (the minor hiccups aside - like the bonnet cable).