Buying a medium sized used car - what would you recommend?

I want to buy a used car and have between £6500 - £8000 to spend. Ideally, I want a five door car with a reasonably sized boot. I travel daily using my car and average 20,000 miles a year. I am not bothered by gadgets, I just want a reliable car. Any suggestions?

Asked on 17 February 2015 by Stuart g42

Answered by Honest John
Your mileage qualifies you for a diesel but, though it won't be EU6 for this money, there's no avoiding a DPF and its potential failure and cost. 20,000 miles a year means a new timing belt and waterpump every three years for anything with a timing belt: a £500 expense on Fords and anything VAG. If you can find a Renault Megane with the chain cam 1.6DCI 130 engine within budget, that might be a contender because to offers the latest diesel technology and, over the past five years, has been reliable.
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