You cannot guarantee a reliable car for £2k. How reliable a car is long term, is, at least in part, determined by how well it has been looked after and driven/treated.

Having said that, a Focus 1.6 petrol is going to a pretty good bet as they are fundamentally sound. Not sure if your budget would get you into a 1.0 Ecoboost, if so, do not be tempted!. Stick with the 1.6, 1.8 or 2.0 petrol. An Astra 1.6 petrol would also be a good shout, but also the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla/Auris (all with petrol).

You are going to be looking at 12-15 year old cars, so I wouldn't get too hung up on miles (within reason), condition is everything. A 100k mile car with evidence of regular servicing is going to be a much better bet that a 50k mile car with little or no history.

Edited by SLO76 on 07/02/2021 at 19:54

Two things:

1. Rule out any make ' I have always had fords before'.

2 Rule out: 'I'd like a nice looking car'.

At £2K, you're in banger territory. Ignore milege, go for the best sounding engine and service history you can find. A private sale may be your best bet. Take a knowledgeable friend with you.