I would rate the views of owners above reviewers, the latter are generally looking out for different things and equate soft plastics as being quality. At this age you want reliability and low costs when things do wear out. Ford and Vauxhalls have generally been good in this area but in the case of the Ford there are doubts over the 1.0 engine's durability. You might be able to get a petrol Focus with one of the other engines, if so that would be my choice.

I've just had a quick look on Autotrader. Setting a maximum price of £4.5k, up to 100k miles, petrol engine (up to 1.8), manual gearbox, no insurance write offs. Only one Logan MCV showing nationwide, a 2014 0.9 with 93k miles*.

Under those same criteria, there are a couple of 2013 Astra 1.6's, one with 87k, the other with 94k.

Ignoring the Logan MCV, youngest car under showing is a 2014 Skoda Fabia 1.2TSI (84PS) with 83k miles. Assuming this age of car would have the belt (rather than chain) drive, I'd be happy with that. The boot is smaller than the Logan MCV, but not by a huge amount (505 vs 573 litres). Next youngest is a Seat Ibiza with the same engine. Boot is a decent size for a small estate at 430 litres, but some way short of the Logan.

Youngest Focus is a 2009 1.6 with 75k miles. These are inherantly very reliable, but getting on, so check condition thoroughly.

Toyota's?, well there are a couple of 2010 Avensis 1.8's, and a couple of the previous shape. Same as above re reliability and condition.

There are a handful of Volvo V50's. These are the same as the Focus under the skin and equally reliable. The boot isn't the biggest though.

There are a few Korean options, a couple of 2011 Ceed's, a 2008 Ceed and a 2008 i30. Mechanically sturdy, but check the older ones for corrosion underneath.

With a relatively small budget, the current market may not give you a wide selection of cars to choose from. Especially so for estates which do tend to work harder for a living, and being a practical choice, owners are more likely to hang on to them until they are no longer viable. So best thing to do is just to check what there is in your area, make good use of the MOT history check (which will give an indication of how well or otherwise a car has been looked after).

*Our resident ex motor trader SLO, doesn't think highly of the 0.9 TCE engine as found in various Dacia's and Renault's. The old n/a 1.2 was pretty reliable, as was the 1.5DCI.

Edited by SLO76 on 09/04/2022 at 12:17

I drive one of these, currently on 130k

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203113461256?a...e

Surprisingly comfy ride, seems to swallow pot holes without sending judders into the cabin.

Wide and deep boot with a low loading lip.

The gear shift is buttery smooth and so far only one issue since we got her in 2019.

The top shock mount screw got loosen which made for some knocks over rough surfaces, tighten this and applied some lock tight and all is good with the world.

Edited by JonestHon on 09/04/2022 at 14:39