Old school would be the way to go at this price range. The newer CR diesels can be money pits. Don't be tempted to buy something like a Mondeo diesel as these can be ruinously expensive to maintain as they get older.

One leftfield option would be a Hyundai Elantra. In the latter years these were diesel only; they're generally reliable, don't have the newer high-compression engines with DMFs and DPFs etc, and can often be bought with low miles on an 04 or 05 plate for about £1000.

They are really quite hideous to look at, but that shouldn't put you off at this end of the market.

Alternatively if your Almera has another 50k miles in it at least get your present car converted to LPG and enjoy 67 to 73ppl motoring, you'll lose about 20% economy but still be quids in.

Should cost between £1k and £1200 to get your car converted by someone competent, and i don't mean Bodgit and Scarper who do it all in one day.

Check here for filling points near you, cheapest are usually independents but Morrisons currently very good prices...www.filllpg.co.uk/index.php?page=lpg.php

Agree about the Pug 106 Diesel, excellent little car and one of the very cheapest to own and run.

best solution,put your £2000 in your wallet and use it at the petrol pump.