Thanks for your prompt and helpful reply. I'm not knowledgeable about cars - so does 3 years of probably short journeys means the engine is likely to develop a few ( possibly expensive ) faults ? I wonder if with the majority of my journeys being fairly short and very rare motorway I should stick with a previous decision to only consider petrol ?

Thanks Collos : price is £300 lower than Parkers guide with mileage adjustment. I'll go for a test drive next week. A test drive cannot be the same as having a car for a while. Anybody able to comment on comfort ( I appreciate its personal preference ) ? thanks

Thanks. My usual annual mileage is 8,000 very rarely on motorway. Most drives less than 30 miles. Once a month a 120 miles each way - dual carriageway. Seems like petrol is what I should buy. Still have a test drive to get feel of Focus. Comments on its comfort and automatic transmission from drivers with personal experience appreciated.

Thanks Avant, much appreciated. I hadn't really considered the economics of 2.0 litres ! The speed, quantity and quality of advice given has been marvellous. Amazing the help received within a few hours on a Sunday. I now feel confident about what to do next. Repeated thanks to all.

It was recently suggested (by avant i think) that i am a man in need of a volvo, but can't find any petrol manuals either.

ORB

actually looking at a mondeo as my neighbour has 2 as taxis.

price kit equation. mpg manual acceptable.

autotrader will throw up a few and the petrols seem to have few vices, but buy as young as you can!

Thanks again for such valuable suggestions. Now its a case of balancing possible deals along with everything else - not least what my wife prefers. Very pleased I posted for advice.

Thanks. I hadn't realised that tyre size would make a difference. There seems to be varying views about CVT. Is there a difference in standard between manufacturers ? If there is which to beware of ? and which to consider ? obviously Toyota have got it right.