Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the Yaris 'auto' was the unreliable semi-automatic box called MMI up to 2011. when the new model came in with CVT. Manuals should all be fine.

It's worth making sure which transmission is fitted, as there's a sporting chance that the seller won't know.

Yes you are right, but we are talking about a £6k car here, so it is unlikely the OP would be looking at the the old, pre-2011 shape. That budget would get you into a 2013ish Yaris or Jazz CVT.

Weirdly, the Rio (and i20) would be around the same age (I had assumed you'd get a younger one for the same money). 1st gen Nissan Note also ran up to 2013, so it would also be around the same age.

I'd happily consider a Fiesta, as long as it was the 6th gen 1.4. This would be up to 2012, after which the 1.6 Powershift took over, which you don't want!. The 1.4 used a t/c auto and is fine reliability wise.

I'd also consider a Suzuki Swift or Mazda 2. Both reliable and use t/c auto, though both a bit less spacious than Yaris, Jazz or Note.

Many thanks for all the suggestions. I have very definitely decided against the DSG and Powershift! Inevitably once we are allowed to go shopping again it'll be a question of what's on the market reasonably locally, just in case something goes wrong. Buying in Cornwall while in Northumberland is tempting fate big-time (not that we live in either)!

Pleased with several Suzukis now so may well looks at Swift, but it's all a question of what's there.

Interesting that no-one has suggested a Vauxhall of any sort....