Been looking at boot dimension figures and discovered that the length of the boot floor in the Ford Fusion is only 76mm shorter than the 207SW (so I`d guess if your dogs fit in the Peugeot, they will also fit in the Fusion) and about the same width. This is important, because compared to your other choices, the Fusion is comparatively plentiful within your budget. Petrol engine options are an 80bhp 1.4 and a 99bhp 1.6, both N/A and very reliable. We used to have one and it was a great little family car.

I`d also look at the Nissan Note. The figures I found for the boot dimensions say the boot floor is a fair bit shorter, but I`m fairly certain the rear seat slides on these and I`m guessing the measurement is with the seats slid right back. As with the Fusion, engine options are N/A 1.4 and 1.6, both very reliable. Also fairly plentiful on Autotrader.

You're not going to get a 12 month warranty on a £2.5k car. This is banger territory these days. Any you do get won't be worth the paper it's written on.

l hadn't considered the Ford Fusion & that may be an option. You're right BBD to highlight the boot floor area, as this can be just as important as the height. Given that, to expand options, l may even have a look at a Focus hatch, particularly the 2008 - 2011 model which, at 385ltrs, has a decent boot, the only concern is the sloping rear screen.

A Focus sized hatch should certainly be considered (subject to the dogs fitting) as this will open up the options considerably. Re the height and sloping rear screen, I don't see this as being a problem for medium sized dogs unless the boot is especially shallow. Of more concern for me would be the fact that hatchbacks often (but not always) have a higher loading lip/height (than an estate/MPV), which could be troublesome for the dogs, especially if not in the first flush of youth! (another plus point for the Ford Fusion here is a very low loading height).

l had considered the Nissan Note, though l was put off by reports of front subframe mount failures. l know corrosion at 10+ years old will be a concern on any car, is this something that's overblown?

Have not heard any specific problems for the Note re subframes, but as you say, corrosion is potentially going to be a problem on any car at this price point. Check the MOT history for mention of corrosion underneath and if possible, get under any potential purchase with a screwdriver and torch for a poke and prod. Just be aware that corrosion mentioned in the MOT history may be nothing to worry about, it could just be surface rust on heavier gauge metal like the subframe or suspension components (hence the screwdriver!). This can be removed with a wire brush and then undersealed.

The water pump osmosis issue and general water ingress into ECU also affects the Focus and other cars based on it such as the Volvo S40/V50.