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I wouldn't worry too much about the MOT history. It kind of suggests a slightly fussy inspector but, either way, there's no corrosion, no mystery leaks and no repeat problems.
You need to check the service history to see if the timing belt has been inspected when required. You can inspect it by removing the oil filter or, apparently, get a peek of it through the oil filler cap. The belts can contaminate the oil - it's less common on newer cars (this would count as newer).
I'm not sure I would reject an option based on perceptions of reliability alone. If the history and inspection are OK, then the question is really whether you can find an alternative. If you are scared of Puretech, you rule out Peugeot, Citroen and some Vauxhalls. Someone else will scare you off Ecoboost and rule out Ford. Then someone else will tell you TSI is bad and you rule out VW, Skoda and Seat. Everyone will tell you never to buy a diesel. Work beyond anyone who considers a Renualt or, by extension, Nissan. Then you think about Korean cars, but someone will mention issues with the GDI. You're left with the usual - Toyota, Suzuki and Mazda.
So, I suppose you should start with those three - see what's available in your budget, decide whether you like the look of them, try them out and check the history. If you don't like any of those options, you need to move through the other manufacturers until you find one you like that has a decent history. I wouldn't 'blackball' any option.
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