My husband's trusty and very ancient Vauxhall Astra 1.6 automatic has finally given up the ghost and he needs to replace it quickly with a very reliable second-hand car that we will keep for a long time.

We'd like something economical, low emissions if possible (want to keep insurance and tax disc premiums down if possible), not an electric vehicle, we'd like a 3-door hatchback, and welcome your advice as to which models to seek out. Our budget is around £3,000. We would like power steering, driver and passenger airbags, automatic, around 1.6 litre engine.

Mileage is pretty low, around 7,000 per year, and the car will be used mainly as a run about for shopping, taking the dog to the park and little journeys. Also, my husband recently had a hip replacement so finds sitting high is much more comfortable for him for both driving and getting in and out of the car. Any thoughts (we don't want a 4x4)?

Ideally not anything large as our needs are for town driving and parking is never easy where we live. We have a second car that I drive in the main (BMW 318ci coupe which is lovely for long journeys but very low for him to sit in). Thanks very much for any advice that you could give us.

Asked on 26 September 2011 by DK, London NW2

Answered by Honest John