Hi All,

Thought I'd ask for some advice on a car for my better half. She currently has a 2001 Focus 1.8TDDi, which is getting long in the tooth… we're now looking for a replacement. She's going to use it for a daily 30 mile commute (round trip), most of which is in city traffic. 'Occasional' trips to the shops too. She currently puts about 8000 miles per year on her current car. We've got a toddler and hopefully one on the way, so we're thinking with practicality, safety and running costs in mind. Kit/gadgetry's not really a consideration. 5 doors is a must, too. We're looking to hang on to whatever we choose for a while to come (we've had the current car for nearly 8 years).

I looked at HJ's 5* review of the 2008-11 Focus; I like the car (and more importantly so does swmbo), but looking at the reviews, I think my wife's driving would rule out the diesel versions (too many short trips). Unfortunately the car tax is up around the £175-200 mark for the petrols (except the 1.4 Style version of the Focus). To me, the 1.4 sounds like it might feel slightly underpowered also for the size of car? Is the 1.6 a better idea (there're more of them about), easier to live with and grin and bear the car tax?

Am I right to disregard the diesels (my concern centres around the DPF due to short journeys)?

Does anyone have any advice on the petrol Focuses? What kind of miles can you likely expect from a petrol? It looks like diesels are capable of galactic miles, I'm not sure what to expect from petrols. Do the petrol Focuses use regular belts or chain timing belts also?

Also looked at the Fusion (to me this looks like the early-2000s Fiesta), but swmbo likes the slightly raised driving position and the easy-access boot (no boot lip).

We also both liked the Nissan Note (the use of space is fantastic), but my reservation is that there's less metal around you in the event of an accident, it feels tinny in comparison to the Focus.

I also suggested the Nissan Cube, but she saw a photo of one and veto'd that idea :o(

Budget is around 6k.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated!