The only thing putting me off a Note is that a review I read of a 1.6 said it revs at 3500rpm at 70mph. That seems too high and there doesnt seem to have been a 6 speed gearbox option.

I doubt of the Volvos would be worth looking at as they'd be too expensive for reasonable examples or too old (and therefore prone to big bills) for one he could afford.

I agree on your's and Avant's other comments - stick to the main known-for-reliability Japanese makes (Toyota, Honda and Mazda, less so Nissan) and petrol (unless high milaage is the norm) mid-sized cars without too many gadgets to go wrong (if you don't absolutely need it [being on a tight budget], don't get it) and go on condition. A bit boring, but a reasonably safe bet. As an alternative, it might be worth considering a mk2 or mk2.5 Ford Focus (similar reliability to Nissans), if you can find a well-regarded main dealer nearby to look after it.

Condition will be paramount - worth checking what wear-and-tear components that may be due (depending on age/mileage) or have been replaced, which would be a sign of a good previous owner and will save on future bills.

Boras are nice under rated cars with the smooth 1.9pd engine. They're getting on a bit now though so will probably need bits looked at such as suspension etc...

Good value cars are things like the ford focus, as cheap to run and buy. 207 is rather small if the OP wants golf sized car. As reguards the golf it pricy second hand a few low milage car available. The 5 year old Hyundia i had went very rusty quickly so I would not recommend.

<< I'm pretty sure the 207 is smaller inside. >>

Perhaps a small amount because of more space taken up by airbags and stuff like that. But the 207 has a higher roofline. I've had both, and the things I had to adapt to from a 306 were vaguer steering (207 has electric assistance), poorer view over a higher bonnet, and on sunny days annoying reflections in the screen.

Unfortunately, while the 306 (like the 205) had no wheel-arch intrusions in the boot area, the 207 sacrificed that advantage.

Edited by Andrew-T on 04/10/2015 at 18:06