The lower the price you're paying, the more condition matters rather than make or model. Try to find something the size you want which appears to have been looked after and regularly serviced.

That said, old Toyotas go soldiering on for a a long time so a Yaris could be worth looking at - go for the 1.3 if possible.

Ka's are for girls, Yarisses are for their ugly, but older and wiser sisters.

Fiat Pandas are for Gay Men, as are Smart Cars.

A Fiat Punto would be ok but a bit cheap.

A Vauxhall Corsa could be a good choice as it is a good car, free from all stereotypes.