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Many of the experienced voices on the forum will have views on various marques, and mileages, but the lower, the better.
My pet hate is anything VW/Audi as they have treated many customers abominably over the years after major faults - ABS brake modules, DSG gearboxes, timing chains, diesel gate etc.
From your revised list, Mazda 3 and Kia Ceed should serve you well, especially if a Kia has the balance of the 7 year warranty in force.
BMW 1 series - there's good and bad, some had engine issues (N47 engine), but it can be a boy racer car and thrashed. It's also rear wheel drive (unless you get an X drive version), so roads in snow and ice wont be fun.
FWIW, I've bought 3 Mini/BMWs via their Approved Used scheme and simply cannot fault the service when issues have arisen - two examples: a new short engine in an R56 Cooper S after 6 weeks ownership after a piston cracked, and a new differential on a 9 month old BMW X3. No quibbles, done and dusted with no fuss, dealer sorted start to finish, which is where many after market warranties fail. Such warranties have limits which are soon eaten up and you've a big problem. Mini/BMW limit is the value of the vehicle.
So, my advice would be to look for a car under an franchise approved scheme, not a vehicle from your corner sales lot offering a warranty backed by Arthur Daley, and you should do OK. Create a short list.
But do the due diligence bits, take someone with you view, never buy unseen, have a test drive over roads where you can do 60 or 70. Is it comfortable? Check for noise, vibration or other issues. Check MoTs, carry out a detailed inspection to assess how its been cared for; ask to see the service book and check it has been serviced with manufacturers recommendations. If not, can invalidate warranty. No service books or they're missing? Walk away, there'll be something else along. Salesmen/women lie to secure a sale and then when the missing book appears there's a gap.
Dont feel pressurised to sign and if you dont like the deal on the table, walk away and think in your own space. Earlier this year, Mrs Miniman and I were buying a new Mini, but sales team tried the 'Good Cop, Bad Cop' routine, stalling on a decent discount (compared to Car Wow), implied car was in group stock (it wasn't), Mini dont like us discounting, etc, etc. Played them off against another dealer and got a further £4k off what their best price was.
Good luck.
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