A budget of £8000 good enough for a small petrol car which would be ideal for your needs. We'd recommend a Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto - they're two of our favourite city cars with frugal running costs.

You'll be looking at a 2017 or 2018 model - possibly even with a bit of its original manufacturer's warranty remaining. If your wife would like a slightly bigger car, take a look at a Hyundai i20 or a Toyota Yaris. You might even find a hybrid version of the Yaris within budget - this would be very economical and well suited to commuting eight miles a day.