What is the best used diesel hatchback for under £9,000?

I am looking to upgrade to a newer diesel hatchback. I have up to £9,000 to spend and have singled out the Toyota Auris 1.6, Vauxhall Astra 1.6 and Volkswagen Golf 1.6 (all diesel).

The Auris is my number one choice as reliability is crucial to me but unfortunately 1.6 models are rare. For my budget, I can get a 2017 Astra or a 2014 Golf, is one more reliable than the other? Can you recommend anything else within my budget?

Asked on 13 January 2023 by Ben

Answered by Dan Powell
I would hold out for a Toyota Auris, it has an excellent reputation for low running costs and was recently rated as one of the UK's most reliable cars in our latest Satisfaction Index: www.honestjohn.co.uk/honest-john-satisfaction-inde.../

Older versions of the Volkswagen Golf don't have the best reputations for reliability and I'd be more inclined to choose a Honda Civic over the Astra for build quality and fuel economy. According to Real MPG submissions, the Civic 1.6 i-DTEC will return at least 65mpg: www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg/honda/civic-2012
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