Which automatic, economical MPV for under £4000?

My husband and I moved to the Suffolk countryside two years ago, and bought a 2007 Ford C-Max automatic (mileage on purchase: 7000). We already had, and still have, a 2005 Ford Focus automatic. We are both pensioners, but I now have a part-time job which means a round trip of 68 miles per day, three days a week. My husband's voluntary work can mean a round trip of 72 miles per day, varying between once to three times a week.

The C-Max now has a mileage of 47,000 with an average petrol consumption of 33.7mpg, the Focus has a mileage of 78,000 with an average petrol consumption of 33.8mpg. Our thought is to sell one of these cars, and buy a smaller vehicle, but which one should go and what should we buy? Should we run the Focus into the ground and sell the more valuable C-Max, or keep the C-Max? Whatever we buy needs to be automatic because of a medical condition. We have around £3000-£4000 cash to play with.

Asked on 5 January 2013 by PM, Halesworth

Answered by Honest John
Assuming that the C-Max is a 2.0i petrol 4-speed auto, keep the C-Max and sell the Focus. If the C-Max is a 1.6 diesel CVT auto, get rid of it asap before it breaks and keep the Focus. I guess the ideal automatic for you would be a Honda Jazz CVT-7, that should do 40 - 45mpg. I don't recommend any diesel automatics in your price range. Alternatives include a Hyundai i10 1.2 auto, Suzuki Splash 1.2 auto or Vauxhall Agila 1.2 auto, all of which should do up to 45mpg.
Similar questions
I have an LDV Maxus, which I have been pleased with as a work horse. I'm looking for a van with more refinement, good fuel economy, road handling, safety and visibility, space, comfort and reliable functions...
We have a 2006 Honda CR-V Sport auto. It is costing too much to run as we only make very short trips in and around town. We are both in our arthritic eighties and are seeking a small car with ease of access...
I own a Ford B-MAX that is less than three years old. Its about to have its third torque converter fitted to the PowerShift auto box - is this a common fault?
Related models
Best entry and egress of any car anywhere. Excellent front seat comfort.
Superb blend of keen handling and ride comfort. Seats five in comfort. five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.
Neatly styled. Increased room and better performance than original Jazz. better to drive. Very versatile. CVT-7 returned in February 2011 replacing i-SHIFT. More reliable than first generation Jazz.
Easy to drive and refined. Very well built. Five-year warranty as standard. Neat and tidy styling. Decent room in the back seat. Good economy from entry-level 1.2-litre.
Small yet tall five-door city car. High seating position. Rear seats fold flat. Auto is 4-speed torque converter. Highest first time MoT pass rate of any car.
Surprisingly spacious small five-door city car. Makes best sense with 1.0 petrol engine. Much better than old Agila. Rebadged version of Suzuki Splash.