Would you recommend the Ford Focus or Honda Civic for reliability and good boot size?

I'm after a Focus-sized petrol car up to two years old (not new) for around £10,000-£11,000. Two key requirements are reliability and boot space. I quite like the Honda Civic and Ford Focus but can't decide which engine size is best. Also, does Motorpoint have a good reputation and do they haggle in light of their keen pricing?

Asked on 6 July 2013 by SM, via email

Answered by Honest John

A Honda Civic has by far the most book space. Go for 1.8i-VTEC ES. I get 45mpg from these. The biggest booted alternative is a Skoda Octavia. It has a different shaped, longer, flatter luggage area. Motorpoint prices tend to be firm unless a car fails to sell, in which case they might drop the price to shift it.

Tags: large boot haggle load space petrol engines reliability

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Honda Civic (2006 - 2011)

Practical and comfortable cabin, huge amounts in interior space, great 2.2 i-CTDi diesel engine, well built and reliable, enjoyable to drive.

Skoda Octavia (2004 - 2013)

Well thought of by owners. Huge boot. Spacious and comfortable cabin. Reasonable to drive. Efficient Greenline TDI models.

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Refined and upmarket feel to the cabin. Comfortable and quiet on the move. More efficient petrol and diesel engines. Better ride quality. Excellent £750 Driver Assist Pack.