Need a reliable and practical car for £5k

I currently own a 2009 Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI BlueMotion. The CAN unit has just been replaced and I am worried about future reliability issues. Work travel is 24 miles per day and I have £5500 to spend on a replacement. I also need to be able to get bike in the back. What car would you recommend?

Asked on 9 September 2016 by Samantha Kelly

Answered by Honest John

This must be a late Mk V because the 2009 Mk VI didn't have the 1.9 diesel. I definitely would not graduate to a Mk VI. Focus not too good either. Generally the most reliable cars in the class are Honda Civics, Hyundai i30s and KIA Cee'ds.

Tags: buying a used car diesel 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.

Hyundai i30 (2012 - 2017)

Good quality interior, very efficient engines, excellent value for money, good reliability record, plenty of equipment as standard.

Kia Cee'd (2012 - 2018)

Impressive value for money and plenty of standard equipment, later T-GDI petrol engine offers impressive performance and economy, seven-year warranty.