60 miles a day A road commute, perfect Diesel mileage, if you research well there's no reason you should get any problems.

The Fords arn't my cup of tea, not for any mechanical reason i simply don't like them.

If your Toyota has been reliable...be surprised if it hasn't Avensis are good cars, why not find your self a used Avensis (or Auris which i personally dislike the look of but is another good car) Diesel and enjoy a comfortable commute with slightly higher costs than the two you mention....which may well balance out seeing as you'll only be visiting the garage every 9k for a service (9k on most Toyota's as you know), and i see no reason why a 2 year old Avensis should cause you any problems for years.

Course you could come away from Diesel if you want, and buy something with LPG or get a cheaper petrol used car and get it converted, your mileage would make the payback time appear quickly....i run LPG and would do it again without hesitation, filled up last week @ 66p per litre, kerching.

How about a 1 year old KIA C'eed with 6 years of warranty left for £7,299? www.cargiant.co.uk/KIA/details-522035-KIA.asp?view...0

You'll get a two year old Diesel C'eed in your proce range - I've driven one and they are good cars.

If you want a VW-Audi Group diesel (VW, Audi, Skoda, SEAT), go for the 1.9 PD engine, or the newer common-rail diesel if your budget will run to it.

Avoid the 2.0 PD: some of these were fitted with duff injectors that fail after a few years. VW have been paying for replacements but it's still a hassle and you wouldn't get a reimbursement if the previous owner didn't have the car properly serviced.

In your position I think I'd look for a Skoda or a Toyota. Other Japanese makes' diesel engines haven't been as reliable as the petrols, particularly Mazda's.