For that money you will get a very nice Kia Ceed SW CRDi. We have had one for 2 years now, no problems, 50 mpg average.

There was a 2 litre in the pre facelift version but it was rare and unpopular since the 1.6 was very nearly as fast and way more economical. Our 1.6 is 115 bhp, not quite as fast as our old 130ps Mondeo TDCi but way better than the 110ps Focus that replaced it.

"2" spc has most of the toys you need, we bought the "3" and its got everthing.

No known issues on these cars, chain cam for starters.

Boot is virtually as big as the Mondeo estate plus there is a big hidden box under the floor. Excellent car for the money especially the post face lift ones, get a pre September 2010 and there is no DPF to worry about on the 1.6 CRDi but those fitted with DPF's have had no issues unless that are only used for the school run.

To add there is a new model out in September, run out discounts are huge, you may even get a nearly new one with a 7 year warranty for your money.

Avensis, your budget will just get you a new shape 09 plate.

The Skoda Octavia vRS will be a lot more fun to drive than the Vauxhall, Kia or Toyota mentioned above. It should be as reliable as the Kia or Toyota and more so than the Insignia - as you rightly say, much more so than the Peugeot.

I've had two Octavias and - so far in the case of the current one - nothing has gone wrong or fallen off.

You can also get a 140 bhp 2.0 TDi in Elegance trim and softer suspension than the 170 bhp vRS.

Edited by Avant on 14/06/2012 at 14:37

Avensis, Mazda 6, Honda Accord.