I'd lose the Polo off your list as the Fabia is IMO just as good but doesn't have the alleged kudos of the VW badge - tosh! The Focus engine is a bit old tech and gruff but generally considered reliable if looked after and of course it is a size up on the Fabia so if you're going to be driving your mates around space will be a bonus. I'd also consider the 1.9 PD engine in the Fabia as they have a good reputation for longevity and reliability. My son has had a Passat 1.9 PD for 4 years from 20 years old and it was cheaper to insure than a Corsa or his now departed Clio (both 1.2s) If you think you're going to enjoy a car that handles well then choose the Focus as the Fabia is not set up to entertain in that regard. I don't think a Fabia will be any more expensive to maintain and fix than a Focus, there are plenty of good independents around to choose from. Most important when choosing a car of that age will be its condition and a full and verifiable service history with cam belts and water pumps changed on time.

(300 more for the Focus though my thinking is that if someone were to go wrong on the ones that are cheaper to insure I would have that extra 300 available towards the cost of repair).

You have to remember that's every year. 300 quid a year buys an awful lot of fixage over time. That 2004 Fabia looks awfully tempting in that set......

I too would go for a Fabia but I'd look for one with a 1.9 engine. If your annual mileage is going to be less tha 15,000, condide a petrol: the best engine in the Mark 1 Fabia was the 1.4 100 bhp petrol, which for no obvious reason Skoda ditched for the Mark 2.

Thanks for the advice.

I really wanted to go for the Fabia, but alas it wasn't sounding too great, high pitched squeak/whine from engine and sounded like the starter motor may also have been on the way out. The owner had only had it since July which was a bit fishy. For the price the guy wanted I wasn't prepared to buy something I'd have to work on. Still looking for one but low mileage diesel used fabias seem to be very rare in the Scottish neck of the woods.
Not going for the Polo anymore as indeed it would be a bit small and doesn't appear to have been well looked after (incomplete service history)

The Focus didn't start until the 5th try but had been sitting for a while, everything else appeared to be fine so it has made it to a shortlist.
Currently looking at a 1.9 tdi golf y reg, with under 70k on the clock. Like the idea of this one as it's not too new so reliability should still be good (from reviews VAG reliability has declined on newer models). this one is just 1750 which is 400 less than the other cars and insurance is similar to that of the Focus. hoping that cambelt has already been done but will have to wait and see.

I'm very indecisive and fussy but definately wanting a diesel as I find them easier to drive, better reliability and mpg.

The search continues...

Well done, for passing your test. To save money and keep you safe I'd urge you to take either a PassPlus or BTEC course with a qualified ADI - or approach IAM or RoSPA (both are keen to bring in new drivers). Get your driving skills above the average young driver and you'll get better mpg, whatever you drive. More importantly, you'll be far less likely to have a crash, get a conviction etc -- all very expensive. Get some no claims bonus under your belt, too.

As for the cars, try the Suzuki Swift (diesels are available on autotrader etc). Good reliability, nice car. I've just bought one, fairly new, but partly because the older ones look in such good condition.

As for insurance, investigate 'black box' insurances. Proved to reduce accidents, because only decent drivers will tend to go for them so will tend to crash/claim less. Some charge you more/less depending on time of day/night you are driving, whilst others actually monitor acceleration, braking and cornering forces to build up a risk-profile of your driving. Drive better, crash less, save money. It's a no-brainer.

Good luck

Why do you want a diesel? I would work out the costs if I were you. You know the premium you pay for the engine, the more expensive fuel, and the extra servicing costs, so you can calculate the extra costs if any given your mileage. A petrol engine might work out cheaper.