If I were you I'd go for something Japanese and petrol-powered. Look for a Honda Civic (the 2001-2007 shape) which is a little roomier than a Mazda 323 or 3, or a Toyota Corolla. If all these feel too small then go to the bigger Toyota Avensis, Mazda 626 or 6, or Honda Accord, and add in the Nissan Primera.

Plenty of Mondys about for that money. Buy now, thank me later.

Or..another out there choice.. for around £1000 or a little more you could consider a Honda Accord Coupe if you can find one locally. Again, this would depend on your attitude to MPG as you will be in the low 20s, but who doesn't want a 200BHP Coupe in their life!. The 3.0s are all automatics, which would meet your requirement. They look nice, go well, sound nice and are very comfy (all leather, heated seats, climate etc). 4 seats and a massive boot. I've had one for 18months now! Can't beat them for value for money luxo barge motoring and they come with Honda reliabiliy.

I see a T-reg Accord Coupe most days on my way to work. Looks good. I bet he enjoys his commute anyway!

A 50k mile car that has been ragged and poorly maintained will be much worse than a well cared for 70k mile example, buy on condition and history...I am not saying mileage is irrelevant, but a 20k difference isnt much.

Dont buy an older car with super super low miles on the clock either, the engine will be nasty internally.

Not strictly true. My 406 had done very low miles for the first 10 years of it's life, the engine has been fine. The exhaust rear box on the other hand was replaced an inordinate amount of times because of its low-mileage-short-trip life.

24mpg does seem a bit low

Well yes I suppose it is, but even at todays prices your 10 mile trip costs £2.50

Hi jamie2012,

Have you read HJ's Car by Car Review for that one?

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/honda/hr-v-1999/

The only issue appears to be with the CVT, however the one owners review that is there is for a 1999T says it is fine (now 13yrs old). Honda's are good cars.

MPG wise, a 1.6 CVT auto with part time 4wd gubbins may not be great. Performance might not be electrifying either. Certainly worth an inspection if local. Ask to see service history, last MOT (check advisories) and check wear and tear items like tyres, exhaust and age of battery.

Let us know how you get on.