Buying a new used car car for my 20k a year commute

I drive 20k miles a year, on a good mix of motorway and urban routes. I commute in heavy traffic and need a car that meets lots of criteria:

Comfortable (cruise control, heated seats / wing mirrors, good stereo w/bluetooth etc.)
Economical (50mpg if possible)
Safe (bigger would be better as I have a particularly tricky commute)
Cheap to run (I have a family so can't afford big servicing bills)
Reliable (I use my car for work)
Second hand (I don't fancy the depreciation on a new car)
Under 10k (because that is all I have!)

I know it doesn't meet all my criteria but so far I'm thinking Nissan Note with the 1.5DCI engine but if someone can show me a luxury salon that meets my criteria I'll be most pleased!

Current cars are an '04 Subaru Forester that has been relegated to the school run due to its 30mpg, and a 98 A class that is on it's last legs.

Asked on 13 October 2011 by theboyneeds

Answered by Honest John
The Nissan Note 1.5DCIU might do it. But does it have cruise control?

Also worth looking at a Honda Jazz 1.4 petrol (not a CVT). Fairly economical.

And a Toyota Yaris 1.3 petrol.

These petrol models don't have the potential problem areas of a belt cam turbo diesel that could cost far more than any saving in fuel.
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