What would you recommend for my son's first car for 15,000 miles per year?

My son has just graduated and is starting his first job, which will involve driving approximately 15,000 miles pa. He is to be given a car allowance of £400p/m and 0.17p per business mile. I'd like to be able to advise which one or two-year-old car will offer the best combination of economy, reliability, insurance cost and appeal. He will borrow £10,000 to finance and will run the car for three years, and ideally retain a decent amount of equity to help fund his next vehicle. I have so far suggested he doesn't select a particularly small car as it may be tiring and uncomfortable on long journeys.

Asked on 7 August 2010 by mark ranson

Answered by Honest John
A Ford Focus III 1.6TDCI 110 should give him 50 - 55mpg as well as decent handling and ride comfort. He should have no trouble with the DPF up to about 80,000 miles.
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