Help to find Small, reliable second hand car?

TBagpuss

I have had my current car, a 2002 Smart, from new. I've been planning to replace in the next year or so but unfortunately I was the victim of a rear end shunt last week, and I suspect that the insurer will want to write it off as uneconomical to repair, so I may have to replace sooner rather than later, and I am not sure where to start in terms of looking for a replacement. I don't want to spend a lot right now, as I'm about to move house. (great timing!)

My priority is to have something which is safe, economical to run, and reliable. I've really liked the good visibility and high driving position in the Smart, but would like something with a bit more space (occasionally it would be nice to be able to take more than one passenger) and a little more acceleration (which, to be honest, probably covers pretty much every car out there!)

I think I'm likely to have a budget of £1,500 to £2,000 and wonder what the options would be at that price.

I've seen ads for various 2006 - 2007 Fiestas, and a couple of Micras of similar age.

Any suggestions welcome.

I average about 13,000 miles a year, my commute is between 10 and 20 miles each way. I have 9 years no claims and my current insurance is about £150 a year fully comp, and while I'd expect this to increase as any other car is likely to have a larger engine, I'm hoping to keep costs low.

Thanks in advance.

forgotmyname

Moving up a size maybe bring newer cars into your price range, But the running costs maybe very similar. Especially if your doing longer runs.

On a run my Mondeo gets better fuel consumption than my sisters Megane.
Around town hers is better.