Recommend me a car please

DD265

It seems to me that it's much easier to buy a new car on PCP than it is second hand, as I just went to Nissan and pointed. However, PCP is no longer for me and at the start of June I'll be buying something well-used.

A family member will help me when it comes to actually finding cars to go and see/buying one as he's extremely car savvy, but he's asking me what I like and I just don't know where to start. He's suggested Focus, Golf, BMW 3 series, Audi A3, Volvo (almost any Volvo, I think) as a few.

My wishlist is:
Diesel (500 miles per week, lots of motorway)
Economical (55mpg ish)
5 door
Decent boot
Large hatchback (Nissan Note is what I drive currently) or small estate. I don't want tiny and I don't want massive, but I'm not a saloon fan.
Reliable
Manual or automatic

Budget around £3500. Ideally I'd like to see this car do me 3+ years. Any recommendations?

forgotmyname

Focus hatchback or Focus estate. Several engine choices so take your pick.

jimjames

A VW with the PD130 engine so Golf, Octavia, Seat Leon etc. Will all be within budget with money spare for repairs if needed

motorguy

forgotmyname wrote: »

Focus hatchback or Focus estate. Several engine choices so take your pick.

But avoid the 1.6 diesel like the plague. :eek:

motorguy

jimjames wrote: »

A VW with the PD130 engine so Golf, Octavia, Seat Leon etc. Will all be within budget with money spare for repairs if needed

+1

Any with the 1.9TDI to be honest.