Can you help me find a economical car for under €7,000?

I am looking for an economical used car for under €7,000. I do about 15,000 miles per year with a 40km round trip daily commute in city traffic so fuel economy is important - I am thinking diesel. I have two kids under seven so need space for those (although I have considered a roof box for them - imagine the peace!!!). In seriousness though safety is a factor - boot space not so important. Don't want to go over a 1.6-litre; what should I be looking at? Please help...

Lisa Crowe (Dublin)

Apr 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Lisa,

Well, there is the obvious recommendation of a Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi, but a €7,000 budget won't, sadly, get you into a post-2008 car, so you'll be paying a higher rate of annual motor tax. 

So here's a less obvious recommendation: an Opel Astra 1.3 CDTi. It's not the fastest car in the world, but it should prove very economical, it's well built, comfy, spacious and even has a decent boot. Best of all 130g/km emissions mean you'll pay a reasonable €270 a year to tax it.

What do you think?

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe