Very close friend of mine wrote off her 2012 Corsa Limited Edition last week, which she's had from new (lovely condition) too.
Insurance have given her just under £5k.
To cut a long story short she doesn't want to spent it all (intending to keep some behind for the next insurance premium!) and is looking to spend about £3,000 on something to drive around in.
Criteria - must be a hatchback as Estate too big but also can't be a roller skate due to the mileage it will do. Must be under a 1.8 for insurance purposes. Preferably a diesel as she does 100 miles a day round trip for work. Auto or manual are both fine. No requirement for any serious toys, but the usual safety features are desirable.
I'm erring towards an Astra (H)? of around 2009 Era with the 1.7CDTi manual. Or maybe a Focus 1.6 TDCi of the same era. Found some nice Audi A3's of slightly earlier vintage - also considered VW Golf but they all look battered, abused, chavved up, or silly money.
Any tips are most welcome, we are going shopping over the next few days