Hi Kevin,

Yes. That’s an average annual mileage of just over 5,000km and all racked up over very short distances. A diesel engine is just not the right way to go at all – it’ll never get fully warmed through on your journeys, leading to excess wear and tear and problems with the particulate filter in the exhaust, assuming it’s been fitted with one. What you need is a simple, small petrol engine – something efficient and reliable, so probably best to go Japanese. If you’re buying second hand, can I recommend a Honda Civic 1.4-litre? Reliable as the day is long, peppy performance and hugely practical and comfy too.