I’m an ex Mazda main dealer mechanic ( 8 years served) avoid the 2.0 litre diesel, 2.2 engine is very good indeed, I’m sat in a 16 plate Mazda 3 right now, owned a 2003 diesel 6 , 2009 diesel 6 & a 2.2 diesel 3 sport, very underated & cheaper than a similar year, mileage focus.
Thats a 4 1/2 stone dog! Diesel Mini Countryman or is it clubman? They have a fair amount of room in the back, good mpg. They are not expensive. I've never owned one though, so ask BMW folks about reliability etc.
My mate has got a mint mk3 golf gti for sale jen, might be a bit old for what your looking for though.
So, a feisty Focus then ? Seems the Obvious choice for value, reliability, driving pleasure, parts and service costs, build quality etc etc
yip, never ask mechanics for car purchase advise, we generally only ever see the bad ones. anyhoo, what about an.......alfa estate?
Many many years ago, back in 2003, I had a 2002 Leon Cupra for 3 years, never once did it let me down, and was very well put together. I can only imagine that now they are just as good, if not better than then. Good luck Jen