May I suggest that you check out a Honda Civic, totally reliable little car, My last two cars have been Civics' , my current car is a Civic LSi 4door saloon version and the missus has a 3 door hatch version. You should be able to get something like a L or M reg and look for a low mileage something between say 90,000 to 110,000 miles. I have always found them totally reliable, economic to run, cheapish on insurance, and lower rate of road tax.
I would suggest something with a reputation of being well bilt, so maybe a Golf, plus a diesel engine, as it will be more reliable. look for sevice history rather than low mileages.