£1000 What car challenge ;)

[SlowStig]

Right, I know these are posted loads and get really repetitive but mine should be a bit of a challenge for you all!

Metro failed its MOT and is going to require a new engine ideally so as that is being built up over winter I need a car for work.

Criteria:

>30 miles each way, combination of most road types but rare to get a clean run so outright speed on backroads isn't vital.
>Economical ish, I am living with 28mpg so can deal with 25 or more
>Insurance isn't a problem, can insure an e39 M5 for £1200
>Comfy, metro rattles and bangs so I wouldn't mind a bit of waftyness
>Reliable or cheap to fix
>Not french
>Any drivetrain, would prefer AWD or RWD for a change
>Manual a must
>After living with zero comforts(not even electric windows), I dont need gadgets but cruise would be nice!
>Petrol or Diesel, I am not picky


I have had a look around and if there is a chance I would keep the car for longer than 6-12 months then I would be willing to pay a little more for the right car.

[matthias73]

Cruise control, and rwd you say?



Awd and winter you say?

[Raize]

924??? (44?)

[ben5732]

E39 5 series?

[SlowStig]

I have had a quick look at BMW and Subaru's but have no idea what model to go for so if you can find any good links to cars I would really appreciate the help! I found this one(bit over budget but i think its a good model?)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

[Raize]

If you get a BMW get at least a whatever23i... the 6-cyl is nice.

[SlowStig]

So avoid the 316 and 318?