Ideas for my next car

[SPARTANMST]

I've got a budget of £6000 to spend on a car, it's time I said goodbye to my first car and I'm looking to upgrade

I'm looking at the vw golf or the newer seat Leon or Ibiza. I had looked at the Alfa Romeo 147 but I heard lots of negative things about it.

Does anyone have any ideas on some other cars around that budget? I don't want to spend anymore than £1000 on insurance, I'd rather pay less if possible. Any tips on the cars I've mentioned (are they any good, reliable?)

I'm after a fairly practical car that won't cost loads to run. Reliability is an issue too. It has to carry my work gear (needs a boot) but at the same time is fun to drive and is comfortable to be in.

Cheers!


EDIT:
I'm 21 and have been driving 2 years, to give you an idea on what insurance is like for me I've been quoted £854 for an 09 plate 1.6 Golf

Edited by SPARTANMST on Monday 16th March 18:01

[ImpossiblyDaft]

The 147 isn't that unreliable in the sense of leaving you stranded but there's a lot of wear and tear stuff that needs doing more often than usual and can get a bit expensive.

[PompeyPaul]

What's your age and driving history? That will influence insurance costs etc of course. More detail needed.

[anonymous-user]

3 series Touring? more space than a hatchback, good enough to drive and should be fairly reliable. Anything between £4-£6k should get you something better than a poverty spec 320 SE. No idea on insurance as your age, location, overnight storage etc will be factors.

[Andy665]

If reliability and low running costs are the key points then avoid European and look to the Japanese brands