£3k, diesel, low(ish) insurance.

[F1GTRUeno]

Best suggestions?

Need for commuting to Manchester and back. Multiple years no claims but still 22.

[rallycross]

Polo 1.9 tdi sport 100

2003-2005 model.

Big spec for a small car.

40-50 mpg
Comfy sports recaro style seats

Handles better than same era Golf and cheaper to buy

May also find polo gt130d from £3k gives you an extra 30 bhp plus 6 speed.

[Grenoble]

Manchester and back from.....?

10 miles? 20? 50?

[Pipeandacrepe]

Megane 1.5 DCI 106. Cheap insurance, plenty around for £3k.

[F1GTRUeno]

Grenoble said:

Manchester and back from.....?

10 miles? 20? 50?

Ah yeah, forgot that part. From St. Helens.

Roughly 50 mile round journey, give or take a few.

Don't want French again so the Megane would be ruled out.

[Grenoble]

I'd go for a polo.