Reliable cars around £1000?

[beatngu]

After having a good search most comments seem to point toward just getting something with a years MOT and 4 good tyres but if you wanted to 'push the boat out' a bit, what else could I be looking at for this price for a good strong comfortable car that doesn't have a huge list of things to watch out for? I know beggars can't be choosers but I'm sure there's some gems.

Will be used for 20 minute commute everyday and at 6'3" space can be an issue so Polo's, Yaris, and mini type cars aren't really ideal.

Saab 9-5
3 Series 316/18
Mondeo's
Volvo's
Mk4 Golf (I've owned 2 of these, lovely cars. I'm seeing diesels wit high mileage, cambelt changed, MOT for under £1000)
Alfa 147 (Owned two but the little niggles put me off, I used to enjoy DIY with these cars) But the price range is very tempting. I sold my 2.0 Lusso for round £600-700 and that was 2 years ago!

Thank you

Edited by beatngu on Monday 15th April 22:28

[stevemcs]

At £1000 you cannot guarantee reliability, all you can do is go and buy a honda civic or toyota corolla with the longest MOT that you can find.

[beatngu]

stevemcs said:

At £1000 you cannot guarantee reliability, all you can do is go and buy a honda civic or toyota corolla with the longest MOT that you can find.

Thanks. Looking at Civics now, always had a soft spot for them.

[mr_spock]

Skoda Fabia. Bought one for my daughter, with a service and two new tyres it's around £1000. Pretty basic, but therefore not much to go wrong.