Budget motoring

[Roboticarm]

Hoping to use the combined knowledge on here to make some recommendations for my brother in law please;
His 2006 (ISH) Kia Soul diesel is on its last legs, time to replace
He's not a car guy so brand, image etc aren't high on the list 
Needs to be reliable, similar running costs to the Kia, capable of carrying 4 adults and doing some reasonable motorway runs a few times a month 
He's not worried about the mileage, doesn't need to be cosmetically perfect etc, he's realistic about what the budget will mean 

Budget is £2k, ideally something reasonably local to Leeds

[OutInTheShed]

At this level, you are taking a punt on an individual car.
It doesn't matter a jot if the average xyz model abc is the most reliable, you are picking one and taking a chance.

Also even a modest problem can eat a big hole in a £2k budget, a few service items like tyres or brakes or needing a cambelt change etc.

A lot of the advantages of more reliable models is also priced in.
There are no risk-free options at this price.

Also, if budgets are tight, then you need to look at the full annual running cost, fuel insurance, tax.

[Leftfootwonder]

I bought a £2k 2.2 diesel Honda FR-V as a stop-gap and ended up keeping it over 5 years! Finally failed an MOT this yr due to rust but mechanicals were still going strong at 245k miles. I'd recommend Japanese at this budget. If ULEZ isn't a concern then the 2.2 diesel is in the CR-V too and they can be had very cheaply. Just make sure rust is a minimum and it will last forever.

[ZX10R NIN]

As above look at the car/condition etc.

Personally I'd be looking for the nicest rep car I could find:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604171...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604281...

Mazda6:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604111...

i40:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604271...

Laguna:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604241...

If you don't mind a CAT car there are a few more options

Kia Optima:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604021...