What car around 3k similar to a focus?

[ms00skr]

I'm looking for a new car for about 3k that is similar to a Ford Focus. My family keep telling me that age matters and not to buy an old car but there seem to be some 7-10 year old cars with decent mileage for decent money.

Does anyone have any recommendations for other models I should be looking at or do you think it's daft to be buying a 7-10 year old car?

Thanks in advance.

[ms00skr]

I've seen an mk1 ST but I would rather a slightly less thirsty one - haven't seen any smaller engine ones near me for less, I did wonder if petrol price has evened the cost of them out a bit.