Decent car for £1500 ?

[nw28840]

As above, my Sisters car has some serious issues and i want to buy her a car that will tie her over for the next year or so. She doesn't have any spare cash , so i'm looking at spending +- £1500.

Unfortunately it can't be an MX5 as much as she would love her next car to be one.
She needs 4 doors , ( reliability as much as possible for this price range ).

Just looking for ideas on what make / type of car would be best to look for ?

I'm thinking Ford Focus ?

What about Alfa 147's - I know they need cambelts changed at +- 60,000 miles but are they expensive to run in general.

Thoughts ?

[nw28840]

Well we took a bit of a chance......

but plumped for a '51' plate Rover 25. one owner , FSH and 34,000 miles.

Here's hoping it doesn't suffer from the head-gasket problems which seem to be a common occurrence
on these (from what i've read).