Name Maria Marsden
Age 51
Drives Ford Focus Estate
Budget £9000
Wants 'Something nippy and manoeuvrable for my 15-mile daily commute.
It needs to have a decent boot, and comfort and fuel economy are also important.'
What Car? recommendsIf, like Maria, you want our help to find your ideal car, just e-mail recommends@whatcar.com with:
• A photo of yourself
• Your budget
• Your current car
• Your age
• Your annual mileage
• Other useful info
Hyundai i20 1.2 Classic 5drPrice £8645
Target Price £8259
The i20 is our top choice if Maria wants to buy new. It doesn't offer as much space as her Focus Estate, but it's a cracking all-round car for the money and very cheap to run. It's also surprisingly comfortable.
Renault Clio Sport Tourer 1.2 TCE Dyn', '08/58Price £8800
You don't see many Sport Tourers on the road, but the big-booted Clio is actually a fine car. It has a thoughtfully designed loadbay, and this 1.2 turbo version has both good pace and fuel economy.
Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0 TDI PD Ambiente, '07/07Price £8900

The Octavia has the biggest boot of the three, and because this one's a diesel it's the most frugal, too. Skoda's small family car is comfortable and good to drive, and Ambiente trim comes with plenty of kit.