VW Passat from 1993 to 1997, the B3 and B4... brialliant cars with the 2.0 multipoint injection or 1.9 tdi. The 2 litre will give high 30s to low 40s mpg in multipoint form, avoid the 1.8 or single point injection though.

Audi 80... cheap as chips and very good quality motors.

Dont laugh now... a well looked after Fiat Panda, the original ones. Get a 1991 or 92 carb model and itll last forever, Ive had them and they are superb if you can find a loved one. Hardly ever fail MOTs if serviced and maintained until the rot sets in. In my experiance they are more relaible and fun than say a Mk2 or 3 Polo.

I know a few folk using ancient Daewoo Lanos's.

..which was basically the MK2 Astra underneath. Not many of those around now, but I always thought they were a decent drive and a lot perkier than the power outputs would suggest. My old 1.3 was indecently nippy for its size.