Ford Ka= rotbox. They rot everywhere. And Fiestas eat steering racks. Also Ka's are very cramped, and have a tidgy boot.

Part exchange swmbo for a new one if she's a badge snob

At that price surely FSH, full paperwork and general condition are the vital things - most small cars will be fine for a runabout, I would just want one in the best possible working order.

Those Toyota Aygos can shift.

A woman who does the commute with me to work is always doing a massive rate of knots in hers!!!