£2500 to spend recommendations

[Daff_Duck]

Looking for a replacment car for my wife she currently drives an Escort 1.4 but is finding that it is very heavy on fuel and would prefer something smaller.
Would it be best to go for diesel or petrol? she does a lot of small journeys and the occasional long haul.

Can someone recommend a small car that would suit she is 39 so insurance is not a major issue

Thanks

 

[Third Opinion]

Nissan Almera.

Escort size, economical and pretty much bullet proof. Should be able to get a nice example for under 2 1/2 grand.

 

[oneilldo]

My missus has got an almera, can't fault it for trouble free cheap motoring. She also used to have an F reg escort 1.4 and its a lot better with fuel