£3k, 6 miles a day on average

[ChrisD.]

And get up earlier?

I have thought about it, but I'm honestly too lazy, plus I'd like a car in terms of convenience for shopping, etc.

In commuting traffic, cycling would probably be faster than walking.

What I'm getting at is you can get something not very practical, such as an MX5 or other sports car.

 

[Scania]

For a 6mile per day commute and the occasional longer trip, I'd forget small and economical and seriously look at something larger with a far bigger engine, seek out a one owner (wealthy type) prestige motor of whatever marque, go by condition rather than age and miles and you should be quite pleasantly surprised if you do your homework.

For the miles you do, economy is not your primary concern IMO.