Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

Bit offtopic (no-one 'appreciates' sensible cars) but any recommendations for a small car would be handy. Something reliable, pref two/three door, hatchback, diesel, under £2000, decent in the city, under 80k, that sort of thing. Been looking at Golfs and Focuses but they're surprisingly expensive imo. Any recommendations appreciated.

Peugeor 306 HDi Dturbo 1999-2001
I've driven one for the last 9 years -never let me down! I've got a new car now but I'll never sell the Pug.