Toyota Corolla 1.3 compact

This car was 3 years old when I bought it (£5K) and I kept it until I reluctantly had to let it go 2 years later. Although the model has been superceded now, I actually prefer the old shape to the latest incarnation. The car was a 5 door hatchback and therefore had good access for the family and reasonable space for luggage in the boot. It was reasonably comfortable to drive although I found it a little cramped on long journeys but I think that is probably more due to my long legs than the car. Whilst the ride was soft, with the light body the car has plenty of ooomph (which is good right through the rev range) and is one of the most economical cars of that size I've come in contact with (All thanks to the excellent 16v engine). I have no hesitation in backing up all they say about Toyota build quality as I didn't have an ounce of bother with the car in all the time I had her, furhter to that as I knew the previous owner I can also say they had no problems with breakdowns either. This is the sort of car you drive and enjoy driving.
I have no problem in recommending this car to anyone - I was very sorry when I was forced to change, further disappointed when I was forced to buy a different brand due to the deals available at the time and maybe a little more since I am realising that I will never have the same bond with the new car that I had with the Corolla.