Renault, build them in cheap labour country, use simple well established electrics and mechanicals. They have fair reliability record, just a poor street kudos or cred.
If you're familiar looking at vehicles, body work-rust, accident signs, engine, coolant, brake and suspension leaks. Then you have checking cooling for overheating fans work etc. aircon if it has it- working making cold air and not noisy compressor. Then starting, easy, quick starting, sign of good battery starter. Driving, smooth quiet, no groans squeaks rattles etc. service and MOT history, cam belts, oil/filter changes, brakes services.
Finally reasons for sale- are they genuine, nice property. Or if dealer reputable?
Little bit of advice, if buying from dealer-pay £500 on credit card for deposit.
Story
My neighbour- didn't ask me to go and look at car, his wife bought same car as my daughter thinking it is a good car (VW Polo) it is if you maintain it. Got stiffed by shark of a 2nd hand car dealer with total scam with dodgy engine. Paid via bank transfer total amount. Could have saved himself months legal court hassle(they won), but still hasn't got his money despite bailiffs going around.
Pay with credit card, lots of protection.
