Used Toyota suggestions?

[Flatcoat]

I will probably soon need to buy a cheap second car for a weekly 50 mile round trip commute. Not wanting to splash the cash or lumber myself with finance so budget is £1500-£2000. An example of recent used cars I have come across is a 2008 Yaris Diesel with FDSH and similar age Avensis diesel again with FDSH. Both private sellers (I am not going near used car stealers). There are others of course including Aygo’s and their cousins aplenty along with other brands such as Fiestas and so on. My general view is condition and history trump mileage and my preference had been for petrol but those above tweaked my interest. Any thoughts? Suggestions? 

[PAVSKI]

Yaris and Corolla's are relatively cheap second hand and are VERY reliable.

[Flatcoat]

Yes they are although looking at some MOT advisory and other comments they seem vulnerable to tin worm. 

[Heidfirst]

on any modern emission-equipped turbo-diesel be aware of the potential for very expensive repairs & you don't know how the previous owner(s) drove them ...

[Hadrian1]

I'd stick with petrol.

Although Toyotas have a good name for reliability, with a 2008 vehicle you can reckon on having to spend money on it.