Must admit i've not had a Diesel.....And yeah, cheap old petrol cars, particularly these beasts have spoilt me!
My GF is currently contemplating the Vauhaull Ampera, it's the 1st generation Chevy Bolt. It's actually a hybrid, but the small petrol engine is more a very smart range extender. 35-45 miles of EV range, but the petrol then adds electric charge and can do about 300miles on petrol. It's a slightly odd but very smart almost electric and petrol vehicle all in one.
Ideal for her ~15 mile commute, but also good for the 35 miles between us and for going further distance if and when she wants. 95% of the time it'll be all electric!!! But since she suffers anxiety anyway, range issues are completely negated
Also about £10k secondhand for a £35k car
Think i'm probably just going to continue using my D3 4.2 with LPG as anything else is costly or worse for my situation!