I'm sure this forum gets a million of these posts so please delete if not allowed. I know next to nothing about cars (except how to drive them) so am looking for expert, or at least well-informed opinions on what I should get next.

For the past 3 years I've had a Renault Megane (on finance). It's a fine car, but unfortunately it fails every MOT test, and the payments are now excessively more than the car is worth due to me agreeing to a ridiculous finance offer. Someone suggested I take it back to AvailableCar and work out a deal to end the agreement early since I'm well over halfway through.

I'd now like to get rid and get something else, but unfortunately my knowledge of cars is limited, so I have no idea what to actually get. The only guidance I can give you is:

- Reliable (I've failed enough MOTs for one lifetime)

- High MPG. Currently get about 50-55mpg out of the Megane so would like to match or exceed this if poss. Not bothered about speed, I only drive to work and back. I won't be doing track days.

- Comfortable on country lanes with the occasional motorway stint.

- Preferably no older than 6 years but depends on reliability.

- Not tiny. I don't mind a smaller car but preferably something that can handle a trip to IKEA, a day out with my niece and nephew, couple of dogs etc (not all at once).

- Around £4-5k.

That's about it. As I say, speed isn't a factor, neither are looks. I just want a reliable, fuel-efficient, (boring), cheap car to get me to work. What do you guys reckon?

Cheers!