Best diesel car for 13k? Update: car ordered!

[TransAm]

Edit: See page 2 of thread for what he's chosen

I got an email from my father this morning, he wants to replace his Peugeot 206 with a new car. I think his budget is around 13,000 pounds, although I am sure he would go a couple of thousand higher if residuals were good. He's looked at the Focus and 206 GTi HDi so far:

"I am looking to buy a new Peugeot 206 GTi HDi 3dr with 1.6 diesel engine. Is top of the range with lots of extras like I have now OR a Ford Focus Zetec Climate 1.6 TDCi 109ps 3dr with added extras. P is 10.5k, F is 12.8k. Both have auto headlight function if it gets dark and auto windscreen operating + 5 cd autochanger. Both do about 68mpg. Any views please!!"

I've since replied with this:

"The 206 will be replaced by a new model very soon, the 207. This will affect residual values I imagine. Other than that I think the 206 isnt a bad car, the Gti Hdi certainly a good choice. The Focus is still likely to be the current shape in three years time if you are planning to renew it then. If you are looking at 13k though I would think there are better choices to be had, such as the Skoda Fabia vRS.

German and Japanese cars are much better, but of course you pay a premium. Having said that they will be worth more in 3 years. Both the cars you mentioned might lose 5 or 6 k over three years, if you were to buy a 12 month old BMW 120d or similar premium brand I imagine you would be looking at losing only about the same (5 or 6k) in depreciation over three years as the initial hit has been swallowed by the first owner. Any 0% finance deals on any of the cars?"

I don't think he really wants to buy anything other than brand new, (I know, I know) so maybe best to disregard used cars for now.

Are the prices on the Focus and 206 reasonable or could they be undercut by a broker? I imagine Dad has only gone to the dealerships so far.

I've suggested the Fabia VRS, and I know the Polo 1.9 is not a bad car as a mate in the UK has one. Any other suggestions?

Anyone know of any makes/models on 0% finance around this kind of price?

Thanks!