Basic, reliable no frills car or small van

Yaris if it suits your needs. Keep it serviced and it'll outlast you. You don't mention how many miles a year you do but I'm guessing not many if you aren't interested in creature comforts so diesel probably isn't a necessity.

Nissan Tiida

There are a few things to remember with getting a commercial vehicle privately, it'll still have to have commercial insurance (because no insurance company will insure it privately), annual CVRT costs over €110 Vs NCTs €55, and you won't get 'cheap' CO2 motor tax rate, it'll be on the old private engine CC motor tax rates.

I was going to suggest a Dacia Sandero as they're about as basic and dull as it can get, but I don't see any diesels in your budget. There are a few Dusters in your price range.

Good shout. Diesel models are rare.

A Renault Megane or Fluence . Very reliable.

ford fiesta,wont go wrong,

I would 100% love to know which companies will insure a commercial vehicle under a private policy?

I'm with AXA for the last 3 years.

have been with others on various commercial vehicles

Good to know thanks, I must have been unlucky with the companies I enquired with, would have saved me a lot of hassle when trying to transfer my 'commercial' NCB back to 'private'.