Recommendations - Bristol area

[sunbeam alpine]

My niece moved to Bristol last year. Unfortunately she was recently in a no-fault accident and she's just heard that her car will be a write-off. She currently has a replacement car from the insurance but they've told her that she has to return it within 48 hours of their pay-out, which will probably happen quite soon.

She doesn't know the area very well - and I'm not even in the UK - so I'm looking for recommendations for trustworthy garages in the Bristol area. She has a budget of around £5000 but I'll top this up if that's not enough to get something reliable.

Given that Bristol isn't exactly car-friendly and she does mostly short journeys I'm thinking petrol rather than diesel.

Grateful for any suggestions.

[sunbeam alpine]

She's seen a BMW 1 series (2014 116i)) with a year's MOT at a dealer. I know nothing about BMW. Anything specific to look out for on this model?

I appreciate it's a difficult question to answer, but what are the thoughts about a "safe" level to pay for second-hand car in the UK? (I don't mind subsidising her but I've been out of the UK since the '90's).

Edited by sunbeam alpine on Friday 23 August 14:29

[sunbeam alpine]

Thanks for all the replies!

Just to clarify regarding budget - she received £5000 from the insurance for her car (written off - other driver admitted responsibility) - and I will top this up to make sure she gets something decent/reliable.