VW Golf

What to look for

Although the Volkswagen Golf Mk4 has been superseded by the new model, it's still an excellent car. Extremely strong, there's very little goes wrong with it. T he best choice of engines are the diesels, available in various states of tune from 90 to 150bhp. Forget the off the boil two-lite GTi - it's actually the weakest VW model.

Used Prices

The last of the Mk4s are still desirable. There's such a gap between these and the Mk5, for anyone wanting to get into a Golf, this is the cheapest way. Prices for the Mk5 have just started to slip to the point it's worth buying a used model. Two year old models are worth almost £4k off their new price.

Our Choice

If you're looking for a reliable, entertaining yet reasonably cheap car, you can't do any better than a Golf 1.9 diesel - a threeyear GT costs just over £10,000. They are equally as spritely as their petrol counterparts but offer more fuel for your fun. I f you're buying a Mk5, be on the look out for second hand imports and don't pay over the odds for one. They're worth a couple of grand less than their U K counterparts. The service book should tell you if you're looking at one.

Volkswagen Golf rivals

Vauxhall Astra

Ford Focus

Honda Civic

Vauxhall Astra

What to look for

With the new model still having high prices on the used market, how about the Vauxhall Astra Mk4? Although reliable, some models might be tatty as they never had the build quality of the current model. Cambelts need changing every 80,000 miles and if there's no proof it has been done, walk away.

Used Prices

Good examples of the old model are commanding strong values since it's still desireable by anyone wanting a solid hatch. However, there's so many of the new shape around now (especially ex-rentals) is it worth it? They lose a third of their value in its first 12 months before slowing down to £1,000 per year.

Our Choice

If it's just wheels you're after, try the Astra 1.4 Enjoy from 2004 - it'll only set you back £6,000. As the MK4 run out model, it came with air con, a CD-player and alloys - that's cheap motoring for a car just three years old. Other than that, stick to the reliable and fuel efficient diesels. Do the recommended checks for bodywork damage and paintwork scratches, as well as interior wear. Remember, a lot will have been company cars... and it's a well-known fact all company cars get abused.

Vauxhall Astra rivals

Honda Civic

Seat Leon

Ford Focus