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Hi Dan,

It’s a hot hatch (or Combi estate). While it uses the larger (and saloon-style, if you squint a bit) Octavia body, underneath it’s mechanically identical to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, so you get a 200hp, 230hp, or 245hp petrol, 2.0-litre turbo engine (depending on which generation of Octavia RS you’re buying) or a 180hp diesel. It's big, roomy and comfy, but really quick and good to drive. Reliable, too. Oh, and you can drop the v in the RS badge. It’s only called vRS in the UK market, and is just plain old RS here.

2017 Skoda Octavia RS 230 review (post facelift)

2016 Skoda Octavia RS 230 review

2013 Skoda Octavia RS Combi TDI review

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Hi Sophie,

The engine and gearbox in the Commander are actually old Mercedes parts (Mercedes owned Chrysler at the time) and they're pretty robust as long as they've been serviced properly. 

The problem is that Chrysler-Jeep build quality wasn't the best back then so you can expect lots of small, niggling problems especially with the electrics and cabin trim. For a big seven seater, the Commander is also appallingly cramped inside.

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Hi Darren,

There are very few cons, and mostly pros. The first thing to check for is a full service history, because without that, it’s just not worth looking at. Modern diesel engines need careful servicing and attention to stay reliable, so make certain this one has been cared for. The only cons really are on the inside where the cabin can get very rattly and squeaky, and sadly there’s not a lot you can do to fix that. The rest is all good, though — the Kia cee'd is reliable, nice to drive, roomy and comfortable.

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Hi Michael,

I think your best bet then is to go for the Golf. As long as you are buying 2004 or newer (and I presume you're in the market for much newer than that), you'll be getting a car that feels barely, if any, less well made than your Merc, and as long as you go for a 1.6 or 1.9 TDI diesel, you'll have a compact hatch with the sort of performance, refinement and economy to mix it with even the best luxury cars. Depreciation? Well, everything depreciates but the Golf is perennially in demand so you shouldn't have any trouble shifting it on.

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Hi Dave,

Yup, seems fair as long as the condition and history are all in order.

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Hi Tom,

Bit of a tricky one to answer, that, simply because the Mokka hasn't been around for very long. It was only launched late last year. However, there are a couple of extrapolations we can make. First off, the Mokka's a new design, so there are bound to be one or two teething issues. Small niggles are likely, especially with such things as the electronics. Still, Opels are generally pretty well made. That's backed up by the fact that the Mokka uses proven hardware. The design of its 1.7 diesel engine dates back more than two decades, so any bugs should have been well and truly ironed out by now, while underneath the Mokka is essentially a Corsa hatchback, and again that's been around for a few years now without developing any major reliability issues. 

In other words, we can't say for definite yet, but it should be fine.

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Hi Adam,

Yes on all counts I'd say. That V6 diesel engine is a proven Merc unit and in a lightweight car like the CLS, it's spectacularly under-stressed. Watch for white smoke from the exhaust though, as that could indicate a knackered turbo, but other than that as long as it has a full Merc service history (complex car, remember) then you should be fine. Keep an eye on the frameless door glass to make sure it's sealing properly against leaks too.

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Hi Anthony,

Right, I've had a long, hard think about this. You've not specified which type of car you're particularly looking for, so if you're after a seven-seat MPV or some kind of 4x4; sorry, I haven't even considered that. 

Oddly, I've also discounted diesel as, at that price level, and with the likely age range, you're looking at older tech engines that didn't have as clear a consumption advantage over their petrol brethren.

You've said cheapest and then specified a price, which suggests to me you mean cheapest to run, which really means reliable and with low tax.

So my best recommendation to you is to track down a 2000-2001 Honda Civic 1.4. Built like a bank vault, spacious and good to drive, economical and the 1.4 capacity means you won't get taken to the cleaners every time you need a new tax disc. Plenty around and most will be within your price range.

What do you think?

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Hi David,

Cracking car the Bora, solidly built and distinct enough from the Golf to not have the hatchback-with-a-boot-stuck-on-the-back stigma. Definitely go for the 1.9 TDI, as it's a far better performer in all regards than the rather weedy 1.4 petrol. Just make sure the injectors and the air pressure sensor (well known weak points on the old 1.9 'Pump Duse' engine) are in good nick.

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Hi Patrick,

I've just recently driven the BMW 318d GT with an automatic gearbox in Irish specification (Luxury to be exact) on Irish roads and it's a fabulously comfortable car. It feels (and is) hugely spacious inside and in the boot too. Surprisingly, it's quite different to drive and in character to both the 3 Series saloon and Touring estate. It's even more comfortable on the road and more refined. However, if you're coming from one of those cars and you like how they drive you may not appreciate the reduced 'sharpness' in the dynamics. Most people won't care though and they'll relish the comfort.

The 318d engine seems to cope well enough with the car's weight and the eight-speed automatic transmission is a gem.

Which version are you considering?