How reliable is your car? - Skoda to Vauxhall

SKODA 18th
2005 position 9th
Claims per 100 vehicles 34.3
Average age 4.0 years
Average mileage 42,325
Average repair cost £177
Average repair time1.6 hours

Problem areas
Axles and suspensions were responsible for 35% of the repairs required by Skodas, while electrical problems were the reason for a third of trips to the workshop for Skoda owners. Although one in three Skodas required repairs, the good news is that they are cheap to fix, thanks to low average labour rates and relatively speedy repairs.

Best model Octavia ('98-'04)
Worst model Fabia ('00-)

Verdict **
The Fabia finished well down the reliability table, which affected Skoda's result. All Skodas are pretty cheap to fix, though.

TOYOTA 5th
2005 position 3rd
Claims per 100 vehicles 20
Average age 4.7 years
Average mileage 54,340
Average repair cost £343
Average repair time3.4 hours

Problem areas
Just one fifth of all Toyota models in our survey have required repair; it appears the Japanese make's reputation for reliability stays intact, even when the cars are getting on a bit.

That said, one in five owners of '97-'03 Avensis models had to have their car repaired and, of those, one in five suffered axle and suspension issues while a third suffered from electrical glitches. The average hourly labour rate of £45 is acceptable, but less welcome is the average spend of £343 needed to fix your Toyota if it does go wrong.

Best model Avensis ('97-'03)
Worst model na

Verdict *****
You can still expect reliability from your Toyota. It's a strong performer.

VAUXHALL 9th
2005 position 19th
Claims per 100 vehicles 29.8
Average age 5 years
Average mileage 53,368
Average repair cost £276
Average repair time2.9 hours

Problem areas
More than 17% of '00-'05 Vauxhall Corsas needed repairs, and the electrical system accounted for half of those. Axle and suspension problems blighted Omegas, and 46% of '94-'00 models affected needed repairs in those areas.

More than 28% of '95-'99 Vectras needed work, and axle and suspension faults accounted for almost a third of those.

Best model Corsa ('00-'05)
Worst model Omega ('94-'00)

Verdict ****
Vauxhall has jumped up the table this year, despite older models such as the Omega starting to appear fragile and affecting the make's overall standing.

Click here for a manufacturers' reliability table.