Skoda Octavia Estate (98 - 04) review

Even though this Octavia was the first Skoda to make the breakthrough in quality, it's still better news for buyers than sellers, with many bargains to be had.

Various surveys and studies have acknowledged that this is not an expensive car to run, even if the 10,000-mile service intervals do not seem especially lengthy by modern standards. Dealer charges have increased, but they are still below the class average.

Insurance costs are reasonable, too. Apart from the hot vRS in group 16, the rest of the range falls between groups 5 and 11.

You can't expect fantastic fuel economy if you opt for either of the two turbocharged 1.8-litre petrols because they'll all too easily dip below 30mpg in everyday use. All the more reason, then, to go for either of the two 1.9-litre turbodiesels, where 40mpg is obtainable with a little careful throttle use.