Used Volkswagen Golf Hatchback 1998 - 2004 review

It won't be as cheap as a Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra. In fact, membership of the Golf club commands a premium over the majority of its rivals.

However, once you've shelled out, depreciation is slow, so you'll recoup more when you resell it, and you'll always find a ready market for tidy, cared-for Golfs.

Until then, you're looking at a low fuel bill for diesel versions (between 51mpg and 58mpg, depending on the model), although insurance groups vary dramatically, from the 1.9 SDi's group 4 to the hefty group 14 of the 150bhp 1.9 TDi PD.

You'll need big pockets for the V6 petrols (group 17, about 25mpg), but the V5 is better (group 14, 32mpg). The 1.6 nudges 40mpg and is in group 5 or 6, depending on trim. Golfs aren't cheap to service, but their overall reliability record suggests you won't fork out that often for repairs.