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Best Used Estate Car

It's another strong Skoda performance at our used car awards, with the Czech brand taking the top spot in the estate class with the Octavia.

Winner: Skoda Octavia Estate

(2004 to 2009) Prices: £4,750-£14,000

There seems to be no limit to the Octavia’s appeal as a top all-rounder – and it’s even more practical as an estate. Skoda’s family model is a consistently strong performer in our Driver Power reliability surveys. Plus, its enormous 580-litre boot expands to a vast 1,620 litres with the seats folded flat. The interior is hard wearing and well built, too.

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You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to engines, but we’d avoid the entry-level 1.6-litre petrol – cars with this unit are cheap to buy, but also underpowered, and will prove tricky to shift come resale time. Best all-rounders are the 1.9 and 2.0-litre TDI diesels – they’re frugal, punchy and hold their value well – while the hot vRS variant adds spice to estate ownership. The launch of a revised model last year has hit prices, so good, early examples with a few miles on the clock can now be yours for less than £5,000.

As the Octavia is such a popular buy, you can find one just about anywhere. Excellent customer service and Skoda’s superb approved scheme mean dealers are worth a look for a nearly new model. Independent garages and private sellers are better if you want an older car. Reliability is generally good, but Octavias are popular taxis, so look out for interior wear. Either way, as long as the car has been well maintained, it shouldn’t be too problematic.

Nearly New: Ford Mondeo Estate

(2007 to date) Prices: £7,250-£21,000

Current Mondeo has now been on sale long enough for prices to have tumbled, and while there are cheaper estates, it’s a fine choice. A huge boot, good looks and strong dynamics mean it could knock the Skoda off top spot when values fall further.

Value Choice: Mazda 6 Estate

(2002-2007) Prices: £4,000-£9,500

Sharp styling and great diesel engines make the Mazda 6 a compelling used estate. It’s now affordable as well as reliable and practical, while the handling is top notch. Most early cars will have done big miles, but low prices mean you can be choosy.

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