IT seems that there is a high price to pay for being fashionable when it comes to buying a VW Group car.
Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT and Skoda are all made from the same parts by the same parent group. It's why the latter two have become as well built and reliable as the former. But it also now means if you pay extra for the flashy Audi badge you will lose quite a bit more money in the long run.
Let's take the sensible 1.9 TDI engine, which is available in a five-door hatchback from each of the four marks. We'll buy a one year old car to avoid the worst of the depreciation and sell in two years to avoid the big repair costs.
Of course the Volkswagen and Audi do have a higher quality of finish and you should factor that in, but its impact is subjective so I will stick to the numbers and rank them for you according to depreciation, as that is your biggest fixed cost as a motorist.
Audi A3
Expensive for what it is new but better value used. Stylish, well finished and good to drive. Check specifications though as standard cars don't have the good looking alloys
Most economical: 1.9 Tdi
Best used buy: 1.6 FSi
UsedCarExpert price magazine: A 2009 1.9 Tdi model with 9,215 average miles will be around £17,300, and you can sell it with 30,000 miles in two years for £12,100 (although average mileage is often 40,000). Total depreciation: £5,200
Volkswagen Golf
They have done it again. Made an attractive small family hatchback that has a feel of the highest quality and delivers on every level: economy, handling, refinement. But, you get what you pay for, so expect it to be expensive no matter that age or spec.
Most economical: 1.9 Tdi
Best used buy: 1.6 FSi
UsedCarExpert price magazine: A 2009 1.9 Tdi model with 11,000 average miles will be around £14,500, and you can sell it with 34,000 average miles in two years for £10,200. Total depreciation: £4,300
SEAT Leon
Comfortable ride and competent handling. A stylish interior and exterior. But the price you pay for cool looks is poor parking visibility.
Most economical: 1.9 Tdi
Best used buy:2.0 FSI
UsedCarExpert price magazine: A 2009 1.9 Tdi model with 3,000 average miles will be around £12,000, and you can sell it with 32,000 average miles in two years for £9,500. Total depreciation: £2,500
Skoda Fabia
A Skoda Fabia sits between the small and small family car categories. Ideal for the family that need space but don't like big cars. Very capable all rounder. A rival to Kia's Rio.
Most economical: 1.4 Tdi
Best used buy: 1.9 Tdi
UsedCarExpert price magazine: A 2009 1.9 Tdi model with 5,600 average miles will be around £10,100, and you can sell it with 29,000 average miles in two years for £7,600. Total depreciation: £2,500