NEVER pay over the odds for cars from the mainstream manufacturers because there's always another one just as good around the corner.

Fords and Peugeots, like Vauxhalls, are everywhere you look in the secondhand market and soon come down to very reasonable prices.

The Vauxhall Astra is a perfect case in point. There are hundreds to choose from in every area and with full service history, they can be great buys.

All are easy and cheap to fix, spares are among the lowest priced on the market and insurance groupings are low.

The main engines in the current model built since 2009 range from 1.4-litre 98bhp to 1.6-litreturbo 177bhp petrol and 1.3-litre93bhp to 2.0-litre 162bhp.

The Astra is close to the top of the class in most ways and an excellent car to drive, with brilliant road holding and grip, good refinement and a supple ride in more ordinary models. Those with sports suspension can be hard on the rear.

All have plenty of room for four or five and the boot is big enough to take all their luggage as long as they travel reasonably light.