When my 20 year old 124 series Mercedes eventually dies, I will be looking to replace her. She's got 313K on the clock and is likely to go for a while longer, but I have heard so many good things about Skodas, that I thought I would ask the people that drive them for their advice.

Ok. These are the parameters / limiting factors.

I live in Mid Wales on a low income. I'm 56; I don't zoom anywhere. All I want is...

reliable, uncomplicated,

as much to the gallon as possible.

No gizmos and preferably wind up windows - electric ones in older cars invariably go wrong.

An estate.

diesel - and if [like the Merc] she will run on waste cooking oil when it's not -17, so much the better!

I would really appreciate your advice. It will have to be an older car - top wack £1000.

Price of spares and ease of repair are also very important.

What do you advise, good people?

Hi and welcome aboard.

Welcome to Briskoda

313k ?? jeeeeez , thats good going welcome to brisky

313k ?? jeeeeez , thats good going welcome to brisky

The 124s are the last well-made Mercs; the engine's likely to go forever, but the bodywork will die first. It'll get to a point where it has to be done and would cost more than the car's worth.

I am SORELY tempted to keep the engine, but it wouldn't fit into much else!

I may get another year out of her.