Advice please, i have owned three Octavia 1.9 tdi pleased with all of them, recently bought 06 estate but SWMBO says its to big for her, looking for a Fabia estate, as we only do around 5000mls a year mainly short runs, not really bothered what fuel, the only thing is i tow a trailer once a month about 350 kgs in weight, 160ml round trip, with such a choice of engines not sure what would suit us the best we have around £5500 to spend,

any advice appreciated

I have the 1.2 70bhp, fuly loaded with five adults and bootful of luggage you do notice the difference going up hills but doesn't struggle. I doubt you'll find a good condition, low mileage tdi or tsi for £5.5k

so 350Kg should not be a problem unless overtaking or driving fast

Well certainly not the newer diesel engins with the dpf given the miles you will be doing, i would opt for a mint, low miles Fabia Mk 1, 1.9TDI around the 07 reg.... they can still be found and i know how good they are as i have an 06 one and doubt it will ever leave our family, simply one of the best cars we have ever owned.

Re above replies to you, I absolutely agree with the 1.9TDi Mk1 being a great car but watch out for the leaky rear doors, I found them a nightmare. Also do you need a diesel with such low mileage as an equivelant petrol model will be a lot cheaper to buy. I would second the Mk 2 1.2 HTP (70). I too have had mine loaded 4 adults plus luggage on long trips 300-400 miles and no problems at all. These cars are the cheapest option, cheap to buy,service, run, no cambelt issues and virtually bomb proof, if you are not too worried about your 0-60 figures this is the choice I would recommend.