We're preparing to sell our Renault Scenic (too big for a family of 3, too expensive) and after extensive internet searching have narrowed down our next car choice to either a Toyota Corolla (late '02-'07) or a Skoda Fabia hatchback or estate ('01-'07).

We would prefer a Corolla as they come highly recommended but there are more Skoda's around in our area (North West). Our budget is only £2000 and we need a car that is very reliable, safe, economical, reasonable to tax and insure, and where the parts don't cost an arm and a leg!

Looks are unimportant, doesn't have to be very powerful. Should we hold out for a Corolla or plump for the more available and cheaper Fabia? And are we best off going to a dealer as we have no experience of buying and selling cars? Thanks for your help, and all the best.