CHOOSING the right new or second-hand car in a recession is more important than ever. If it falls from favour it can cost a fortune in depreciation. Buy a car today that no one wants tomorrow and it can be virtually worthless, as is the case with some larger models with gas-guzzling engines and the prospect of prohibitive repair bills. Consider that it is now possible to buy a 150mph Jaguar XJ-S, Porsche 928 or other high-performance models that are seen as a liability for under £100 and you get the picture. By comparison, several of the UK's most popular compact or family models have survived the UK's three recessions since 1965 and are still in high demand. Ford and Vauxhall dominate the favourites and are considered to be among the soundest models to buy even in a recession because they will always be in demand. According to figures supplied by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the UK's most popular models of the last 40 years have sold in their millions and the current Ford Focus does not even make it into the Top Ten - although it will eventually. The Top Ten best-sellers in reverse order are: 10: Ford Sierra Years of production: 1982-1993 Registrations: 1,299,993 Share of Top 10 of best-selling cars of all time: 1.6% 9: Vauxhall Corsa Years of production: 1992-present Registrations: 1,371,573 Share of Top 10 of best-selling cars of all time: 1.7% 8: Volkswagen Golf Years of production: 1974-present Registrations: 1,466,459 Share of Top 10 of best-selling cars of all time: 1.9% 7: Austin/Rover Metro/R100 Years of production: 1980-1997 Registrations: 1,498,169 Share of Top 10 of best-selling cars of all time: 1.9% 6: Austin Rover Mini Years of production: 1959-2000 (one registered as late as 2004) Registrations: 1,581,887 Share of Top 10 of best-selling cars of all time: 2.0% 5: Vauxhall Cavalier Years of production: 1975-1995 Registrations: 1,816,529 Share of Top 10 of best-selling cars of all time: 2.3% 4: Vauxhall Astra Years of production: 1979-present Registrations: 2,468,999 Share of Top 10 of best selling cars of all time: 3.1% 3: Ford Cortina Years of production: 1962-1982 Registrations: 2,589,351 Share of Top 10 of best-selling cars of all time: 3.3% 2: Ford Fiesta Years of production: 1976-present Registrations: 3,510,584 Share of Top 10 of best-selling cars of all time: 4.4% 1: Ford Escort Years of production: 1968-2000 Registrations: 4,105,192 Share of Top 10 of best-selling cars of all time: 5.2% | 
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