James Bond has a history of driving Aston Martins, which is fine if you want to get noticed but perhaps not ideal if you are trying to discreetly infiltrate an international crime ring. In fact the best car for a spy would be the Toyota Corolla.

This is probably the closest anyone is going to get to making a real invisible car, for the simple reason that there are so many of them. Since it was launched, some 30 years ago, it has sold more than 29m models, making it the bestselling name of any model range of all time (it’s not true to say it’s the bestselling car because it has seen many upgrades – each one effectively a different car; that accolade goes to the VW Beetle).

The latest version (itself the recipient of several updates) was introduced to the UK in January 2002. With a comprehensive range of three and five-door models, together with a saloon and estate derivative, the Corolla was pitched head to head with the Ford Focus, VW Golf and Peugeot 307. Power came from a choice of petrol and diesel engines with 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 lire petrol units plus a 2 litre diesel that, depending on model, offered 89bhp, 109bhp or 114bhp.

The diesel engines are adequate rather than exceptional and it is the petrol units, which offer good economy with additional refinement, that are probably best. If short journeys are your thing then the 1.4 petrol producing 95bhp is a fine buy, while the 109bhp 1.6 litre’s extra power comes in handy when the car is heavily laden. Top of the pile is the 1.8 litre Sport, easily distinguished by its mesh grille, with 189bhp on tap. Despite the power the car never feels that quick, confirmed by a 0-60mph time of 8.4sec.

Equipment levels across the range are pretty good, the entry level T2 coming with CD player, electric front windows and remote central locking, together with front and side airbags. The most popular buy is the mid-range T3. It attracts a £500 premium on the secondhand market and adds air-conditioning and alloys. At around £300 more again the T Spirit model comes with digital climate control rather than the manual system and stereo controls on the steering wheel.

On the road the Corolla performs well. It is not as sharp as a Ford Focus but the supple suspension makes it a very comfortable ride. The electronic power steering is speed sensitive so it’s light when parking but provides more feel as road speed increases, inspiring driver confidence.

Toyota’s reputation for superior build quality is certainly maintained inside the Corolla and what the car lacks in funky design it more than makes up for in reassuringly robust construction.

The stereo, placed high and central on the dashboard, looks a little dated compared with some of its rivals’ integrated units but its ease of use more than compensates. Front seats are comfortable and supportive and there is a surprisingly generous amount of leg and headroom. Interior noise levels are kept low thanks to good soundproofing. Young passengers will also appreciate the light, airy cabin, an essential if travel sickness is to be avoided.

But the Corolla’s greatest virtue has to be its almost legendary durability: keep one serviced on time and you have a car that seems almost incapable of mechanical failure. The result is a car that inspires the type of brand loyalty from its owners that many other car manufacturers can only wish for.

A mild facelift in 2004 saw the Corolla gain revised headlights and the introduction of the very frugal 1.4 litre diesel from the Toyota Yaris and in late 2005 a limited production run of a supercharged T Sport model with 215bhp.

But all this was just part of the Corolla’s farewell to British customers. In 2007 the car was replaced in the UK by the Toyota Auris. The Auris came with a new name, a funkier interior but, comfortingly for buyers, all the virtues of its predecessor.

Residual values A very popular secondhand buy, the Corolla commands strong residual value. This is great news if you already own one but less so if you are trying to buy one

Wheels Alloy wheels are standard on all but the base T2 model. Sport models sit on larger 16 rims with low-profile tyres. Check the inside edge of these tyres carefully for sign of uneven wear

Exhaust Check for rattly baffles on low mileage examples that may have been sat unused for long periods of time

Safety Twin front and side airbags are standard on all models

Steering Electronic power steering adjusts automatically to be light in town while providing more weight and feedback at higher speeds

Seats Post2004 models can suffer from water staining marks on cloth upholstery

Engine Although superbly reliable some owners report above-average oil consumption on 1.6 litre petrol models so check the dipstick level regularly

Vital statistics

Model Corolla T3 5dr hatchback

Engine 1598cc, four cylinders

Power 109bhp

Transmission Five-speed manual

Fuel 40.4mpg (combined cycle)

Acceleration 0-60mph: 10.2sec

Top speed 118mph

The one to buyA 2004 04 Toyota Corolla 1.6 T3 five-door with 30,000 miles. Pay £6,995 at a Toyota dealer £6,450 privately

Mileage 20,000 30,000 50,000

2002 02

Trade £4,975 £4,725 £4,200

Retail £6,175 £5,925 £5,395

2003 03

Trade £5,625 £5,300 £4,675

Retail £6,825 £6,495 £5,875

2004 04

Trade £6,175 £5,800 £5,100

Retail £7,375 £6,995 £6,295

Or for similar money

2003 03 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 SE 5dr

2004 04 Vauxhall Astra 1.6i Design 5dr

2005 05 Nissan Almera 1.8 SXE 5dr

2005 05 Peugeot 307 1.6 S 5dr

2005 05 Ford Focus 2.0 Ghia 5dr