According to Aures Holdings, Czech motorists purchase approximately 800,000 used cars annually, which is four times the volume of new vehicle sales. Driven by this heavy market demand, Aures Holdings launched the second year of its public poll for the most popular used cars in the Czech Republic, following the competition’s debut in 2025. Unlike the previous year, organizers have removed all pre-selections, granting voters total freedom to nominate any vehicle across six distinct categories on the official website ojeteautoroku.cz.
Categories and Voting Rules for Ojetina roku 2026
Voters can cast ballots in six specific classes: the most cool-sexy car, the ugliest car, the most fuel-efficient combustion vehicle, the best electric vehicle, the best family car, and the most practical-universal vehicle. According to Aures Holdings CEO Petr Vaněček, voters simply fill out their tips across the categories and provide contact details to enter the prize draw. The voting period runs until September 30, with results announced six days later. Artificial intelligence manages the entire evaluation process, cleaning database entries of duplicate contacts, calculating category winners, determining the absolute winner with the highest overall vote count, and randomly selecting prize winners.
Pro Tip: Finding Market Clarity
To navigate the vast selection of second-hand models before casting a ballot, readers can reference the latest special edition of Svět motorů titled Ojetiny. According to the publication, the issue breaks down critical models, pricing, mechanical issues, interviews, and real-world reports on used cars.
Prizes for Voting Participants
Participants who complete their ballots and submit contact information enter a drawing for multiple rewards. According to Petr Vaněček, the grand prize is a three-month loan of the absolute winning vehicle accompanied by a 20,000 CZK fuel card. If an electric vehicle captures the top overall spot, the winner also receives a charging chip provided by Pražská energetika. Additional prizes include the GlobalSec satellite security and tracking system valued at 20,000 CZK, dashboard cameras, branded car fragrances, and automotive books.
Top Family Used Cars According to Auto.cz Editors
While multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) have largely vanished from new car showrooms outside of commercial-based passenger vans, they remain widely available on the second-hand market. Automotive editors at auto.cz highlight several standout family models, starting with the Ford C-Max and its extended sibling, the Grand C-Max. Measuring 4,520 mm instead of the standard 4,380 mm and featuring a stretched wheelbase of 2,788 mm, the Grand C-Max offers significantly more cabin space. It also introduces manual sliding side doors and an optional seven-seat configuration, whereas the standard C-Max relies on traditional doors and five seats.
Built on the third-generation compact platform, the Ford C-Max benefits from robust chassis durability. According to auto.cz editors, the most reliable gasoline engine choice is the naturally aspirated 1.6 Ti-VCT, which avoids direct injection and turbocharging. Among diesels, the 2.0-liter unit evolving from the PSA DW10 family represents the safer bet. Editors explicitly advise buyers to avoid the 1.0-liter EcoBoost built before 2018, the older 1.6-liter EcoBoost, and the PSA-derived 1.5 TDCi diesel (DV5 series).
Opel Zafira Tourer and Peugeot 5008 Alternatives
Another prominent MPV contender is the Opel Zafira Tourer, also known as the Zafira C, which utilizes the Astra J platform architecture. The model offers high variability, up to seven seats, and the optional FlexFix integrated bicycle carrier that slides out from beneath the rear bumper. Advanced versions feature FlexRide electronic adaptive dampers with Sport, Normal, and Tour settings, though replacement costs for these dynamic dampers run high. Editors recommend sticking with gasoline engines for reliability, while warning buyers away from the 1.6-liter diesel and post-2015 in-house developed 2.0-liter diesel.
The first-generation Peugeot 5008 bridges the gap between traditional MPVs and compact platforms, offering three independent, ISOFIX-compatible rear seats that can accommodate three child seats simultaneously. Maintenance insights suggest targeting pre-2015 2.0 HDi diesel models. Post-2015 variants adopted the Euro 6 standard alongside an SCR urea system (AdBlue) that frequently causes operational issues later in its lifecycle. Meanwhile, gasoline alternatives powered by the BMW-cooperative Prince engine family (EP series) are generally discouraged due to persistent reliability concerns.
Sedan and Estate Options: Volkswagen Passat B8 and Renault Talisman
Families seeking a traditional estate rather than an MPV often turn to the Volkswagen Passat B8, introduced in late 2014 on the MQB platform. While the dominant 2.0-liter TDI diesel engines offer strong longevity, editors note a documented vulnerability involving defective head gaskets or cracked cylinder heads, stemming from emissions compliance adjustments under Euro 6. Alternatively, the Renault Talisman offers budget-friendly pricing in the mid-size segment compared to rivals like the Passat, Ford Mondeo, and Opel Insignia. Talisman models built before 2020 utilize the R-Link 2 infotainment system, while post-2020 phase II variants feature the EasyLink interface with a redesigned interior, new center panel, and different instrument cluster.
Did You Know?
According to Aures Holdings, the total volume of used cars purchased by Czech drivers each year reaches 800,000 units—dwarfing the new car market by a four-to-one margin.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does voting for Ojetina roku 2026 close?
Voting closes on September 30, and the official results are scheduled to be announced six days later, according to Aures Holdings.
What are the primary prizes for participants?
The grand prize is a three-month loan of the winning vehicle, a 20,000 CZK fuel card, and an optional charging chip from Pražská energetika if an electric vehicle wins. Other prizes include tracking systems, dash cams, and interior fragrances.
How are the votes counted?
An artificial intelligence system processes the entries, filters out duplicate contact information, calculates category winners, and draws the prize winners.
Which engines are recommended for the used Ford C-Max?
Editors recommend the naturally aspirated 1.6 Ti-VCT gasoline engine and the 2.0-liter PSA-derived diesel, while advising buyers to avoid early EcoBoost units and the 1.5 TDCi diesel.
What is your top pick for the best family used car? Share your thoughts in the comments below or explore our latest automotive guides for more expert insights.
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