Expert answer

Hi Sean,

We asked Audi Ireland about this for you and though your registration or chassis number would be needed to give an accurate quotation, here's a ballpark figure:

"If the vehicle is greater than three years old and a 2.0 or smaller engine the fixed price for a clutch replacement is €949. This does not include the flywheel as in many cases it is not required."

Come back to us with your details if you'd like a more accurate figure

Expert answer

Hi Adam,

We asked Audi Ireland this one and the response was as follows:

"There is no recommended change interval for these components. While they are classified as wear and tear items the rate at which replacement is required is based on a number of factors: driving style, annual mileage, urban/rural mix of mileage, vehicle load (passengers, luggage or trailer)"

Sorry to not have a definitive answer for you.

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

The CO₂ emissions of that model are 139g/km so the annual motor tax is going to cost you €280. VRT is much, much harder to calculate as it's down to the spec more than the year and mileage, and the mandarins of Revenue are famously arcane in their calculations. Prices for that model seem to hover around the €15,000 mark so, assuming Revenue accepts that as being the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP), then the VRT would be 19 per cent of that, which is €2,850.

Please don't take that as gospel though!

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Hi there,

I’d be slightly careful. Remapping can unleash more power and torque, but you need to be very careful that the chip comes from a reputable source and that it won’t unduly affect the reliability and fuel consumption of the engine. I’d have a word with the guys at the Volkswagen and Audi owners club of Ireland, VAGE, as they tend to know their onions and would be able to give you more precise advice.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

We asked Audi Ireland about this one. Here's the answer:

"The standard screen for the MMI system is automatically retractable. It electrically pops up upon engine start and reclines upon engine cut.

It only operates for satnav if that is fitted to the car. If the screen does not automatically retract then the Audi owner should get his car checked by an authorised Audi service centre.

There is a button that you can click to retract the screen, but this is only once the car has started. It should automatically come up next time the car starts regardless."

Sounds like you need to bring the car into Audi I'm afraid. Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

A brilliant car, albeit one with a couple of shortcomings relative to its German rivals. It's probably the best-looking car in the class, and the 500-litre boot is a match for the BMW 5 Series Touring and Audi A6 Avant (though much smaller than that of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class). It's utterly delightful to drive too, better even than the much-praised BMW, with brilliant steering and a comfy ride.

On the downside, the interior is a step behind the Germans (not enough space, old-fashioned touch-screen infotainment system, narrow front seats) and the fuel tank is on the small side, limiting your touring range and making the car feel thirstier than it actually is. The 2.2-litre diesel engine in 190hp form is the best all-round to go for, but the lower power 163hp is a bit cheaper to buy and you'll hardly ever notice the difference in day-to-day driving. Or, you could get the best version; the 272hp 3.0 D V6 diesel – a properly quick, practical car that.

Here's our road test of the XF Sportbrake

Expert answer

Hi Janice,

Yes, but perhaps not the most economical in the class. Going on personal experience, a Mercedes-Benz E 200 or E 250 CDI will average in the high forties mpg whereas a BMW 520d or an Audi A6 2.0 TDI should easily get over the 50mpg barrier in everyday driving.

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Hi Craig,

The Audi A6 has a timing belt.

Expert answer

Hi Damien,

Right, did the dealer offer a warranty? If so, any faults should be covered. Even if they didn’t, you’re quite right — under consumer protection laws a product has to be ‘of merchantable quality’ and clearly that car isn’t. I’d ask for something in writing from the Audi dealer that inspected the car, setting out exactly what the fault is and then if the dealer still won’t play ball, get your solicitor on the case.

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

I'm inclined to agree with you, though it's difficult to know for sure without experiencing it for myself. From what you say it really sounds like a clutch or flywheel problem and the only way to fix it could be a replacement of those items. Not cheap, sadly.