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Hi Craig,

The Audi A6 has a timing belt.

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Hi Jenny,

The X3 18d is a little underpowered right enough. Not disastrously so, but if you’ve tried the 20d you’ll feel the difference and there’s very little in it in terms of fuel consumption. On balance, we’d probably go for the Audi, as it’s (arguably) better looking, has a nicer interior and is smoother and more comfortable to drive. Very reliable too.

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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.

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Hi Patrick,

There doesn't seem to be much that goes wrong with these A4s. Audi is renowned for its solidity and build quality and that seems to be borne out in the A4. Watch for signs of general abuse though - most will have been company cars originally so may have been more abused than cared for. Heavily kerbed wheels may mean the steering needs fixing and there are reports of notchy or heavy gearshifts, although the gearboxes don't actually seem to break or fail. 

I'd expect to pay around about €21k for a 10-reg 2.0 TDI in SE spec.

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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.

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Hi Brian,

Well, when you say 'super car' that would suggest that money is no object so...

Your choice is slightly limited as there aren't yet any full-on mid-engined diesel supercars, but there are three German powerhouses in the shape of the BMW 640d Gran Coupé, the Audi A7 3.0 TDI Bi-Turbo and the Porsche Panamera Diesel. (There's also the new Maserati Quattroporte diesel, but it pales in the power and torque race a bit.)

Of those the BMW is the best - frugal and well under the 225g/km limit but damn near as quick point to point as an M5. 

If budget is an issue, just grab yourself an E60 BMW 535d. Wheelspin in third gear in that one...

Come back to us if you'd like help narrowing it down a little

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Hi Morgan,

There's no doubt that the Land Cruiser will be the more reliable of the two. Toyota's quality has dipped in some areas of late, but the Land Cruiser is still something of a halo model for the whole range. There is a good reason why Land Cruisers are the vehicle of choice in sub-Saharan Africa and other harsh environments and that's because they're built tough. The current model lacks a little in terms of its cabin appointments (certainly, the Audi feels far plusher) and it does roll a lot through the corners (again, the Audi is much better to drive), but it's superbly comfy, very spacious and you'll be giving it to your grandkids in your will. 

Mind you, the Audi is no shabby player when it comes to reliability, and only really excessive front tyre wear (it's been known to get through a set in as little as 8,000km) and some electrical niggles (watch for powered tailgate problems) seem to count against it.

Our instinct would still be to go for the Toyota though. The Q7 has an unfortunate whiff of the trendy, socialite, school-run SUV about it whereas the Land Cruiser is more appealingly rugged.

Hope that helps

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Hi Patsi,

Go for the Tiguan. It's a really sweet car and much more refined and pleasant to drive than that generation of RAV4. One thing to watch; the boot on the Tiguan is a little on the small side, so bring your dog along for a test drive to make sure that he/she is comfy in the back.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Keith,

We asked Audi Ireland and this was the (long!) response:

"Our recommendation is that the timing belt should be checked when the car is either five years old or approaching 120,000km on the clock. Replacement intervals may vary slightly so it is best to consult your local authorised Audi service centre, but generally speaking the above is what we advise.

We operate fixed price service options for vehicles aged 3-10 years so for a 2009 A4, timing belt replacement would cost €449 and this includes complimentary Audi Roadside Assistance including Homestart, a two-year Audi Genuine Parts guarantee, complimentary Audi Clear Screen Pack (1.0-litre screen wash and 0.5-litre de-icer), wash and vac and Audi mobility offer (courtesy car etc.)."

Hopefully that clears things up?

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Hi Chris,

Well, the simplest answer to your rain problem is that it sounds as if the door or window seals are gone, or it could possibly be a leak from the air conditioning system. A quick trip to the garage should sort that out. As for the Duster, it’s a fine car for the money — they’re reasonably nice to drive, certainly rugged and reliable and very practical too, but you’re going to have to put up with seats that are less than stellar on longer journeys, and a dashboard made of the lowest-grade plastics around.

2016 Dacia Duster review (post-facelift)

2012 Dacia Duster review