Expert answer

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

Expert answer

Hi Derry,

The S line spec on an A4 is nice, especially in styling terms, but it does also include lower, stiffer suspension, so if you value your comfort and refinement, maybe go for an SE instead. As for things to watch for, obviously with any car of that age you need to check pretty much everything very carefully, and don’t buy anything that doesn’t come with a full service history. Check that the MMI infotainment system is all working properly (it’s a major trouble spot), and check the carpets for damp spots as the air conditioning system often leaks. S line models often develop tracking issues, so check the front tyres for uneven wear, and a dull thud from the suspension when going over bumps means the anti-roll bar drop links need replacing, too.

Expert answer

Hi Derry,

Nothing much to keep an eye on mechanically speaking, as these are well-built and reliable cars. Just watch for kerbed alloys as that could mean that the steering has been knocked out of alignment. Obviously, you'll want a fully-stamped-up service history. As for the S Line model, try before you buy. Yes, the styling add-ons look good, but the A4 already has quite a firm ride quality and the S Line suspension firms that up even more. It may not be to your taste.

Expert answer

Hi there,

Expert answer

Hi James,

Well, frankly that's a good dilemma to have. Both are utterly excellent cars and you honestly won't go wrong picking either.

To compare, you're right that the BMW does feel that bit more reactive, that bit more plugged in to the road surface, but the gap between the A6 and the 5 Series is far narrower in that regard than once it was. 

You're also right that the 5 Series is becoming a touch, shall we say, common on the roads these days and while Audi is hardly struggling to shift A6s, they are perhaps a little less widely seen.

One small spanner in the works; have you tried the Jaguar XF? It does give a little away to both the Germans in terms of cabin design and space, but it's gorgeous and utterly brilliant to drive. Plus, of a Friday night, you get to turn to your significant other and utter the immortal words; "Darling, tonight, shall we take the Jaaaaaaaaag...?"

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

The current A6 allroad quattro was actually only introduced last year (2012) so there won't be any major updates for a while yet. The previous generations ran from 1999 to 2006 and 2006 to 2012.

Expert answer

Hi Paddy,

Well, with that kind of budget to shop with you're well into the price range for most compact 1.6 diesel hatchbacks, and I'm talking new (or nearly new if you're looking to maximise the bargain). 

So I'd recommend going for one of Volkswagen's new trio of compact cars, the Golf, Octavia or Leon (sadly the Audi A3 is probably out of your price range).  All three are excellent, solidly build and share the same frugal 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine. Of the three, I'd suggest going for the Leon as it gets you the best all round car, but the classiness of the Golf or the practicality of the Octavia are equally strong draws. Can't go wrong with any of them really.

Expert answer

Hi Heino,

Check for vibration from the dual-mass flywheel on the 2.0-litre engines, and that the drain at the bottom of the windscreen has not become clogged with road debris and leaves. If it’s the 2.0-litre TDI and it’s smoking a lot, then the turbo is probably gone or about to go, and that engine needs a cam belt change at 120,000km.

Check the rear brake discs for excessive wear or scoring marks too — the electronic handbrake can stick on and damage the disc. Check everything electrical carefully in general for a car of that age, and don’t buy without a full and complete service history.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

We have a lot of experience with this car actually. Both Neil and I ran Exeo saloons as long term test cars for a while, and I also had the ST estate for nearly a year.

I definitely preferred the estate in terms of looks and though it had more space in the boot, the Exeo saloon isn't bad at all in that regard. You probably know that it's essentially a previous generation Audi A4, down to the interior switchgear and engines. That's no bad thing of course, as the Audi was a premium model at the time, though it does mean that the Exeo feels dated in places.

Nonetheless, it is solidly built and everything works well. The TDI diesel engines are well-proven and particularly satisfying when specified in conjunction with the CVT automatic gearbox. They're not the most refined engines on the market, but good performers and pretty economical too.

Note that rear legroom isn't all that great, though it was improved in the latest versions.

Overall, if you can get the Exeo for a good price then you're buying a dependable car that is below most people's radar.

Expert answer

Hi Nikki,

Bit of a funny one this. Normally, we would suggest that Lexus cars are peerless when it comes to quality and reliability, but there is some chatter out there on the owners' forums about some problems. OK, so this is not necessarily the most reliable source, but it's interesting that the same issues (injectors, coolant leaks, gearbox problems) keep cropping up. 

Certainly the gearbox was an issue and sufficiently so that Lexus changed some components on it during the car's lifetime, apparently to smooth out the shift action. Even so, the IS has a clunkier gearbox to use than an equivalent BMW or Audi. It also won't be as economical overall - the Toyota-derived 2.2 just can't keep up with the Germans in terms of economy. 

That said, it's a really good car to drive, has a lovely interior and, notwithstanding the Internet chatter, we'd still say it's a better bet for reliability than anything from Europe. Just check history and condition carefully before buying.