Expert answer

Hi Frank,

The registration you provided is for a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML 300 CDI BlueEfficiency with an automatic gearbox. That falls into the emissions band 191- to 225g/km, which costs €1,200 per annum to tax.

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

The last-generation S60 got a bit unfairly hit by various Irish tax regimes (it never had an engine under 2.0 litres for instance), but it's actually a cracking car - well built and superbly comfy, as Volvos tend to be. Keep an eye out for minor electronic glitches (the cruise control and electric windows seem to be vulnerable points) and if the engine is 'lumpy' when you're switching it off, you're looking at injector issues - expensive ones.

In terms of day-to-day running costs, it should do 44mpg with a manual gearbox (a little less with the optional automatic) and emissions of 175g/km mean you can tax it for €750 a year. That's pricey, but better than buying a pre-2008 model (2008-2009 was the last full year of production) when the engine capacity would land you with a €1,034 tax bill. One running cost to keep an eye on is front tyres. The S60 is quite nose-heavy and has a massive turning circle, things that tend to banjax the front boots. Check any potential purchase for worn rubber and budget for at least a new set every year.

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

It's the electrical systems that are the E-Class's Achilles' heel. Mercedes had so many problems with the 2002-2009 model that it actually had to replace entire interiors and indeed entire cars for some irate customers. So, check everything very, very carefully and if even one little switch isn't working, walk away. If the car has had remedial work done by Mercedes, ask to see the paperwork to see exactly what was done. Check too that the automatic gearbox selects gears quickly and easily. 

The battery is prone to running flat too, if the car is left standing for a few days, and the computer that controls the brakes can go haywire too. Also check the paintwork for poor finish or flaking.

Expert answer

Hi Rosemary,

According to the official figure, you should be getting 33mpg. Bear in mind though that this is almost a ten-year old car, so its performance in terms of fuel economy may have tailed off. Nothing a good service and oil change wouldn't fix though, along with some decent new tyres.

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 Teresa,

In general it's used to describe an automatic gearbox that can also be switched into a mode where the driver takes control of the gear changes. There's no clutch operation needed. Most of the time, what is referred to as a semi automatic transmission uses the same components as a manual gearbox, but the clutch operation is done by electro hydraulic means. Some people refer to the latest generation of dual-clutch gearboxes as semi automatics too.

In summary, it's an automatic, but with extra functionality. Note that they're not usually as smooth to drive as conventional automatics.

Come back to us if you need more information.

Expert answer

Hi Emmet,

It is, actually - one of the few mid-2000s Mercs you could say that about. The 200k engine is a solid old thing, although it does sound worryingly like a broken cement mixer when you accelerate hard. The complex folding roof mechanism is also pretty good, but be careful if the previous owner chose to leave the roof mostly up, as the electric motors can freeze in place if it's not exercised regularly.

Expert answer

Hi Colm,

Taking the C 200 CDI as a baseline, the official figures are 58mpg for the manual, 55mpg for the automatic. Did you read our road test of the car?

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

The weak areas on an X-Type are the suspension and transmission. Keep an ear out for gearbox whines, knocking suspension and rattling steering columns. Wheel hubs were known to fail on earlier models but a 2010 version should be fine. Worth noting that the X-Type seems to have higher repair and maintenance costs than an equivalent BMW or Audi - rather odd for a car that shares so much with a Ford Mondeo. 

Expert answer

Hi Carmel,

There were many versions of the Clubman sold here though we suspect you're talking about one of the diesels. Also, to be clear, these figures are for the 'R55' model, discontinued in 2013.

Diesels:

- MINI One D Clubman (manual): 103g/km - Band A3 - €190 per year

- MINI Cooper D Clubman (auto): 138g/km - Band B2 - €280 per year

- MINI Cooper D Clubman (manual): 103g/km - Band A3 - €190 per year

- MINI Cooper SD Clubman (auto): 141g/km - Band C - €390 per year

- MINI Cooper SD Clubman (manual): 115g/km - Band A4 - €200 per year

Petrols:

- MINI Cooper Clubman (manual): 129g/km - Band B1 - €270 per year

- MINI Cooper Clubman (auto): 152g/km - Band C - €390 per year

- MINI Cooper S Clubman (auto): 150g/km - Band C - €390 per year

- MINI Cooper S Clubman (manual): 137g/km - Band B2 - €280 per year

- MINI John Cooper Works Clubman (manual): 167g/km - Band D - €570 per year

- MINI One Clubman (auto): 152g/km - Band C - €390 per year

- MINI One Clubman (manual): 129g/km - Band B1 - €270 per year